Diagnostic Radiology Residency

About Us

Message from the Director

Dear Applicants:

Thank you for your interest in the Cleveland Clinic Diagnostic Radiology Residency program! Our large subspecialized radiology department performs and interprets almost 3 million exams each year. We have well over 100 staff radiologists, trained in all subspecialties, who teach and mentor our 33 current residents. Many of our staff radiologists are active in research at the national and international level. They are productive with numerous contributions to the literature, and they welcome residents to participate in their research.

Cleveland Clinic is one of the top hospitals in the United States and is nationally ranked in many medical specialties. As a referral center, we see patients with a variety of complex medical problems from around the country and around the world. In addition, we serve as the primary care center for thousands of people in our neighboring counties of Northeast Ohio. Our patient population allows our trainees to experience a mix of both complex and bread-and-butter pathology.

Our residents receive a comprehensive radiology education that allows them to effectively navigate the competitive and demanding world of diagnostic radiology. They are trained in each of the subspecialty areas, including chest, abdominal imaging, neuroradiology and interventional radiology. In the final year of residency, our trainees have the opportunity to customize their training by selecting subspecialty areas-of-concentration to spend in 6 four-week blocks. This could be used for additional experience in their fellowship subspecialty, additional preparation for private practice or even preparation for the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Certifying Exam. Alternatively, we offer the opportunity to participate in the Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology program or the ABR Pathway to Dual Certification in Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Radiology. Our residents have completed fellowships all over the country in all of the subspecialties of radiology. They are successfully employed in both academia and private practice.

Guiding our residents through the training process are myself and two associate program directors, as well as our program manager and program administrator, who handle the day-to-day operations of the residency. The program director works closely with the Cleveland Clinic Graduate Medical Education Department and the Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute Education Committee which is comprised of education liaisons from each of the subspecialty areas and upper level radiology administration. This solid relationship shows the strong support for trainee education throughout the entire Cleveland Clinic system.

When selecting our residents, we examine applications holistically. While a record of strong academic performance benefits any applicant looking for professional success, we also look for potential residents who have significant interests and skills outside of Radiology and medicine. We take pride in our diverse and interesting group of highly competent residents. We will continue working hard to make our program the best possible training experience for them and for our future trainees!

Kind regards,

Joseph Veniero, MD, PhD
Director, Residency Program
Imaging Institute

Message from the Chiefs

Working at one of the country’s consistently best-ranked hospitals allows us the opportunity to see a large variety of complex and interesting cases and work collaboratively with subspecialty trained radiologists, many of whom are nationally recognized board reviewers, speakers, and/or researchers.

In addition to our outstanding didactic and “viewbox” training, our program provides many unique features that can complement a resident's special interests and overall augment the resident experience. For example, the Meaney research, education, and informatics tracts allow dedicated time, financial support, and mentorship to develop specialized skill sets in these respective areas. Outside these tracts, there are many other opportunities to get involved in research and teaching, working with Lerner College of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University medical students. In fact, many residents receive a faculty appointment as a Clinical Instructor of Radiology at CWRU by the end of residency.

The integrated DR/IR and DR/NM tracts allows for subspecialization and fellowship certification in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine, respectively, during the course of residency training.

Regardless of your interests and passions, our program has the resources and mentorship available to help you reach your goals. If you have any questions about these or other facets of our program, please feel free to reach out to the Chiefs directly at rcr@ccf.org.

We look forward to your application,

Chiefs

Ryan Ward

Nathan Mielke

Michael Brown

Residency Program Leadership

• Joseph Veniero, MD, PhD
  Radiology Residency Program Director; Abdominal Imaging Staff
  Cleveland Clinic
  9500 Euclid Ave., L10
  Cleveland, OH 44195

• Carolyn VanDyke, MD
  Radiology Residency Associate Program Director; Emergency Radiology Staff
  Cleveland Clinic
  9500 Euclid Ave., L10
  Cleveland, OH 44195

• Michael Forney, MD
  Radiology Residency Associate Program Director; Musculoskeletal Radiology Staff
  Cleveland Clinic
  9500 Euclid Ave., A21
  Cleveland, Ohio 44195

