Welcome from the Chief Residents

Much has changed within the department recently; however the radiology residency at Penn State continues to thrive academically, educationally and personally. Many of our energetic attendings have worked to promote scholarly activity at Penn State, giving residents greater opportunity to become involved in research. Several residents have had the opportunity to present their projects at national meetings. For example, second year resident Jonathan Enterline presented his research at ARRS Spring 2011 regarding an improved CT pre-hydration protocol recently developed under the guidance of Dr. Sarwani. 

 

Several sections have taken an active role in improving education.  The much missed “chalk and talk” lectures that Dr. McNamara (“Tank”) provided for so many years have been replaced with two weekly Neuro case conferences reviewing interesting and rare cases. Nuclear medicine and MSK radiology have also created new challenging case based curriculum for the residents, which the residents have playfully nicknamed the “pain train” and the “torture chamber.” Despite these unpleasant titles created in jest, these case conferences are a great benefit to us! 

 

Despite our busy daily clinical responsibilities, we find time to relax together outside the hospital. Alexis Shively (3rd year resident) has assumed the role of social chair and hopes to continue planning activities for the residents including a rafting trip and Senators’ baseball game. 

 

We welcome back one of our former residents, Alison Chetlen (2009 graduate), who joined the women’s imaging faculty at East Campus this past September. Alison has been instrumental in beginning a journal club in mammography entitled “Breasts and Bagels.” She has been generous in sharing her knowledge and experience from recently completed women’s imaging fellowship at the University of Virginia. 

 

The faculty’s continued support for our program’s mission statement of educational excellence is again demonstrated as our residents continue to score high on the annual ACR national in-training examination. In addition our graduating residents continue to secure fellowships at top ranked academic institutions around the country. 

 

Now is an exciting time to be involved in the PSU radiology residency program. The faculty has continued to improve our academic and educational opportunities. Camaraderie continues to thrive between residents and faculty. We hope to continue this trend of excellence in the next academic year.

 

Rebecca and Martha

Chief residents