Curious to learn why individuals choose the Diagnostic Radiology Program at Indiana University School of Medicine for their education and training? Discover the benefits of the program and unique features of Indianapolis from current residents!
The Diagnostic Radiology Program is quite large with a total of 13 residents per year (including both the DR & DR/IR programs), which allows for a flexible call schedule and coverage while on PTO. We are encouraged to participate in research and we are provided with endless resources to succeed, as well as adequate funding to attend national meetings. Residents have a clinically heavy IR curriculum including five clinical electives (one per year) and a great longitudinal IR clinic experience for the entirety of our training. Our program feels like one big family and everyone is very supportive with special focus on resident mental and physical wellness. We also have internal moonlighting opportunities!
As an IU School of Medicine graduate, the convenience of staying at the same school was a no brainer for me, but having had a learning experience that I truly enjoyed made the decision even more simple. IU School of Medicine has really done a great job creating a supportive and learning culture for us as learners to excel. The school also really values its residents, including listening to resident feedback, making changes and even providing us with nice perks throughout the year. As a large tertiary care center that has every specialty, residents see a wide variety of pathology and all types of studies. The Diagnostic Radiology Program does a good job encouraging life outside of work. For example, we have a dedicated event coordinator who plans hangout sessions throughout the year. We also have hangout events staff and current medical students on a monthly basis to get to know everyone. Sometimes the attendings will even host parties at their homes!
I’ve been at IU School of Medicine for over 10 years. One of the things that I found in our Diagnostic Radiology Program is a new family. Everyone here, from the techs to the chair, wants you to succeed. Everyone will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and that you have everything you need to achieve your goals. The department is incredibly resident-oriented. The faculty and program directors value residents' well-being and suggestions for change. I feel like my feedback is always heard.
Having grown up in Indianapolis, I have watched this city grow and improve so much over the past several decades. We have so many food options ranging from a casual brunch to an expensive steak dinner (the shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo's steakhouse is a must-try). We have large indoor and outdoor concert venues which host nearly all big-name tours. More importantly, Indianapolis is also a place where I can live a very comfortable lifestyle with affordable housing, an easy and quick commute, and an award-winning airport for the travel I can afford because my entire paycheck is not going to my bills. Whether you prefer to get out and about or stay home and relax, Indianapolis is a great place to live and work!
Indianapolis has truly become a cosmopolitan center. In addition to an increasingly global food scene (most recent addition being “The Garage” in the Bottleworks district), the city has a thriving sports culture, including the world-famous Indy 500 race. I personally love going for a run in the city’s numerous parks, the largest of which is Eagle Creek, or a ride on the Monon and Cultural Trails. On days I want to take it easy, my wife and I check out seasonal art exhibits at Newfields, to which all IU School of Medicine residents get free membership!
The art and entertainment community in Indianapolis is very impressive! Not only are there numerous art museums and galleries around town, but Indianapolis is a large theatrical epicenter including the Pheonix Theatre, Indiana Repertoire Theatre, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and travelling Broadway performances. Indianapolis also houses annual theatre festivals such as IndyFringe and the Heartland International Film Festival, which premieres several big-name movies before they become available in theaters.
The vibrant Indianapolis food and drink scene extends far beyond the famous St. Elmo’s Steakhouse. We are home to several James Beard Award-winning restaurants, including Oakley’s Bistro and Bluebeard (named after a work belonging to Kurt Vonnegut, an Indianapolis native). There are options with creative, rotating menus, local distilleries (Hotel Tango, West Fork Whiskey), excellent coffee (Tinker, Certain Feelings), fresh bakeries (Leviathan, Amelia’s, Rene’s) and even great tiki bars (Inferno Room, Strange Bird)! Home cooks can also find high-quality, local ingredients at Goose the Market for dinner.
Coming from a big city, I didn't know what to expect from Indianapolis. I am happy that my husband and I were able to buy a house close to the hospital. I can bike on the Cultural Trail to work when the weather is nice! We also enjoy the restaurant scene including Siam Square, Locos, The Inferno Room and Iaria's.