• Gordon McLennan, MD
  Radiology Residency Associate Program Director; Interventional Radiology Fellowship Director; Interventional Radiology Staff
  Cleveland Clinic
  9500 Euclid Ave., ND20
  Cleveland, OH 44195

• Lisa Kempton, MEd, RT(R)
  Radiology Education Program Administrator
  216.442.5647
  kemptol@ccf.org
  Cleveland Clinic
  9500 Euclid Ave., L10
  Cleveland, OH 44195

• Sylvia Zavatchen, MEd
  Education Program Manager
  216.444.2136
  dred@ccf.org
  Cleveland Clinic
  9500 Euclid Ave., L10
  Cleveland, Ohio 44195

Faculty

Prospective Residents

Application Process

The following minimum application requirements are to be forwarded to the Selection Committee:

• USMLE Step one transcript; COMLEX only will not suffice
• Medical school transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Complete applications must be received through ERAS by October 31, 2018. Applications submitted or completed after this date will not be considered. Applications outside the match will not be considered.

Tentative residency interview dates for 2018-2019 interview season include Tuesdays and Wednesdays from October through December.

Before February 1, 2019, the following items are required to be ranked:

• Dean’s letter
• ECFMG for International Medical Graduates

Additional Information

• An ACGME-accredited preliminary year must be completed prior to radiology training.
• Cleveland Clinic sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas; please contact Janice Bianco at biancoj@ccf.org or Mary Curry at currym@ccf.org with any visa-related questions.
• There is no cut-off date for graduation from medical school.

Visiting Student Rotations

• Applicants interested in audition/visiting rotations may apply via VSAS. For more information, please visit "How to Apply".

Other Resources

• Information on ERAS deadlines
• The Education Department website thoroughly explains the application process.
• Residency Benefits Information
• Residency Alumni Events

Program Updates

We are currently constructing a new, personalized, state of the art resident room and lecture hall where we can house daily didactics, and dedicated radiology conferences and grand rounds. We have an Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology program and participate in the ABR Pathway to Dual Certification in Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Radiology for residents interested in these specialties.

Resident Life & Benefits

Resident Life

Cleveland Clinic Radiology residents enjoy all the features and amenities a big city has to offer while maintaining the sense of community of a small city. Whether you are a foodie, musician, art lover, sports guru, outdoor enthusiast, or fitness fanatic, Cleveland has something for everyone.

Cleveland provides an affordable cost of living for residents. Some rent homes in the Westside suburbs or own condos in the Eastside suburbs, while others reside in apartments or lofts downtown. The Greater Circle Living program also provides additional incentives such as forgivable loans to Cleveland Clinic employees who decide to rent or buy in the University Circle area, just a mile away.

Radiology residents understand the importance of work-life balance: neither “Snowmageddon” nor “the polar vortex” can match the radiology residents’ determination to socialize! Recent activities include the annual welcome party, holiday parties, happy hours, game nights, fantasy football, and the annual senior roast. Meet or catch up with residents from other departments at a monthly House Staff Association event.

If the Cleveland Clinic Radiology Residency is calling your name, remember to bring a warm coat and a good sense of humor. The first is seasonal, but the second is year-round! Email our program coordinator, Sylvia, at dred@ccf.org if you’d like to get in touch with any of us and ask about our program or our city.

• View Current Residents

Salary: Clinical Residents and Fellows

Please refer to the table below for new salary rates, effective April 16, 2018:

Benefits

Academic Funding

• $3,000 for AIRP
• Up to four days per meeting for poster, electronic, and oral presentations
• $1,500 for posters and electronic exhibits
• Up to $3,000 for oral presentations
• $800 for books, electronic devices, and e-books annually
• Personalized set of lead to include vest with sleeves, kilt, and thyroid guard

Flexible Vacation Policy

Residents receive 15 days of vacation, 1 week off around a major holiday, and 5 days of personal time off per academic year. Residents are not "assigned" vacation. Our unique policy allows residents to request vacation days throughout the year in as little as 1-day increments.

