Residency Program

Welcome to the Radiology Residency at Penn State Hershey

I am frequently asked about the qualities we look for in our applicants. Let me share with you what we feel we would like to achieve in the residency program at Penn State Hershey; and secondly, let me describe to you the qualities we would like to have and develop in our residents. We currently have 31 residents, 19 male and 12 female from varied backgrounds. They are primarily from the Northeast but have residents from as far as Texas. While some of our trainees have arrived here on a “traditional” pathway, many have not. Our aim is to put together a diverse group of individuals with a strong commitment to the specialty of Radiology. We are interested in developing a sense of family, a sense of close cooperation and collegiality amongst our residents and faculty. This sense of cooperation extends across all members of the Department of Radiology including our support personnel. Our goal is to have well-trained residents exposed to a wide variety of cases and procedures. After graduating, they will have the confidence to leave the residency with the security that they will face practice decisions and situations that they’re able to solve. We have a committed group of faculty who are keenly interested in education and nurturing our resident colleagues throughout their four years of training. The Department is well organized, possesses state-of-the-art technology and is set in a beautiful campus within a very pleasant and safe community.

As for the qualities we seek, most of you will have demonstrated more than adequately, your academic abilities with success in exams, good board scores and your ability to manage your time. Beyond academics, there are two important qualities we expect. These are creative thinking and character. Radiology is divorcing itself from the descriptive nature of the art. It is becoming one in which it is important to analyze, to develop an opinion, and express this thought process to our other clinical colleagues. It is imperative that you possess the ability to communicate and to understand your role as a communicator. Our emphasis in this program is to develop a strong analytical approach to the interpretation of radiographic images.

Character is equally important in our resident selection process. We expect trainees to understand their professional responsibility as a physician radiologist, their pivotal role in patient care, and their commitment to fulfill these expectations.

It is clear then that we not only look at the merit of your application, but the interview process is all-important. I hope this helps to answer your questions and I look forward to see you at our interview if you are selected.
 

Donald Flemming, MD
Program Director

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