Department Website: med.unc.edu/radiology
Faculty Member Contacts
John Tobben
Assistant Professor, Musculoskeletal Imaging
john_tobben@med.unc.edu@med.unc.edu
FAQs/Course Recommendations/Additional Info
How do students get assigned a career goal advisor?
Start by emailing with Dr. John Tobben. He will gauge your interest and fit and assign you a career goal advisor. Dr. Tobben is the lead career goal advisor for both Diagnostic Radiology and Interventional Radiology applicants.
What should my Individualization Phase schedule look like?
RADY 401 or RADY 410 (if applying to IR) should be scheduled as early in the year as possible (March-June), both to confirm your interest and to help with letters of recommendation. At least one subspecialty radiology elective should be scheduled early as well. If you are interested in a specific program, and especially if interested in Interventional Radiology, strongly consider an away rotation.
Recommended Courses:
| AI/Acting Internship | Electives |
|---|---|
| 1 of either Internal Medicine or Surgery, 2nd AI per student’s choice | RADY 401, at least 1 additional Radiology Elective, also encourage IR elective if interest in IR |
Should I do an away rotation? What in?
Interventional Radiology – Yes. Diagnostic Radiology – Optional, only if strong interest in a particular place.
Do I need a rotation at UNC if I spent my time in Charlotte/Asheville/Wilmington?
Yes
When do I need to meet with my career goal advisor? How do I prepare?
We are happy to meet at any stage of training. Please have CV, grades, Step 1 and 2 (if applicable) available if requested. The earlier the better, even if you are not sure what your specialty of choice will be.
How many letters of recommendation do I need? From whom should I get them?
Three. At least one should be from a radiologist. One should be from one of your 3rd or 4th year clinical rotations (many but not all are from AI rotations). A second radiology letter may be preferred by some but not all programs. A fourth letter can be useful in select circumstances.
When do I ask for my letters? What do they need?
As soon as you feel like you have finished contact with the letter writer, so you are fresh in their mind. CV, skeleton personal statement, deadline.
How do I determine the best programs I should apply to?
This is quite variable and individualized based on the student. Speaking with the career goal advisors and current radiology residents may be helpful.
I just got this great piece of news…do I need to notify programs
YES
My LORs aren’t in and ERAS just opened!
Send a friendly reminder to your letter writers.
I am waitlisted for an interview at X and I’d really like to see that program. What do I do?
Email them! Give a clear reason of why you are interested in their program.
I didn’t get an interview at X program. Should I send them a “letter of intent”?
Yes! Give clear reasons of why that program and city interest you. Do not be generic.
Should I send thank you letters to programs?
To the Program Director only.
Should I send a letter to the program I am planning to rank #1?
YES! And have clear verbiage.
How do I respond if a program reaches out to me after my interview?
Be very excited, do not promise something that isn’t true.
How important are program signals?
Very important. Signals were added to the main ERAS application for the 2023-24 application cycle. Applicants have a total of 12 signals (6 gold and 6 silver) to send to signals indicating strong interest in interviewing at those programs. Presence of a signal has been shown to significantly increase odds of receiving an interview. Furthermore, a synergistic effect of signals aligned with geographic preference has been noted. You should carefully consider your signaling strategy. The advising team is happy to review this with you.