Additional Benefits

• Cleveland Clinic issued iPhone for entire length of training
• Extensive resident library
• Online resources including StatDx, RadPrimer, E-Anatomy, Boardvitals
• Generous on-call meal allowance
• Excellent medical/dental/vision insurance
• Maternity/Paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program

Additional Links

• Salary
• Medical Insurance Benefits
• Additional Benefits: Maternity/Paternity Leave, On-call Meals, Emergency Loans, etc.
• Cleveland Clinic Employer Assisted Housing Program

Current Residents

Below are those individuals currently enrolled in the Imaging Institute's Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic.

• Please email dred@ccf.org if you wish to contact any of the residents listed below.

Class of 2022

Class of 2021

Class of 2020

Class of 2019

Education & Research

Residents undergo robust clinical training thanks to a high volume of diagnostic and procedural cases, cutting edge equipment and facilities, and a large number of subspecialized staff with over 3:1 staff to resident ratio, and routine performance feedback. Input from residents regarding how to improve rotation experiences is valued. Faculty education liaisons from each of the subspecialties routinely collaborate to maintain a current and innovative curriculum.

• More than 2.7 million exams performed and interpreted annually
• More than 100 subspecialty trained staff radiologists and 33 residents
• On the Cleveland Clinic’s main campus location alone there are 12 CT units, including a 128-slice dual source and 256-slice scanners; 13 MR scanners up to three Tesla; PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and eight angiography suites including two biplane suites
• On Main Campus in 2017, nearly 900K studies were performed, with 409K radiographs, 134K CTs, 120K mammograms, 97K MRIs, 61K ultrasounds, 32K vascular/interventional studies & procedures, 25K nuclear medicine studies, 9K PET/CTs, and 195 PET/MRIs

Research

There are active ongoing research opportunities in all imaging sections and an abundance of research mentors from which to choose. Dedicated research time is provided to residents with active, approved projects. Time away and financial support for presentations at scientific meetings is available from both the GME office and our Imaging Institute, up to four days and $1,500 - $3,000 per meeting.

• Per ACGME guidelines, residents are required to participate in one quality improvement project and produce one scholarly activity during their four years of radiology residency. A multitude of research projects are available for those interested, headed by attending radiologists, many of whom are national experts in their fields of research.
• The Longitudinal Research Track is available for all residents to apply on a project-by-project basis. The resident will receive a dedicated half-day each week on eligible rotations for research-related activities.
• The Meaney Research Track is a long-term research pathway where selected candidates not only receive weekly dedicated research time, but also receive additional support to attend meetings, present research, etc.

Education

• The Meaney Education Track is a long-term education pathway for those interested in academic radiology. Residents apply in their second year of training and will receive dedicated time away from clinical duties to focus on educational activities and/or research.
• Residents have unique teaching opportunities in which they can give lectures to medical students and other residents, teach at the workstation, and also teach cross-sectional anatomy to PA students.
• Residents have the opportunity to become appointed as Clinical Instructors at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University with a documented 16 hours of medical student teaching.
• Rotation Schedule.
• Call Requirements
  • Our program builds in tiered call responsibility to increase resident skill and independence over the four years of training. First year residents are responsible for short morning shifts in the ED. Second years cover in-house call while senior residents cover emergency department shifts.
• Conferences
  • Resident morning conferences - daily from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m., follow one-two year curriculum. The conferences are almost exclusively staff-led with a mix of didactic and case-based content.
  • Resident Interesting Case Conference - every 4 weeks, includes lunch for attendees.
  • Brant & Helms Lecture Series - every Tuesday and Thursday at noon, is for PGY-2 residents and taught by senior residents.
  • Journal Club – monthly resident driven journal club, which focuses on discussing recent high impact articles within the radiology literature.
  • Imaging Grand Rounds – twice per month from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Health Care Economics – annual two-part series presented by the Imaging Institute Administrator.
• Physics Curriculum
  The Cleveland Clinic Section of Medical Physics is composed of 7 ABR Board certified diagnostic physicists, sub-specialized in specific imaging modalities. This group provides a comprehensive physics curriculum for the Radiology Residents, including both didactic and laboratory sessions for hands-on learning. Our physicists are actively involved with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the Health Physics Society (HPS), as well as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). They also offer a Medical Physics Residency Program, training future diagnostic medical physicists. This presents a unique training opportunity for clinical and technical residents to train and learn from one another, with staff mentors in both areas.

