Medical Student Education

Medical Students Senior Electives

 

"The teaching reflects the excellent reputation this department and institution has worldwide. Having attended several rotations of this type in several institutions, I must say this has been my best and most learned one yet. I learned more in the few weeks here than I had in the first three years of medical school."
- David Mobley, MS4

 

Henry I. Goldberg Center for Advanced Imaging Education Overview

Henry Goldberg Center for Advanced Imaging Education History

The Henry I. Goldberg Center for Advanced Imaging Education continues to expand its role in medical student education at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). Radiology is integrated into all of the components of the core medical school curriculum that spans the first two years of medical school. In conjunction with gross anatomy, radiologic anatomy and the applications of radiology are taught during the Prologue, Cardiopulmonary, Renal, Cancer: Bench to Bedside, Brain, Mind & Behavior, Metabolism & Nutrition and Life Cycle courses. The center coordinates electives in radiology on the Parnassus campusVeterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), and ZSFG.

The facility includes a large multimedia conference room used for medical student, resident and postgraduate courses; a dedicated student classroom; as well as a computer resource area with a PACS workstation.

The Center also provides career and curricular advising and mentoring for many students.

The Department of Radiology is committed to serving diversity and providing opportunities for groups historically underrepresented in Medicine. Find out more about our Diversity Committee and Opportunities on our Diversity website.

Course Descriptions

First and Second Year Electives (UCSF ONLY)

Radiology 170.04: Introduction to Radiology

Introduction to Radiology is a noon elective intended for UCSF students (medical, nursing, pharmacy) who are interested in medical imaging from a clinical or research perspective. Through weekly lectures by radiologists from the UCSF Department of Radiology, students are introduced to the various subspecialties within the field of radiology; the fundamental theory, clinical utility, and limitations of each imaging modality; and, the most recent scientific advances in and future applications of medical imaging.

Emily M. Webb, MD - Intro to Radiology 170.04Emily M. Webb, MD
Course Director
170.04 Introduction to Radiology

 


Radiology 170.08: Introduction to Interventional Radiology

This course is intended for first-year and second-year medical students who are interested in interventional radiology. Through weekly lectures by interventional radiologists from the UCSF Department of Radiology, student will be introduced to the field of interventional radiology; the fundamental theory, clinical utility and limitations of the field; and the most recent scientific advances in and future applications of interventional radiology.

Vishal Kumar, MD - Intro to Interventional Radiology 170.08Vishal Kumar, MD
Course Director
170.08 Intro to Interventional Radiology (for pre-clinical students)

 

Third Year Electives (UCSF ONLY)

130.01 CIEx:  Interventional Radiology

This is a Bridges Curriculum Clinical Immersive Experience (CIEx), which provide medical students in Foundations 2 opportunities to broaden and enhance their professional development in health care settings different from those of their core clerkships. Students will learn unique and innovative treatment options available to patients in Interventional Radiology. Students will participate in morning rounds, inpatient consult service, outpatient clinic service, the angio suite, and conferences.

Evan Lehrman, MDEvan Lehrman, MD
Course Director
130.01 CIEx:  Interventional Radiology

 


130.02 CIEx:  Interventional Radiology - VAMC-SF 

This is a Bridges Curriculum Clinical Immersive Experience (CIEx), which provide medical students in Foundations 2 opportunities to broaden and enhance their professional development in health care settings different from those of their core clerkships. This course will provide students with subspecialty experience in interventional radiology, including opportunities to recognize common diagnoses in interventional radiology practice, observe common procedures, and compose treatment plans.

Rajiv Sawhney, MDRajiv Sawhney, MD
Course Director
130.02 CIEx:  Interventional Radiology (VAMC)

 


130.03 CIEx:  Interventional Radiology Immersion - ZSFG

This is a Bridges Curriculum Clinical Immersive Experience (CIEx), which provide medical students in Foundations 2 opportunities to broaden and enhance their professional development in health care settings different from those of their core clerkships.Students will learn unique and innovative treatment options available to patients in Interventional Radiology. Students will participate in morning rounds, inpatient consult service, outpatient clinic service, the angio suite, and conferences.

Vishal Kumar, MDVishal Kumar, MD
Course Director
130.03 CIEx:  Interventional Radiology Immersion (ZSFG)

 


130.04 CIEx:  Apprenticeship Experience in Radiology

This 2 week course is intended for third year students considering Radiology as a career and hoping to gain some clinical exposure before fourth year. It is designed to give a broad overview of the practice of radiology to third year students considering it as a career. This elective will introduce students to the reading room and procedure rooms across an array of radiology subspecialties including thoracic imagingabdominal imagingpediatric radiologyneuroradiologymusculoskeletal radiologybreast imagingnuclear medicine, and ultrasound. Didactic lectures and self-instructional modules will be incorporated, but the majority of the student’s time will be spent in the clinical care environment.

