{"title":"Considerations and perspectives for pursuing overseas radiology training.","authors":"Anmol Dhawan, Puneet Bhargava, Akshay D Baheti","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Radiologists worldwide face growing demand amid expanding imaging needs and subspecialization. For international medical graduates (IMGs), overseas training offers significant opportunity but requires deliberate, goal-aligned decision-making. This article proposes a practical framework to evaluate whether, where, and how to pursue training overseas. We contrast training contexts in low- and middle-income countries with high-income settings and outline benefits and challenges of training overseas, as well as the major determinants of location for further training and practice. The article also describes common elements emphasized in overseas applications, including research productivity, teaching and leadership experience, conference participation, and short observerships, along with the role of professional networking through mentors, academic meetings, and digital platforms. Ultimately, we emphasize that overseas training is not inherently superior or necessary; its value depends on alignment with long-term professional and personal goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145246141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Image-guided core needle biopsy for soft tissue sarcomas: Diagnostic accuracy in determining grade and malignant potential.","authors":"Kaushik Jaganathan, Vaibhav Sahu, Himanshu Rohela, Sunil Pasricha, Ullas Batra","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Core needle biopsy (CNB) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to open biopsy for diagnosing soft tissue sarcomas (STS). However, its accuracy in determining tumor grade and distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions remains a subject of ongoing research.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the diagnostic accuracy of image-guided CNB for soft tissue sarcomas, focusing on grade determination and benign vs. malignant distinction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study analysed 83 patients who underwent both CNB and surgical excision for soft tissue tumors between 2020 and 2024. CNB results were compared with final histopathology findings. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall accuracy of CNB was 95.18 % (95 % CI: 88.11 % - 98.71 %) for distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions, with a sensitivity of 96.34 % (95 % CI: 89.68 % - 99.24 %) and PPV of 98.75 % (95 % CI: 93.23 % - 99.97 %). For grade determination, CNB showed an accuracy of 86.75 % (95 % CI: 77.52 % - 93.19 %), with sensitivity of 85.92 % (95 % CI: 75.67 % - 93.03 %) and specificity of 91.67 % (95 % CI: 61.52 % - 99.79 %) for high-grade tumors. ROC curve analysis demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability with AUC of 0.982 for benign vs. malignant distinction and 0.888 for grade determination. Diagnostic accuracy varied across sarcoma subtypes, with some rare types showing perfect accuracy and more common types demonstrating moderate to good sensitivity and high specificity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Image-guided CNB demonstrates high overall accuracy in diagnosing and grading soft tissue sarcomas, particularly in identifying malignant lesions. While performance varies across sarcoma subtypes, these findings support the use of CNB as a reliable diagnostic tool in the management of suspected soft tissue sarcomas.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding the significant underrepresentation of women in radiology.","authors":"Veena Peraka, Karuna Raj, Julie Champine, Bersu Ozcan, Basak Dogan","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this systematic review is to highlight the reasons for a significant underrepresentation of women in radiology. We systematically examined the gender disparity within radiology across career stages, including medical school, residency training, and faculty positions. A comprehensive literature analysis was conducted to identify the determinants influencing female medical students' and physicians' pursuit of radiology. Despite women making up approximately half of medical school graduates, their representation in radiology remains disproportionately low. Contributing factors include a scarcity of female mentors and insufficient exposure to radiology during medical training, leading to persistent misconceptions about the specialty. Additionally, female radiology faculty members encounter challenges, including gender bias and difficulty advancing in leadership positions, which contribute to professional dissatisfaction. Strategies like the formation of Women in Radiology groups and institutional initiatives have been established to increase mentorship for female trainees and progression of faculty in their careers. The underrepresentation of women is a concern that warrants attention due to the unique collaborative and empathetic dimensions that women contribute to patient care and education. Throughout their careers, women encounter numerous obstacles that affect their exposure to, involvement in, and satisfaction with the field. Addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing the presence and influence of women in radiology.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145260279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dr Venkatesh Manchikanti, Alok Kumar Mittal, Rola Husain, Dr Pradnya Gawai, Dr Syeda Shabistan Intekhab, Dr Emtenen M Meer, Dr Athbi Athab Naief, Dr Sameer Bhimjibhai Raniga
{"title":"Radiologist's roadmap to the Middle East: pathways and practical considerations for employment in GCC countries.","authors":"Dr Venkatesh Manchikanti, Alok Kumar Mittal, Rola Husain, Dr Pradnya Gawai, Dr Syeda Shabistan Intekhab, Dr Emtenen M Meer, Dr Athbi Athab Naief, Dr Sameer Bhimjibhai Raniga","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Radiology practice in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, has rapidly expanded over the past two decades, attracting radiologists from across the world. This review provides a practical and comprehensive, country-specific guide for international radiologists seeking professional opportunities in the region. It outlines the standardized steps for credential verification through Primary Source Verification, the licensing examinations required by each regulatory authority, and explains the tier-based eligibility system that classifies applicants as specialists or consultants. The article also compares practice settings in private, public, and academic healthcare sectors, highlighting the workload, responsibilities, and academic expectations. Job search strategies are discussed, including reliable online platforms and country-specific recruitment portals. By combining regulatory guidance with real-world insights, this article aims to simplify the migration process and support successful integration into the region's evolving healthcare systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Syed Muhammad Awais Bukhari, Rohin Sharma, Arashdeep Kaur, Natally AlArab, Amit Gupta
