Radiology and Imaging Sciences is proud to support medical education across all phases of the College of Medicine – Tucson MD curriculum through dedicated radiology electives and didactic instruction. Our mission is to enrich each student’s clinical training by building a strong, integrated understanding of modern imaging modalities.

We prepare learners to interpret imaging effectively, communicate findings with confidence and collaborate seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes. Our hybrid elective combines interactive Aquifer modules with immersive reading room experience, offering students both foundational knowledge and real‑world clinical exposure.

Radiology Elective Courses

• RADI 800 Radiology Research
• RADI 850A Diagnostic Radiology
• RADI 850B Nuclear Medicine
• RADI 850C Neuroradiology
• RADI 850D Pediatric Radiology
• RADI 850E Breast Imaging
• RADI 850F Musculoskeletal Radiology
• RADI 850G Vascular and Interventional Radiology
• RADI 891A Radiology (Away Rotation)
• RADI 891B Diagnostic Radiology
• RADI 899 Radiology Independent Study

Overview of Rotations

Radiology rotations begin with an orientation provided by the course director, Chris Miller, MD. Each four-week rotation consists of a common schedule:

8 a.m. – noon

• Shadowing of attendings, fellows and residents in hospital reading rooms
• Observing and participating in procedures in the clinical space

noon – 5 p.m.

• Attending medical student lectures and flipped classroom sessions (in Tower 1, Conference Room 201)
• Flexible study time to complete modules and other educational activities

Students taking the diagnostic radiology elective (RADI 850A), our core course, are also required to:

• Complete Aquifer radiology modules
• Give an oral presentation to your medical student peers
• Take a written final examination

We accept eight students per rotation for RADI 850A. Fourth-year medical students receive four credit hours for four weeks on the rotation. Students are required to spend one week in the Division of Cardiothoracic Radiology and may choose from the following sections for the remaining weeks on rotation:

• Abdominal Radiology
• Breast Imaging
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Radiology and Theranostics
• Pediatric Radiology
• Ultrasound Imaging
• Vascular/Interventional Radiology

Several of the radiology course electives offer a more in-depth introduction to a radiology sub-specialty. Typically, students who are interested in radiology as a career take the Diagnostic Radiology (RADI 850A) elective, and then return for another rotation in a more specific elective in which they spend all four weeks.