This elective gives a broad overview of the specialty but is not comprehensive and is not designed for those definitely going into other specialties. 

Emily M. Webb, MD - Intro to Radiology 170.04Emily M. Webb, MD
Co-Course Director
130.04 CIEx:  Apprenticeship Experience in Radiology

 

Maya Vella, MDMaya Vella, MD
Co-Course Director
130.04 CIEx:  Apprenticeship Experience in Radiology

Senior Electives Recommendations

It is highly recommended that ALL students at UCSF take Radiology 140.03, Diagnostic Radiology, which will gives the foundation knowledge required of graduating physicians who will be ordering diagnostic imaging as part of their practice. The material presented will expand on the radiology content presented in IDS113 during F2. Radiology 140.15, 140.18, 140.19 and/or 140.22 may be appropriate IN ADDITION to 140.03 for students with targeted interest. Please see the Senior Electives tab for course descriptions.

Senior Electives - for students currently registered in their final year

Radiology 140.03: Diagnostic Radiology (UCSF Students only)

This elective under the direction of Dr. Emily Webb and Dr. Maya Vella, takes place on the Parnassus campus and is a 2-week elective open to 4th year UCSF students and includes a comprehensive review of diagnostic imaging. This is accomplished in a small group classroom setting in the Goldberg Center located on the Parnassus campus. Lectures and small group case based sessions, and some self-instructional learning (computer modules) with radiology faculty, fellows and residents. Topics cover the full spectrum of clinical medicine.


Radiology 140.19: Advanced Clinical Clerkship in Radiology (UCSF & Visiting Students)

In this elective, students have the opportunity to observe the practice of radiology in action at Moffitt/Long, SFGH or the VA. Students may choose a specific subspecialty area of academic interest including: abdominalcardiac & pulmonaryinterventionalmusculoskeletalneuroradiologynuclear medicinepediatricsultrasound, or breast imaging. Under the supervision of Chief of that section along with section faculty, fellows, and residents the student will participate in daily clinical activities of radiology with an emphasis on image interpretation, observing procedures, attending clinical conferences, and viewing teaching files.

This elective is recommended only for students going into radiology or students who want specific subspecialty radiology training (Abdominal imaging for future surgeons, Pediatric imaging for future pediatricians, etc.) The elective involves 4 weeks on service in a single radiology reading room (at Moffitt/Long, SFGH or the VA). It is possible to do small projects while on service, and it is possible to request a letter of recommendation after this elective. Enrollment is by special arrangement. 

Emily M. Webb, MD - Intro to Radiology 170.04Emily M. Webb, MD
Co-Course Director
140.19 Clinical Radiology Elective

 

Maya Vella, MDMaya Vella, MD
Co-Course Director
140.19 Clinical Radiology Elective

 


Radiology 140.15: Interventional Radiology at ZSFG  (UCSF & Visiting Students)

Students will be introduced to the field of interventional radiology in this elective under the direction of Dr. Miles Conrad. This will include simulation of core ultrasound guided procedures (paracentesis, thoracentesis, venous access) and hands on patient procedures. He or she will spend 4 weeks working alongside the IR service resident, NP, and attending to diagnose, treat, and care for patients with a variety of conditions in the oncology, trauma, critical care and hospital setting. A sub-focus will be on neurointerventional interventions.

This hands-on Interventional Radiology course is recommended for students going into radiology or students who want specific training in interventions (future vascular surgeons, etc.) This is one of two courses in the Radiology curriculum in which earning an “Honors” is possible (Tier 1B).  Students work with individual faculty enough to facilitate a letter of recommendation, if needed. Enrollment is by special arrangement.

Miles Conrad, MD - Intro to Interventional Radiology 140.15 Miles Conrad, MD
Course Director
140.15 Intro to Interventional Radiology (for MS4s; at SFGH)

 


Radiology 140.18: Interventional Radiology at the Veterans Affairs Hospital (UCSF & Visiting Students)

In this elective, under the direction of Dr. Rajiv Sawhney, students will have the opportunity to review the indications for IR procedures, perform patient history and physical exams, discuss new patients and current IR patients with the IR team, scrub in and assist on a wide variety of IR procedures, see patients in follow-up and thus serve as an integral part of the IR team.