Resident Research

2017-2018 Resident Research Papers, Posters, and Presentations

Rassi J, Lampl B, Wajid H, Park E. Osteoid osteoma: radiologic diagnosis and treatment. Contemp Diag Radiol. 2018;41(12):1-5.

Vakil P, Elmokadem AH, Syed FH, Cantrell CG, Dehkordi FH, Carroll TJ, Ansari SA. Quantifying intracranial plaque permeability with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: A pilot study. Am J Neuroradiol 2017;38(2): 243-249.

Nasehi L, Ghandour A, Shrikanthan S, Gurajala R, McLennan G. Yttrium-90 Radiation Activity Delivered to Liver Tumors by Glass Versus Resin Microspheres. Educational exhibit presented at American Roengen Ray Society (ARRS) in New Orleans, LA, April 30-May 5, 2017.

Ward RD, Tanaka H, Campbell S, Remer EM. The 2017 American Urologic Association Renal Mass and Localized Renal Cancer Guidelines: Imaging Implications. Radiographics. 2018. Ahead of print.

Ghandour A, Partovi S, Karuppasamy K, Rajiah P.Congenital anomalies of the IVC - embryological perspective and clinical relevance. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2016; 6(6):482-492.

Syed FH, Bullen J, Gurajala, Karuppasamy. Abstract No 477 Enhancement ratio on artierial computed tomography can predict distribution of 99m Tc-macroaggregatied albumin in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Vasc and Intervent Radiol 2018 29(4): S202.

Ward RD, Campbell SC, Remer EM. 2017 AUA renal mass and localized renal cancer guidelines: imaging implications. 2017. Electronic exhibit presented at 103rd Scientific Assembly of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, IL, November 26-December 1, 2017. Awarded Certificate of Merit.

Ghandour A, Gurajala R, Karuppasamy K. A Pictorial Review of True Endoleaks and Mimics of Endoleaks on CT Angiography. Educational exhibit presented at American Roengen Ray Society (ARRS) in New Orleans, LA, April 30-May 5, 2017.

Abbas A, Tracy CA, Syed FH, Obuchowshi NA, Montgomery J, Martin C, Ward RD, McLennan G, Gill AS. How IVC filters fail: A review of the FDA MAUDE database. Oral Presentation at 103rd Scientific Assembly of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, IL, November 26-December 1, 2017.

Ward RD, Purysko AS, Magi-Galluzzi C, et al. Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging findings in granulomatous prostatitis. 2017. Electronic exhibit presented at 103rd Scientific Assembly of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, IL, November 26-December 1, 2017. Awarded Certificate of Merit.

Ali S, Shah S. Primary localized amyloidosis mimicking urothelial carcinoma. Applied Radiology. 2018. Ahead of print.

Ghandour A, Karunakaravel K, Rajiah P. Congenital Anomalies of the Superior Vena Cava: Embryological Correlation, Imaging Perspectives, and Clinical Relevance. Can Assoc Radiol J 2017; 68(4):456-462.

Kuyumcu G, Mason E, Ilaslan H. Air-blocking ablation of osteoid osteoma; a technical note. Skeletal Radiol. 2017; 46(7):957-960.

Tanabe Y, Landeras L, Ghandour A, Partovi S, Rajiah P. State-of-the-art pulmonary arterial imaging - Part 1. Vasa-J Vascular Dis. 2018; 47(5):345-359.

Patel ND, Ward RD, Calle J, Remer EM, Monga M. Vascular disease and kidney stones: abdominal aortic calcifications are associated with low urine pH and hypocitraturia. J Endourol. 2017;31(9): 956-961.

Donaldson JB, Obuchowski NA, Le R, Martin C, Gill AS. Stenting for IVC stenosis after liver transplantation: Meta-analysis. 2017. Oral presentation at 103rd Scientific Assembly of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, IL, November 26-December 1, 2017.

Ward RD, Purysko AS. Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Prostate Cancer Recurrence. Seminars in Roentgenology. 2018; 53(3):234-246.

Ghandour A, Rajiah P. Oops! You Found Me- Cardiovascular significance of incidentally discovered findings in Chest CT. 2018. Educational exhibit presented at American Roengen Ray Society (ARRS) in Washington, DC, April 22-27, 2018.

