4 year programme

The DM Radiology programme consists of 4 years, which is divided into two parts: Part I and Part II. 

Part I

This consists of and includes radiologic physics, basic radiography, radiology procedures and anatomy.

Part II

This part of the programme consists of a minimum of 144 weeks in Diagnostic Radiology. Trainees will also be given instructions in:

a) Basic research methods

b) Presentation of scientific papers

c) Medical and research ethics

d) Quality assurance

The candidate’s responsibility in discussion with their supervisor includes preparation of a Clinical Research Project, to be decided upon at the beginning of Year 2. By the end of year 2, their research protocol should have been submitted for approval. The report should be suitable for submission for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal. Candidates will be required to submit said scientific paper within a maximum of 18 months after commencing the project. This will allow ample time for review and corrections. Unless said project/paper is deemed satisfactory by the end of Year 3, the candidate will not be allowed to sit DM Part II examinations. Trainees will also be expected to chair interdepartmental review meetings as part of their training, as well as to participate in the training of medical students.

Examination

• The DM examinations in Radiology are held once per year, in early to mid-May. Repeat examinations may be held six months (in November of the same year) after the candidate’s initial attempt, at the discretion of the Coordinator, in consultation with the Head of the Department. Please note that November examinations are for the express purpose of facilitating repeat candidates. Said exams will not be held if there are no candidates repeating examinations.
• The Part I examination assesses knowledge and diagnostic skills covered in the curriculum for the Part I Programme. The examination is held at the end of the first year. The examination consists of four parts, divided into two sections as follows:

Section A: Two written papers.

Section B: The clinical session, consisting of film viewing spotter and an oral examination

• All candidates will sit Section A in their territory. Candidates successful in Section A will be invited to sit Section B, the Clinical examination. The venue for this part of the exam will be announced to the candidates at least six (6) months prior to the examination date. Candidates unsuccessful in Section A will be deemed to have failed the examination and will not be invited to the Clinical Examination. A candidate will be considered as successful in the Part I Examination if they have successfully passed Sections A and B of the examination.
• The Part II Examination is held at the end of the fourth year and covers the candidate’s knowledge of the full range of diagnostic investigations and intervention procedures. The examination consists of four parts, divided into two sections as follows:

Section A: Two written papers.

Section B: The clinical session, consisting of film viewing spotter and an oral examination

• Candidates are allowed only two (2) attempts at each examination. Candidates who are unsuccessful in their Part I examinations in the first instance but successful on the second attempt, will be allowed to sit Part II examinations in Year 4 provided they have fulfilled all other stipulated requirements. The course should be completed within a maximum of 6 years, after which the candidate will be required to withdraw unconditionally.

Elective

Candidates are encouraged to spend up to one year in a specialist department overseas approved by the Specialty Board. This can be from Year 2 through Year 4, the candidate being required to return to the Radiology department at the UWI, no later than 3 months prior to final DM examinations. GMC registration would be an asset in this regard as there are opportunities for hands on experience in the United Kingdom.

Exemption

Candidates who have completed periods of study in recognized hospitals or institutions may apply to the Specialty Board for exemption from the appropriate section of the Programme.