July 22, 2022

ARA welcomes first class of Dell Med diagnostic radiology residents

In addition to their work in ARA Diagnostic Imaging centers and local hospitals, many ARA radiologists have thriving academic lives. For the past several years, ARA has joined forces with Dell Medical School by contributing 16 fellowship-trained faculty members to the Division of Radiology.

Now, ARA is a key part of the new Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, welcoming the inaugural class of four radiology residents this July. The new residency program is directed by neuroradiologist Bhairav Patel, MD, a longtime partner at ARA. “ARA is proud to introduce the first diagnostic radiology residency to central Texas, where students will receive an outstanding four years of radiology training,” said Patel, “with an intensive radiology curriculum utilizing the most current imaging techniques, a strong research component, and a common curriculum focusing on value-based care, leadership, and other key competencies in health systems science.”

Through our long history, ARA has been committed to providing radiology education in the community through relationships with Austin Community College and residency programs associated with Brackenridge Hospital. After Dell Medical School was established in 2013, ARA radiologists were brought on board as faculty. In fact, the Division of Radiology is entirely comprised of ARA radiologists.

The partnership has grown with the new radiology residency. ARA faculty members will instruct residents and rotate through ARA imaging centers to study neuroradiology and breast imaging and learn the business aspects of running a successful private practice radiology group.

“We are honored to be launching this residency with such a stellar team,” said Dr. Greg Connor, President of ARA Diagnostic Imaging, “and excited to be mentoring the next generation of radiologists. Our work with Dell Medical School allows ARA to invest in Austin by training new doctors in state-of-the-art diagnostic medicine, which will benefit our patients and our community. We anticipate that many will get to know Austin and choose to stay here to practice.”

On this year’s “Match Day,” when new residents are announced nationwide, Dell Med had a record 169 incoming residents, four of whom have joined the new radiology residency. Of those total residents, it is estimated that nearly half will stay in Texas, and one in four will remain in Austin.

Training for residents consists of a comprehensive curriculum including the full spectrum of diagnostic radiology training, clinical experience, and education in providing outstanding care in diverse clinical practices. The program has a strong research component, with opportunities at both Dell Medical School and UT Austin, the flagship university of The University of Texas System and a Tier 1 research university. Residents also have the option to complete a “mini fellowship” during their fourth year.

The new diagnostic radiology residency is based at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, and residents will rotate through Ascension hospitals, Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, and ARA outpatient imaging centers. The program was accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in 2021 and requires prior completion of a preliminary or transitional intern year.

For more information, please contact Julia Austin at ARA Diagnostic Imaging.