{"title":"Navigating the ABR alternate pathway: a comprehensive guide for international medical graduates.","authors":"Syed Muhammad Awais Bukhari, Rohin Sharma, Arashdeep Kaur, Natally AlArab, Amit Gupta","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Given the growing demand for more radiologists in the United States, the American Board of Radiology (ABR) offers an alternate pathway to ABR certification for qualified international medical graduates having completed their radiology residency in their home country. This pathway offers IMGs to become eligible for ABR certification without having to repeat radiology residency in the United States. The aim of this paper is to provide eligible candidates with a holistic review of the processes pertaining to this ABR alternate pathway and help candidates navigate the process.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145214915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Interventional radiology for international medical graduates: Pathways, perspectives, and possibilities.","authors":"Riddhi Borse, Zubin Irani","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Interventional radiology (IR) represents one of medicine's most transformative specialties, yet International Medical Graduates (IMGs) face unique challenges when pursuing this competitive specialty in the United States (US). This review examines the current landscape of the four IR training pathways available in the US, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each route, including analysis of the recent NRMP match data, and provides strategic guidance for successful career development. We demonstrate that while the path to IR for IMGs demands targeted preparation, strategic planning, and often multiple application cycles, success remains achievable for those committed to transforming patient care through minimally invasive innovation.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agatha Stanek, Cyrus T Thomas, Matthew P Schenker, Zhou Lan, Daniel I Glazer
{"title":"The effect of primary operator specialty on diagnostic yield and bleeding complications following percutaneous native renal parenchymal biopsy.","authors":"Agatha Stanek, Cyrus T Thomas, Matthew P Schenker, Zhou Lan, Daniel I Glazer","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of image-guided percutaneous native renal parenchymal biopsy when performed by abdominal radiologists and nephrologists.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This IRB-approved single institution retrospective study included all patients undergoing percutaneous native renal parenchymal biopsies performed by abdominal radiologists and nephrologists 1/1/22-12/31/23. Basic demographic data (age, sex, weight), guidance modality, needle gauge, biopsy technique, number of core samples, adverse events, and number of glomeruli obtained were all collected from the electronic health record. Adverse events were graded according to Common Terminology of Adverse Events criteria. Categorical variables were compared with a Fisher exact test and continuous variables were compared with a t-test. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess variables that were predictive of adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 375 biopsies were performed during the study period, 109 by radiologists and 266 by nephrologists. Diagnostic rate was 100% [109/109] for radiologists and 99.2% [264/266] for nephrologists (p=1.0). Mean number of glomeruli (36.7 vs. 30.9; p<0.001) was higher for biopsies performed by radiologists. Patients undergoing radiologist-performed biopsies were heavier (mean weight 95.8 kg vs 75.1 kg, p<0.001). The incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events was similar for radiologists compared to nephrologists (0.9% [1/109] vs 1.1% [3/266]; p=1.0).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Percutaneous renal parenchymal biopsies performed by both specialties achieved nearly universal diagnostic success and had low rates of major complications. Slightly more glomeruli were obtained with radiologist-performed biopsies.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Radiology pathways in the United Kingdom for international medical graduates.","authors":"Ameya Kawthalkar, Tejas Kapadia","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Radiology remains a highly sought-after specialty in the United Kingdom (UK), attracting a substantial number of international medical graduates (IMGs) who seek opportunities to train or practise within the National Health Service (NHS). For IMGs, multiple pathways exist, broadly categorized into the postgraduate medical graduate (PLAB) route for those without prior radiology training, and the postgraduate qualification (PGQ) route for those already trained in radiology abroad. Additional avenues include sponsorship schemes such as the Medical Training Initiative (MTI). This article provides a comprehensive review of these pathways, highlighting requirements for Graduate Medical Council (GMC) registration, foundation equivalence, fellowship opportunities, and consultant-level posts. A practical overview of entry routes, job types, and career progression options is provided to guide prospective IMG radiologists in making informed decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Catalina Jaramillo, Kristina Ramirez-Garcia, Emma C Ferguson, Carlos S Restrepo, Daniel Ocazionez
{"title":"The PE puzzle: Identifying and differentiating mimics of acute and chronic pulmonary embolism on CTPA.","authors":"Catalina Jaramillo, Kristina Ramirez-Garcia, Emma C Ferguson, Carlos S Restrepo, Daniel Ocazionez","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and overlapping imaging features with a wide array of conditions. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing PE, but technical limitations and mimicking entities may lead to false-positive interpretations. This review highlights key radiologic mimics of acute and chronic PE, grouped into artifacts and slow-flow phenomena, tumoral mimics, pseudo-defects from adjacent structures, and chronic PE mimics. Particular focus is placed on common pitfalls such as motion artifacts, pulmonary artery opacification artifacts, and transient interruption of contrast. We outline distinctive imaging features and offer practical strategies to optimize acquisition protocols and interpretative accuracy, including the use of dual-source CT, ECG-gating, and attenuation-based criteria. Recognizing these mimics is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate clinical management. This review aims to equip radiologists and trainees with a structured diagnostic framework to improve confidence and accuracy when interpreting CTPA in suspected PE.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145215022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A blueprint for implementing the ABR alternate pathway: A program perspective.","authors":"Mazzin Elsamaloty, Navid Faraji, Inas Mohamed","doi":"10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2025.09.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The alternate pathway allows radiology programs to tap into a large pool of talented international medical graduates for recruitment into fellowship positions and potentially faculty positions thereafter. This can be a valuable tool for recruitment in the face of increasing imaging volumes and radiologists' shortage. This paper provides key points of consideration for programs hoping to implement the alternate pathway given that there is a relative paucity of readily available guidance on implementing the pathway. Attention is given to legal barriers such as state medical licensure and visas, financial barriers such as fellowship position funding, and recruitment aspects for maximizing the available talent pool. Additionally, some advice is given for the often-overlooked aspect of finding ways to best support the international fellows once they arrive in the United States to create a smoother transition and welcoming environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":93969,"journal":{"name":"Current problems in diagnostic radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145214946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}