Barbara Weissman, MD
Program Director | We commend your decision to become a radiologist and are delighted that you have taken the time to learn more about our radiology residency program.
There are multiple roles you may choose to play in radiology including.diagnostician, teacher, researcher, policy maker, and administrator. While excellence in clinical radiology is our first priority we also recognize the importance of these additional roles and strive to provide our residents with the skills and opportunities that auger success in any of them.
Many attributes of our program are best elucidated on a visit to the department. However, I would like to highlight some reasons why we feel that Brigham & Women's Hospital is a special place to train.
Education I Research I Teaching Opportunities I Humanitarian Efforts I Business/IT I Support I The People Education:
The "preview system": Teaching in each clinical section occurs in one-on-one or small group sessions. We use the preview system in which the trainee interprets the images first and the findings are then reviewed with a staff radiologist. Our faculty is subspecialty trained, bringing out the fine points of image interpretation or procedural skills that will serve the trainee well in clinical practice.
• Interdisciplinary conferences in each section give imaging findings additional clinical perspective.
• Small group teaching case reviews occur daily in most sections.
• Daily mid-day conferences (12:15pm to 2:00pm) are divided into didactic and case based sessions.
These conferences are mandatory unless the resident is involved in an interventional procedure or is on
an evening call rotation. Topics include all clinical modalities, molecular biology, and physics, as well as
special topics ranging from a roundtable discussion on private practice versus academics to
socioeconomic issues facing radiology.
• Grand Rounds: Experts from various institutions are invited to our weekly Grand Rounds to share their
research and expertise. These speakers also show cases to our residents.
• The New England Roentgen Ray Society: These monthly Friday afternoon sessions bring
residents from New England area programs together. Topics cover a variety of areas with special all day
Saturday sessions on mammography, cardiac imaging or other timely topics.
Research:
Research opportunities are plentiful. Residents are introduced to ongoing projects through a yearly "Research fair" during which research groups describe their projects and residents sign up to learn more about those that interest them. Residents are required to participate in at least one research project culminating in publication or presentation at a national meeting. Interested residents may also apply for the Holman research pathway or to spend elective time on research. Departmental seed grants are available. Research projects are presented to the other residents at a special annual session.
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Teaching opportunities:
There are several opportunities for the residents to teach. These include teaching Harvard Medical Students in human anatomy workshops, as well as mentoring them in their required radiology clerkship. A program to augment resident teaching skills has begun.
Humanitarian Efforts:
Residents will have the opportunity to participate in local humanitarian projects (e.g. Sunday's bread, supporting a needy family during the Holidays) with your co-residents. We are looking into other programs to provide radiological services to underserved areas.
Business/IT:
There are curricula covering various issues in business and IT.
Support:
We recognize that residency can be a stressful time with many competing interests and new responsibilities. In addition to the full time presence of the Program Director and Coordinator, we offer support during residency in the form of staff mentors, a resident big sibling program, and professional support when needed. Help with forms, reimbursement and other paperwork are provided by the Residency Assistant.
The People:
Of all the special attributes mentioned above, none is more important than the individuals who make up "The Brigham". Our residents are a special part of this Brigham family. Graduates from our program have the opportunity to remain connected to BWH by joining our "Brigham for Life" program. This group provides networking, continuing education, recruiting services and teaching opportunities to graduates of our training program.
Please carefully consider our program and see if it is the right fit for you. Wherever you train, we wish you every success in this most exciting and fulfilling field!
Sincerely,
Barbara N Weissman, MD
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