Preclinical Years
The preclinical years of medical school are important for students considering a career in Radiology.
Radiology residency programs value involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, leadership, and research. According to the 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey:
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Leadership qualities are cited by 72% of programs as a factor used to make interview decisions.
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Demonstrated involvement or interest in research is cited by 44% as a factor used to make interview decisions.
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Volunteer/extracurricular activities are cited by 49% of programs as a factor used to make interview decisions.
In our book, Success in Medical School: Insider Advice for the Preclinical Years, we provide you with a detailed blueprint on how to do just that.
The preclinical years are an excellent time to build these credentials
3 ways to Build your Credentials in Radiology as a Preclinical Student
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The Radiologic Society of North America sponsors the Research Medical Student Grant, which provides support for a research project. Applicants must be students at an accredited North American medical school, and perform research for a minimum of 10 weeks.
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The Society for Interventional Radiology has created the Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Culp Student Research Grant to provide funding for a summer research project in an area important to the advancement of interventional radiology.
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Many schools have established radiology student interest groups, and you can learn more about the specialty through involvement. If your school doesn't have a group, you may choose to start one. An excellent resource to help you create a new group or enhance an existing one was recently published in the journal Academic Radiology.
For more information on how to stand out in Radiology as a preclinical student, turn to our book Success in Medical School: Insider Advice for the Preclinical Years.