Diagnostic Radiology Residency - Clinical Track
Clinical Track at a glance
- 4-year residency program
- 3 years of core subspecialty training
- Fully customizable fourth year
- Fellowship-level concentration opportunities
- Dedicated protected research time
Core curriculum: years 1-3
The core curriculum spans 39 four-week blocks and provides comprehensive training across all major radiology subspecialties while preparing residents for the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Core Examination. Rotations include:
- Body CT
- Fluoroscopy
- Body MRI
- Ultrasound
- Breast
- Chest
- Cardiovascular
- Musculoskeletal
- Neuroradiology
- Interventional Radiology
- Pediatrics
- Nuclear Medicine
- PET
- Nuclear Cardiology
The majority of rotations take place at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), with approximately one-third of rotations taking place at Pennsylvania Hospital, less than two miles from HUP. Residents also rotate at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Philadelphia Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. In the 3rd year, residents also have the opportunity to attend the four-week virtual course at the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP).
The flexible fourth year
The fourth year is structured in ten four-week blocks and is designed to be individualized. Commonly, residents choose between:
One-year concentration
- Fellowship-level training in a single subspecialty
- Similar expectations and responsibilities as fellows
- Official concentration diploma awarded upon completion
Two five-month concentrations
- Fellowship-level training in two subspecialties
- Greater breadth and flexibility
- Ideal for residents pursuing multiple interests
All fourth-year programs can be individualized in conjunction with the program director.
Featured fourth-year pathways
Nuclear Radiology (ABR-approved, 16 months)
Penn has graduated more double board-eligible residents than any other residency program in the country. Residents may also combine this pathway with our ACGME-approved ESIR program — Penn is the only program nationally with ABR approval to pilot this combination. Three residents have graduated from these combined programs as of 2025.
Pediatric Radiology (ABR-approved, 15 months)
Residents can complete pediatric radiology certification within the DR residency, without requiring a separate fellowship. The pathway includes 12 core pediatric rotations plus up to 3 related rotations across pediatric imaging subspecialties, under the supervision of a certified pediatric radiologist.
Independent clinical experience
During two fourth-year blocks, residents operate in a more independent setting: a 4:30–12:30 am rotation at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (Penn's trauma site), a 4–10 pm private practice rotation, and Night Float at HUP or Pennsylvania Hospital. Fourth-year residents also attend at least five hours of fellow-level lectures and interdisciplinary conferences per week.
Research
Research opportunities are available across every stage of residency and span basic science, translational research, clinical investigation, artificial intelligence, informatics, quality and safety, health policy, and medical education. To support this, residents receive dedicated research time — one half-day per week during years 1–3.
Leadership and career development programs
We offer a wide range of longitudinal programs designed to nurture residents' interests beyond the reading room — in research, leadership, education, advocacy, business, health equity, and technology. Tracks provide an enriching residency experience that helps to shape fellowship choices and long-term careers.