Residency Programs
- Four-Year Diagnostic Radiology Residency
- Five-Year Clinician Scientist Radiology Residency (T32 Grant)
- Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency
Four-Year Diagnostic Radiology Residency
The UC San Diego Department of Radiology features a nationally and internationally recognized faculty specializing in all fields of clinical radiology and radiologic research. Residents collaborate closely with these experts in a supportive, welcoming environment. Fellowship-trained radiologists provide one-on-one training in various subspecialties and modalities across UC San Diego and affiliates like the VA Medical Center, Rady Children's Hospital, and the Naval Medical Center.
Total ACGME-Approved Residency Spots: 39
Available Per Year: 9-10
Interested in diagnostic radiology at UC San Diego?
For application details, curriculum and mentorship opportunities, reach out to our residency program.
Program Directors
Adam Searleman, MD, PhD
Program Director, Diagnostic Radiology Residency
HS Asst. Clinical Professor of Radiology
Emile Gordon, MD
Associate Program Director, Diagnostic Radiology Residency
Assistant Clinical Professor of Radiology
Education
Education is a cornerstone of our program, featuring daily noon conferences, weekly subspecialty case conferences, two- to three-hour resident mega-conferences, departmental grand rounds, continued quality improvement (CQI) conferences, intensive board reviews, and a comprehensive physics curriculum. The George Leopold Club, named after a former department chair and educator, is a cherished tradition where first-year residents learn radiology fundamentals in a small, relaxed group setting. At UC San Diego, residents also teach by interacting one-on-one with rotating medical students, presenting radiology case conferences to medicine residents, and participating in tumor boards across the hospital.
"The degree of attending expertise combined with their desire to share their knowledge, the breadth and complexity of cases available, and the caring community can't be beat! I would recommend this program to everyone!" — UC San Diego Department of Radiology alumnus
Research
UC San Diego School of Medicine is consistently one of the top 10 public medical schools for research funding, and the Department of Radiology's mission is to discover and establish novel solutions at the intersection of health care, science and technology. Diagnostic residents are strongly encouraged to participate in research with funding consideration for presenting at national and international radiology conferences. There are ample opportunities to be involved with clinical or basic science research in any subspecialty; Supportive mentors can be found in any area of interest. Monthly resident journal clubs are held to reinforce the importance of evidence-based practice.Community
Camaraderie, community and leadership are at the heart of our program. Department-sponsored resident social gatherings are held monthly, with additional events frequently hosted by generous faculty and friends. Residents also participate in the free medical student-run clinic, offering imaging services to the underserved and hands-on experience for medical students. Most residents are involved in multiple leadership positions within the residency program, the radiology department, UC San Diego Health, and state and national medical and radiological committees.Wellness
The residency wellness committee is a small group of junior resident leaders who are responsible for incorporating well-being topics into the standard didactic curriculum, coordinating residency recruitment efforts, as well as organizing periodic social and volunteer events to support camaraderie among residents and faculty. The committee advocates for efforts that garner a sense of community and promote a healthy work-life balance for all trainees. Throughout the year, residents also go on outings to local restaurants, hiking trails, and a variety of additional interdisciplinary activities to build connections with other house staff and faculty.Outreach and Engagement
At the UC San Diego Department of Radiology, we believe that meaningful outreach is vital to advancing health and science. We are committed to building inclusive partnerships that connect our department with communities near and far. By engaging with diverse populations and sharing knowledge, we foster an environment where collaboration grows, education deepens and access to radiology improves. Our outreach efforts aim to reduce health disparities, broaden access to care, and inspire global impact through service, innovation and connection.Eligibility and application process
Applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must be in their fourth year of medical school or a graduate of an American or Canadian medical school. In addition, the applicant must either be eligible for licensure or hold a valid medical license in the State of California. International medical graduates will be considered on an individual basis. UC San Diego accepts ECFMG-sponsored J-1 visas. Please note that H-1B visas are not available to trainees at our institution.
This residency program requires an ACGME-approved non-radiology clinical internship prior to beginning radiology training. The application process for an internship is entirely separate from this radiology residency application process. Your internship does not need to be at UC San Diego Medical Center. Most of our residents complete a preliminary medicine, preliminary surgery, or transitional year internship.
Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
Virtual Interview Dates*:
- Monday, December 7th, 2026
- Wednesday, December 9th, 2026
- Friday, December 11th, 2026
- Monday, December 14th, 2026
- Wednesday, December 16th, 2026
- Friday, December 18th, 2026
- Friday, January 8th, 2027
*subject to change/check for updates
Our selection committee will review all applications, including the medical student performance evaluation letters (MSPE or dean's letter). Please provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a radiologist. Additionally, we strongly recommend taking Step II, in addition to Step I. If selected, you will be contacted to schedule a personal interview. We receive over 1,000 applications each year and interview approximately 80 applicants annually. All interviews are scheduled during the month of December.
Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your application! We will review applications and extend invitations on a rolling basis.
Residency Tracks
- Diagnostic radiology: Four-year clinical training program.
- Diagnostic radiology — IMG: For applicants whose residency is funded and sponsored by their home country.
- Diagnostic radiology — T32 Research: Five-year Clinician-Scientist Residency with a dedicated research year (NIH T32 grant).
- Nuclear medicine pathway: Up to 1 resident per class may pursue this track starting in the R2 year.
- Global health pathway: Up to 2 residents per class may choose this track starting in the R1 year.
- ESIR: Up to 2 spots available for the Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) track, selected in the R2 year.
Contact us with questions about our residency and your application: DRinfo@health.ucsd.edu
Clinical Sites
Our diverse clinical sites provide a comprehensive learning environment, exposing residents to a wide range of complex cases and state-of-the-art procedures. This multi-site approach ensures that our trainees gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to excel in interventional radiology and beyond.