Many residents beginning their journey in radiology share a common sentiment: the overwhelming feeling of inadequacy. This feeling, often voiced within communities like the Student Doctor Network Radiology forums, can be particularly intense during the first year. While some find reassurance in the idea that these struggles lessen over time, others, like myself as I progress into my second year, find these feelings intensifying. My primary concern centers around a persistent sense of incompetence and the daunting realization that radiology may be inherently too challenging for my abilities. The daily struggle involves accurately identifying abnormalities, especially within the complexities of cross-sectional imaging. Even when an abnormality is apparent, the process of articulating its characteristics and formulating a differential diagnosis feels arduous and often leads to uncertainty about the final report’s precision.
My challenges manifest in specific areas, with a recurring pattern of oversights. Lymph nodes, lung nodules, subtle aneurysms in head and neck CTAs, inconspicuous fat stranding, a dilated pulmonary artery, and rib fractures are among the findings that frequently escape my initial detection. Bowel imaging presents another significant hurdle. While recognizing obstructions is sometimes achievable, pinpointing the transition point remains consistently elusive. Despite dedicated study outside of work hours, my struggles persist. I acknowledge that information retention requires significantly more effort for me compared to my peers. Furthermore, I’m realizing that possessing theoretical radiology knowledge is distinct from cultivating the essential “radiology eye” and achieving fluency in the specialized vocabulary of the field. While some colleagues appear to possess an innate sense of normalcy versus abnormality, my own judgment, characterized by indecisiveness, feels underdeveloped. Diligent efforts to review numerous cases and study reports from experienced radiologists have yielded only marginal improvements, leaving me feeling as though I’m fundamentally missing a crucial element of radiological interpretation. The apparent ease with which my classmates navigate these complexities further amplifies my feelings of inadequacy.
These anxieties are culminating as I approach the commencement of independent call duties. The prospect of my performance being directly assessed through attending overreads is a source of considerable stress. Currently, the attending radiologists identify my omissions during read-outs, allowing for pre-sign-off report revisions. However, the imminent shift to independent call raises critical questions. How can I effectively enhance my accuracy, improve my speed, and elevate the quality of my reports? Is seeking a postponement of call a viable option, despite the logistical challenges of staffing? Or is the experience of independent call itself the necessary crucible for growth, a period where misses and imperfect reports are accepted as part of the learning curve? These are the pressing questions that weigh heavily as I navigate the demanding path of radiology residency, hoping to find guidance and strategies for improvement within resources like the Student Doctor Network radiology community.
