DR Einstein Montgomery

Leadership

Welcome from the Program Director

Welcome to Einstein Medical Center Montgomery Diagnostic Radiology! We are sorry we cannot meet you in person this year due to Covid-19 but we are excited to show you our program virtually. Our program provides you a clinical and academic experience which spans the greater Einstein Health Care Network from the comforts of our newest hospital in the beautiful Philadelphia suburbs. Our program can be combined with a preliminary medicine internship at the Philadelphia campus. Please explore our hospital system and program using the text and video links below. We look forward to meeting you on Zoom soon!

Program Overview

The Einstein Healthcare Network has been serving the greater Philadelphia community for 150 years. The network has over 100 doctors named “Top Doctors” by Philadelphia Magazine, and every year sees more than 162,000 emergency room visits, 620,000 outpatient visits, 42,000 hospital admissions and welcomes 5,000 babies across the network. Einstein Medical Center Montgomery contributes 120,000 radiology exams a year to the 420,000 total performed by the Einstein Health Network, all of which our residents will have access to.

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery is the network's newest addition, built in 2012 to serve the needs of Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia suburbs. It has state-of-the-art facilities, private patient rooms and has a full range of medical care and surgical intervention services including: minimally-invasive and robotic surgery, maternity care, intensive care, emergency care, a full-service Women’s Center, cancer care, orthopedics and a Level 1 NICU staffed by neonatologists from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. It is also home to physical and medical rehabilitation services provided by top-ranked MossRehab.

The Einstein Healthcare Network has a long history of medical education with 33 physician graduate medical education programs, and trains over 400 residents and fellows a year. There is also a renowned Radiology Technology School.

The Einstein Healthcare Network hosts Radiology residencies at both the Philadelphia and Montgomery campuses. Residents at both campuses share a common PACS system and are taught by a common subspecialized faculty with dedicated core faculty for each site. The Montgomery site program has 3 DR residents a year, the Philadelphia site program has 4 DR residents a year and 1 IR/DR resident a year. All residents share a common call pool, reading physically from their respective training sites, but obtain exposure to all Einstein clinical site cases including a level 1 trauma and transplant center both during the weekday clinical rotations and while on call.

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery has a high volume of patients as well as cutting-edge technology including 1.5T and 3T Philips MRI scanners, a 256 slice Philips CT scanner, Philips Epiq ultrasound machines, a 128 slice PET-CT and a Philips angiography suite. A team of fellowship-trained experienced core faculty lead the program and have developed a cutting-edge clinical curriculum with integrated research and elective time to allow the residents to obtain a well-rounded radiology foundation as well as additional experience in their field of interest. The program serves as an integral part of the vast Einstein Health Care Network.

Curriculum

The Einstein Medical Center Montgomery Diagnostic Radiology Program has an innovative, well-organized and comprehensive curriculum which teaches and supports residents on their journey to become an outstanding clinical radiologist. Our mission is to provide intensive residency education opportunities supported by an experienced team of core faculty as well as support from faculty across the Einstein Healthcare Network.

The curriculum is structured to support strong comprehensive radiology training and accommodate the new Core Examination structure. Rotations are four weeks in length with a total of 52 blocks over the four years of training. The first three years will provide the residents both hands-on and one-on-one teaching of the core radiology systems and modalities utilizing an organ-based rotation system. Elective blocks are incorporated into the fourth year to allow the residents to tailor their experience to their field of interest at a fellow level or obtain more experience in many areas of their choice. There are no Einstein Radiology fellows so our residents obtain training with increasing levels of experience and responsibility without competition for the best and most complex cases.

First Year

The first year is structured to lay a strong foundation in the core areas, learn about each modality and increase the resident’s fund of knowledge. Residents will rotate through Abdominal Imaging, Fluoroscopy, Chest Imaging, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Ultrasound, Neuroradiology, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography and Interventional Radiology. Emergency Radiology is incorporated into the organ-based rotations and will include studies from across the Einstein Health Network including from a Level 1 trauma center and transplant center. These core rotations will be supported by an introduction to the fundamentals of Radiology through didactic presentations, lectures and conferences spearheaded by the core faculty and supplemented by faculty across the network. The Einstein Health Network treats a large number of pediatric patients in the Emergency, NICU and outpatient setting, and residents will get experience in pediatric imaging throughout the year on their core rotations.

No overnight or unsupervised call is taken in the first year. Residents will gain experience with weekend call beginning in September of their first year and evening call beginning in January of the first year and will always be supervised by a senior resident and faculty member. The call frequency and duty hours comply with all ACGME duty hour standards.

