The Residency Review Committee for Radiology: its organization, function, and performance in diagnostic radiology.

Abstract

The accreditation process for training in radiology is managed by the Residency Review Committee for Radiology under a prescribed system. That system and the actions taken by the Committee in recent years are described. Most applications for new or continuing programs in 1975-1981 were approved. An analysis of the adverse actions of the Committee indicates the most common deficiencies were inadequate clinical experience in subspecialty areas, inadequate formal teaching, and understaffing of the clinical program. Certain trends in radiology are apparent. The numbers of programs in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology have not changed significantly over the past 5 years, whereas opportunities for training in nuclear radiology have increased greatly. The number of trainees in diagnostic radiology has increased 13% during this period; the number in radiation therapy remains unchanged. The number of women trainees in diagnostic radiology has increased from 15% to 22%, and the number of foreign graduate trainees has decreased from 19% to 11%.