Druskin SC, Ward RD, Purysko AS, et al. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improves Classification of Prostate Lesions: A Study of Pathological Outcomes on Targeted Prostate Biopsy. J Urol. 2018; pii: S0022-5347(17)77100-5.

Ghandour A, Sher A, Rassouli N, Dhanantwari A, Rajjah P. Evaluation of virtual monoenergetic images on pulmonary vasculature using the dual-layer detector-based spectral computer tomography. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2018. Ahead of print.

Hunter SA, Morris C, Nelson K, et al. Digital breast tomosynthesisL cost effectiveness of using private and medicare insurance in community-based health care facilities. Amer J Roentgenol. 2017;208:1171-1175.

Ward RD, Remer EM. (2018). Cystic Renal Masses: An Imaging Update. Europ J Radiol. 2018;99:103-110.

Gupta A, Sands M, Chauhan NR. Massive hemoptysis in pulmonary infections: bronchial artery embolization. J Thorac Dis. 2018. Ahead of print.

Ward RD, Liu PS. Liver vascular tumors: From exceedingly common to extraordinarily rare. 2017. Electronic exhibit at the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) annual meeting in New Orleans, LA, April 30-May 5, 2017. Invited for oral presentation during ARRS Gastrointestinal Power Hour on May 4, 2017.

Kay F, Bolen M, Ghandour A, Patel A, Landeras L, Rajiah P. Cardiac MRI in Patients with Pacemakers/ICDs: Challenges and Solutions with a Practical Guide. Educational exhibit presented at 103rd Scientific Assembly of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, IL, November 26-December 1, 2017.

Ward RD, Purysko AS. Multi-parametric MRI in the evaluation of prostate cancer recurrence: A case-based review. 2017. Electronic exhibit at the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) annual meeting in New Orleans, LA, April 30-May 5, 2017. Invited for oral presentation during ARRS Genitourinary Power Hour on May 2, 2017. Awarded Bronze Scientific Award.

Gadodia G, Rangaraju S, Raza S, et al. Frequency of and factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea and periodic limb movement in stroke and TIA patients. Neurologist. 2018;23(3):67-70. Patel NP, Ward RD, Calle J, Remer EM, Monga M. computerized tomography based diagnosis of visceral obesity and hepatic steatosis is associated with low urine pH. J Urology. 2017;198(5)1085-1090.

Moore A, Ghandour A, Bolen M, Rajiah P. Cardiac Imaging in the Arrhythmic Patient: Challenges and Solutions Using a Case-based Approach. Educational exhibit presented at 103rd Scientific Assembly of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, IL, November 26-December 1, 2017.

Rotation Schedule

2018 Diagnostic Radiology Resident Block Schedule

Resident Rotation Personalization

• Moonlighting - Outside moonlighting opportunities are allowed for interested residents who have a full state license.
• 4th Year Mini-fellowships/Areas of Concentration (AOC) - Six months of elective rotations are available for fourth year residents to use as “mini-fellowship” time. Six blocks of elective rotations are available for fourth year residents to use as Areas of Concentration or combined into 1-2 3-block long “mini-fellowships".
• Combined Diagnostic Radiology/Nuclear Medicine (DR/NM) Residency Track - The combined diagnostic radiology/nuclear medicine residency tract has been approved. This tract allows interested residents to complete a fellowship in nuclear medicine during the normal course of radiology residency.
• Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) - Up to 4 positions per year are available for senior diagnostic radiology residents interested in pursuing further training in interventional radiology.

Alumni

After Residency

Our residents receive solid preparation for careers in both private practice and academia. Upon graduation, nearly all of our residents choose fellowship subspecialty training, and are accepted to top-notch training programs.

Recent Graduates Fellowship Match List

See where our residents are after graduation.

* indicates current staff member at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, eRadiology, or Regional Radiology

Class of 2018

Class of 2017

Class of 2016

Class of 2015

Class of 2014

Class of 2013

Class of 2012

Radiology Fellowship Opportunities at Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic offers imaging fellowships in nearly all subspecialties.

• Detailed fellowship program information is available
• More information is available through our Radiology Alumni Association