Second Year

The second year is structured to support and build on the knowledge and experience gained in the first year. Second year residents will be exposed to a higher level of more complex cases and also have a role teaching and mentoring the first-year residents. While some MRI exposure will occur in the first year, the second year will build on this experience with a stronger focus on learning to read MRIs and learn about protocols, artifacts, and MR physics. Residents will rotate through Abdominal Imaging, Fluoroscopy, Chest Imaging, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Ultrasound, Neuroradiology, Mammography, Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Cardiovascular Imaging. Residents will also have time dedicated to research to explore research in the form of smaller projects like case reports or educational exhibits, or for those interested, design a larger longer-term project. Einstein has a dedicated research team to assist the residents and core faculty on longer-term projects.

Overnight, in-house call begins in the second year utilizing a night-float system. Call frequency is equally divided across all residents in the network and call is taken at the site of the resident’s residency training program with faculty supervision. Cases are read off a common network PACS system which allows for a diverse clinical experience including a Level 1 trauma center and transplant center. The call frequency and duty hours comply with all ACGME duty hour standards.

Third Year

The third year is structured to refine the resident’s knowledge base in preparation for the Core Examination and includes a four week Radiologic-Pathology Course at the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP). This course is subsidized by the program. The residents also have an opportunity to supplement their pediatric experience with three rotations at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. The residents will learn about a large range of common and uncommon pediatric conditions including cardiac disease, advanced cardiac imaging and fetal MRI. Their experience is supported by a didactic curriculum of lectures given by the highly experienced St. Christopher faculty. Additionally, residents will rotate through Abdominal Imaging, Chest Imaging, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Ultrasound, Neuroradiology, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology and Cardiovascular Imaging. The residents will also obtain second trimester ultrasound experience from the Einstein Maternal Fetal Medicine Department. A dedicated research block is also incorporated to continue academic activities.

Call at the home institution is adjusted to accommodate the off-site rotations and to allow for the opportunity to prepare for the Core Examination. The call frequency and duty hours comply with all ACGME duty hour standards.

Fourth Year

The fourth year is an opportunity for the residents to tailor the program to fit their fields of interest. Residents may concentrate in one area to gain a fellow-level of experience or obtain additional exposure to a wide variety of subspecialties of their choice. There are five elective rotations, as well as Abdominal Imaging, Chest Imaging, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Ultrasound, Neuroradiology, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine and Interventional Radiology. Rotation and cases logs are maintained throughout the four-year period. Fourth years will support their clinical experience with the opportunity to attend interdisciplinary tumor boards.

Fourth years will continue to take some in-house call. The call frequency and duty hours comply with all ACGME duty hour standards.

Conferences

Hour-long conferences occur in the morning and at noon each day. Didactic and case-based conferences are given by our experienced faculty on topics in their field of expertise. Additional specialty conferences include such conferences as Morbidity and Mortality Conference, Interesting Case Conference, Grand Rounds, Physics, Journal Club, Ethics and Critical Thinking. The core curriculum is repeated every two years.

Evaluations

Residents undergo formative core competency-based evaluations at the completion of each rotation. Confidential peer, program and faculty evaluations are also performed. Resident comments are valued and used to improve the program and make adjustments as required. Residents meet twice a year with the program director and their mentors respectively.

Exams

Residents participate in the annual Radiology In-Service Training exam provided by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This exam provides residents an opportunity to compare individual level of training specific sub-specialty subject knowledge with their peers at the institution and across the country. Additionally, prior to beginning in-house call in the second year the residents will take a Call Simulation Examination which the residents find very helpful to prepare them for the pace and independence of call. Residents will also have a RADPrimer account which is an invaluable resource to support their clinical experience and includes teaching modules and specialty-based multiple-choice questions to simulate the Core Examination.

Resources, Research, and Technology

Residents will be provided E-books on a residency iPad to supplement their education. Additionally, they will be provided a subscription to RADPrimer which is a website with thousands of multiple choice questions to help residents prepare for the Core Board Examination.

Every resident will develop a scholarly project which may take the form of research leading to a publishable paper, preparation of an educational or scientific exhibit, oral presentation or case report. Residents will have access to all electronic resources through the Einstein Luria Library which is available to all network house staff and students. The library and its resources serve the patient care, education and research needs of Einstein Healthcare Network’s staff and students. Residents also have access to library resources of Einstein’s medical school affiliate, the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of the Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Lynne Unikel, Ph.D serves as the Network’s Research Educator. Residents may also apply for funding for a long term or unique project from the Einstein Society.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new and exciting field and Einstein has partnered with Zebra and Riverrain to conduct research projects and clinical implementation of AI initiatives in the detection of pneumothorax on chest x-ray, intracranial hemorrhage on head CT and lung nodule detection algorithms. The department has also instituted CMS-qualified clinical decision support algorithms which increase quality and decrease inappropriate imaging and radiation dose.