This hands-on Interventional Radiology course is recommended for students going into radiology or students who want specific training in interventions (future vascular surgeons, etc.) This is one of two courses in the Radiology curriculum in which earning an “Honors” is possible (Tier 1B).  Students work with individual faculty enough to facilitate a letter of recommendation, if needed. Enrollment is by special arrangement.

"Radiology 140.18: It was a great experience working with Dr. Rajiv Sawhney. With his help, I was able to understand and visualize how anatomy and pathology come together. He was very welcoming to students, and allowed me to have a hands-on role in the IR procedures. I would recommend the course to anyone." - Cameron Barr, UCSF School of Medicine

Rajiv Sawhney, MD -  Interventional Radiology140.18 ElectiveRajiv Sawhney, MD
Course Director
140.18 Interventional Radiology Elective (VAMC)

 


Radiology 140.22: Interventional Radiology at Parnassus (UCSF & Visiting Students)

In this elective, under the direction of Evan Lehrman, MD students will have the opportunity to review the indications for IR procedures, perform patient history and physical exams, discuss new patients and current IR patients with the IR team, scrub in and assist on a wide variety of IR procedures, see patients in follow-up and thus serve as an integral part of the IR team.

This hands-on Interventional Radiology course is recommended for students going into radiology or students who want specific training in interventions (future vascular surgeons, etc.) This is one of two courses in the Radiology curriculum in which earning an “Honors” is possible (Tier 1B).  Students work with individual faculty enough to facilitate a letter of recommendation, if needed. Enrollment is by special arrangement.

Evan Lehrman, MD - Inerventional Radiology Elective 140.22Evan Lehrman, MD
Course Director
140.22 Interventional Radiology Elective (Parnassus)

 


Rad 150.01 – Research Elective in Radiology

Research is available by arrangement with specific faculty preceptors. Interested candidates who do not have a research mentor should send their CVs to the Goldberg Center's Medical Student Coordinator, Samira Zebarjadian ([email protected]) along with your research interests and available dates to be paired with possible projects that are currently active.

Maya Vella, MDMaya Vella, MD
Course Director
150.01 Research Elective

 

 Course Enrollment Procedures

UCSF Students

MS3 Course:

To schedule Rad 130.04 CIEx, the Radiology Primer for MS3s who might be interested in radiology as a specialty, please contact the Goldberg Center Student Coordinator, Samira Zebarjadian ([email protected]) with desired dates. The Medical Student Coordinator will follow up with the student to determine if the course is appropriate and if faculty are available.

MS4 Courses:

To schedule Rad 140.19 (Advanced Clinical Clerkship in Radiology in Radiology) or the interventional radiology courses (Rad 140.15 at ZSFG, Rad 140.18 at the VA, Rad 140.22 at Parnassus), please contact the Medical Student Coordinator with the following information:

  • Desired dates
  • Desired subspecialty area (Abdominal, Chest/Cardiac, Musculoskeletal, Neuroradiology, Nuclear Medicine, Pediatric, Ultrasound, or Breast Imaging)
  • Desired location for IR course (Parnassus, ZSFG, VA), if applicable
  • Description (two-three sentences max) on how this course fits in with your intended career path.
  • What diagnostic radiology electives/courses or other radiology experiences will you have had, prior to this elective?
  • Intended residency area
  • CV

The Medicial Student Coordinator will contact UME if the student is to be scheduled for these courses.

Visiting Students

Radiology will accept 4th year visiting medical students in accordance with the UCSF School of Medicine Visiting Student Program timeline and procedures. For more information, please visit our Visiting Student Program website

Interventional radiology is best 1-on-1 time with faculty for writing high quality letters of recommendation, followed by Rad 140.19. If you have any questions about letters of recommendation, please call the learning center coordinator who can advise you or help you find someone to ask. Currently, the Department cannot accommodate any volunteer or shadowing requests from outside UC students.

To schedule Rad 140.19 (Advanced Clinical Clerkship in Radiology in Radiology) or the interventional radiology courses (Rad 140.15 at ZSFG, Rad 140.18 at the VA, Rad 140.22 at Parnassus), please contact the Goldberg Center with the following information:

  • Desired course & rotation block(s) 

  • Desired subspecialty area (if RAD 140.19): abdominal, cardiac/chest, musculoskeletal, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, pediatrics, ultrasound, or breast imaging. 

  • Desired location for IR course (Parnassus, ZSFG, VA) if applicable

  • Description (two-three sentences max) on how this course fits in with your intended career path.

  • What radiology experiences will you have had prior to this elective?

  • Intended residency program or specialty area

  • Attach a copy of your CV

The Medical Student Coordinator will check with the division to see if staffing is available.

