MD PhD programmes with relevance to imaging. Results from a European survey

doi:10.1007/s13244-013-0249-5

Abstract

BackgroundScientific research is an important part of radiology. PhDs for MDs are becoming increasingly important for an academic career. Developments in training for young radiologists show that the interest in completing a PhD programme with a focus on imaging is significantly increasing.MethodsIt can be assumed that PhDs of relevance to imaging provide excellent training for later scientific work during radiology residency. To evaluate the situation for the availability of PhD programmes with relevance to imaging, a European survey was performed. In total, 100 universities and institutions from 24 European countries responded.ResultsIn 50.5 % of the responses the universities/institutions offer imaging-related PhD programmes. In 25.6 % of responses radiology departments run their own PhD programme. With regard to handling PhD and radiology training, the most common response was that a PhD is allowed in parallel to radiology training (38.9 %), should be completed partly (15.3 %) and must be completed first (8.3 %). The most common responses for the duration of PhD programmes were 3 years and 4 years (27.8 % each).ConclusionIn conclusion, the survey has shown that imaging-related PhD programmes are available for radiologists and that radiology departments should be encouraged and supported to develop their own PhD programmes. Finally, this survey may be the first step to develop an online database comprising all these PhD programmes throughout Europe, allowing easy access to this information.Main messages• PhD programmes with relevance to imaging are becoming increasingly important for young radiologists.• In Europe about half of the universities/institutions offer imaging-related PhD programmes; about a quarter of radiology departments run their own PhD programme.• Where radiology departments have the appropriate facilities and staff they should be encouraged and supported to develop their own PhD programme.• An online database comprising PhD programmes worldwide would be a useful tool for radiologists, allowing for easy access to this information.• PhD programmes are a valuable asset not only for clinicians, but also for universities, institutions and individual radiology programmes alike.

Highlights

The combined Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy MD, PhD degree is a dual doctoral degree for physician scientists granted by some medical schools
In the US, the MD, PhD degrees can be obtained through dual-degree programmes offered at some medical schools
The recent developments in training for young radiologists show that the interest in completing a PhD programme with a focus on imaging is significantly increasing

Summary

Introduction

The combined Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy MD, PhD degree is a dual doctoral degree for physician scientists granted by some medical schools. Developments in training for young radiologists show that the interest in completing a PhD programme with a focus on imaging is significantly increasing. The recent developments in training for young radiologists show that the interest in completing a PhD programme with a focus on imaging is significantly increasing. PhDs of relevance to imaging are excellent training for later scientific work during radiology training and may provide the basis for a later generation of scientists in radiology. They could help to attract more radiologists to universities

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Results

Conclusion