Information for Applicants

Thank you for your interest in residency training in Diagnostic Radiology at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. All application materials are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Our Department participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Currently, we recruit 3 residents per class. First-year Radiology positions begin at the PGY-2 level. The program requires 4 years of continuous full-time training.

The clinical internship year (PGY-1) must be obtained independently and should be completed prior to beginning the residency program. Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia offers a Preliminary Medicine Internship (PGY-1) if the candidate would like to complete all 5 years of training within the Einstein System. Information on this application process is listed below.

USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Step 1 is required for the application to be considered. USMLE Step 2 (CK and CS) or Comlex Step 2 (CE and PE) must be completed prior to graduation from medical school and USMLE Step 3 should be completed prior to residency or early in residency training. All residents in this program are expected to meet eligibility requirements set forth by the American Board of Radiology.

Requirements

ERAS application including:

• Official medical school transcript

• 3 letters of recommendation

• USMLE Step 1 scores

• COMLEX Step scores are accepted for DO candidates

• Personal statement

• Curriculum vitae

• Dean’s letter

**Please note that Einstein Healthcare Network has TWO Radiology programs**

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery Radiology Program:

ACGME ID: 4204100242 - Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Program

NRMP ID:2206420A0

Information about Preliminary Medicine Internship:

https://www.einstein.edu/education/residency/preliminary-medicine

The Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia campus offers a PGY-1 Preliminary Medicine Internship. Applicants must apply separately for the Preliminary Medicine Internship and the combination program option.

Combination Preliminary Medicine Internship and Diagnostic Radiology Einstein Medical Center Montgomery:

Rank the combo program (linking it to the advanced position):

Primary Rank Order list: Advanced Radiology program number 2206420A0

Supplemental list: Combo Prelim IM/DR-Montgomery number 1631140P3

Linkage on Rank Order List of Preliminary Medicine Internship and Diagnostic Radiology Einstein Medical Center Montgomery:

Rank the prelim IM and Advanced DR program (linking them):

Primary Rank Order list: Advanced Radiology program number 2206420A0

Supplemental list: Prelim IM year 1631140P0

If the applicant desires to do all five years of training within the Einstein Health System, both of the above options can be selected and ranked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Einstein Montgomery Diagnostic Radiology?

Einstein Montgomery Diagnostic Radiology shares all the wonderful cases and faculty of the other Einstein programs provided to you at the newest flagship hospital in the greater Philadelphia suburbs. We are a wonderful compassionate department who love to teach and contribute to the greater mission of the Einstein Healthcare Network. Our network performs a large number of diverse radiology exams each year with a wealth of pathology and procedures. Our department is dedicated to teaching and academics and there are no fellows to impede this experience.

What will call be like?

The Einstein Montgomery, Einstein Philadelphia and Einstein IR/DR programs are combined into one common call pool to maximize the clinical experience but decrease the overall burden of call. Each Einstein Radiology resident will cover the same cases and same list while on call allowing them to split call across 8 residents per PGY class. The call cases will consist of the Philadelphia site cases including a level 1 trauma center and busy transplant center. Each resident will physically take call from their program hospital reading via a common PACS system. After hour cases at the other Einstein sites are covered by non-resident services. No travel between Einstein sites occurs on call. 100% of the cases are read while physically at that residents program site which makes for a wonderful call experience without having to travel between hospitals.

Why should I choose the Combination Program?

Choosing to complete all five years of your training at Einstein provides a wonderful clinical experience as well as a continuous uninterrupted training experience. The first year will be completed in the Internal Medicine Department at the Philadelphia campus which has a long history of providing exceptional preliminary medicine training to graduates across the nation. During this year the trainee will become acquainted with the Einstein Health Care Network which leads to a very smooth transition into their Diagnostic Radiology training at the Einstein Medical Center Montgomery hospital. More information about the Preliminary Medicine Internship can be found below. Please note you must apply to both the Combination Preliminary Medicine program and the Diagnostic Radiology program and link them on your rank list.

Combination Preliminary Medicine Internship and Diagnostic Radiology Einstein Medical Center Montgomery (two ways to obtain this combination):

Rank the combo program (linking it to the advanced position):

Primary Rank Order list: Advanced Radiology program number 2206420A0

Supplemental list: Combo Prelim IM/DR-Montgomery number 1631140P3

Linkage on Rank Order List of Preliminary Medicine Internship and Diagnostic Radiology Einstein Medical Center Montgomery:

Rank the prelim IM and Advanced DR program (linking them):

Primary Rank Order list: Advanced Radiology program number 2206420A0

Supplemental list: Prelim IM year 1631140P0