If you are accepted for the elective, your application must be completed through VSAS. The completed application, documents and payment must be received 6-8 weeks prior to the rotation start date.  Failure to do so may result in cancellation of elective.  More information can be found at the VSAS website.

Non-Refundable Fees

  • VSAS fee: $300
  • UCSF Student ID Badge: $42

Advising, Research and Other Information

Career Advising and Mentoring

Career advising and mentoring are available to medical students through the Goldberg Center. Dr. Emily Webb, Dr. Maya Vella and Dr. Soonmee Cha are available for email or face-to-face advising. Dr. Webb and Dr. Vella are confidential advisors who do not serve on the residency admissions committee. She may answer questions about curriculum planning, career planning, and the residency application process. Dr. Cha is the UCSF Radiology Residency Program director and is on the residency selection committee. She may also serve as an advisor to those going through the application process. To begin the process or find out more information, please contact the Henry Goldberg Center for Advanced Imaging Education.

Radiology Interest Group

The Radiology Interest Group, which is supported by the Goldberg Center, provides another opportunity for students to explore the field of radiology. One of the popular activities involves a panel of residents and senior students matched in residencies who share with attendees their personal experiences with the residency application process and answer questions. Please contact Dr. Emily Webb for more information.

Opportunities

Research (For Credit)

Research for credit is available for UCSF MS4s, and more information is under the Senior Electives section of the Course Descriptions section.
For Non-UCSF students:  Research is available by arrangement with a specific faculty preceptors. A UCSF faculty PI should be established before applying in VSAS. Once you and a faculty agree on a project, please email [email protected] and cc’ your faculty mentor, at a minimum of 6 weeks before your potential start date, to begin the enrollment process. This elective only applies to students who will be receiving academic credit at their home institutions (note: If you are unable to find a faculty research mentor, you may want to look into our DR or IR clinical electives).

Research (Not-for-Credit)

UCSF MS1s, MS2s and MS3s who are interested in research may contact the Goldberg Center to learn what volunteer opportunities are available. Non-UCSF students who have obtained a research project with a UCSF faculty member should contact the Goldberg Center for more information about required paperwork, access to systems, etc.

AMSER Henry Goldberg Medical Student Award

The Alliance for Medical Student Educators in Radiology (AMSER), in coalltion with the Association of University Radiologists (AUR), offers recipients of this award a $500 honorarium and certificate for the the most outstanding abstract for a paper, poster, or electronic exhibit. Please note that this award is not administered by UCSF. More information is on the AUR site.

ACR Summer Internship

Information on the American College of Radiology (ACR) Summer Internship program can be found at the ACR website.

Research Initiative to promote Diversity in Radiology (RIDR Program)

RIDR is a new research and academic career development program funded by the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and developed by the department’s Diversity and Inclusion committee. We provide unique research experiences and focused mentorship to students from diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to provide an early opportunity for high school, college, and medical students to explore radiology as a career choice and support the next wave of innovation in our field. More information is on the RIDR site.

Radiology Elective to promote Diversity in Radiology (REDR Program)

REDR Program is supported by the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and developed by the department’s Diversity and Inclusion committee. The REDR program was designed to encourage fourth year medical students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in radiology (including but not limited to women, persons underrepresented in medicine, individuals identifying as LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, religious minorities, and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds) to apply for a two-week fourth year clinical elective offered through the School of Medicine at UCSF. More information is on the REDR site.

This elective is only open to 4th year visiting medical students who are eligible to apply through AAMC Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS).

Shadowing

If you are a medical student considering radiology as a speciality, there are a number of resources we recommend for you to learn more information. For first and second year students, there are the 170 courses and the radiology interest group. For third year students, 130.04/CIEx is a great course designed to help students decide before they have to make a final decision for residency applications. If you feel you need additional exposure to the field, particularly early in medical school, please contact us. We offer programs to provide more exposure to the clinical realm, and if finding a research project is more your interest, we can put you in contact with faculty who may have available research projects.

Technologist Training Program

UCSF does not offer a technologist training program. For more information, please contact Jeff Geiger.

I will undoubtedly be a better resident (and ultimately attending physician) as a result of the greater familiarity with imaging that I developed in this class. It was clear that a good deal of thought was put into ensuring a balance of breadth and depth. It was also nice to interact with medical students from other countries who (besides being nice people) provided interesting insights into the practice of medicine in their respective countries. We don't get that many opportunities to do this within our standard curriculum, and I found this refreshing."

-Aaron Tward, MS4

Co-Chairs, Medical Student Education at the Henry Goldberg Center

Professor
Director of Medical Student Education
Academy Chair for Education
Professor Clinical Radiology
Assistant Professor
Asst Prof Clinical Radiology