MD PhD programmes with relevance to imaging. Results from a European survey

BACKGROUND: Scientific research is an important part of radiology. PhDs for MDs are becoming increasingly important for an academic career. Developments in training for young radiologists show that the interest in completing a PhD programme with a focus on imaging is significantly increasing. METHODS: It can be assumed that PhDs of relevance to imaging provide excellent training for later scientific work during radiology residency. To evaluate the situation for the availability of PhD programmes with relevance to imaging, a European survey was performed. In total, 100 universities and institutions from 24 European countries responded. RESULTS: In 50.5 % of the responses the universities/institutions offer imaging-related PhD programmes. In 25.6 % of responses radiology departments run their own PhD programme. With regard to handling PhD and radiology training, the most common response was that a PhD is allowed in parallel to radiology training (38.9 %), should be completed partly (15.3 %) and must be completed first (8.3 %). The most common responses for the duration of PhD programmes were 3 years and 4 years (27.8 % each). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the survey has shown that imaging-related PhD programmes are available for radiologists and that radiology departments should be encouraged and supported to develop their own PhD programmes. Finally, this survey may be the first step to develop an online database comprising all these PhD programmes throughout Europe, allowing easy access to this information. MAIN MESSAGES: • PhD programmes with relevance to imaging are becoming increasingly important for young radiologists. • In Europe about half of the universities/institutions offer imaging-related PhD programmes; about a quarter of radiology departments run their own PhD programme. • Where radiology departments have the appropriate facilities and staff they should be encouraged and supported to develop their own PhD programme. • An online database comprising PhD programmes worldwide would be a useful tool for radiologists, allowing for easy access to this information. • PhD programmes are a valuable asset not only for clinicians, but also for universities, institutions and individual radiology programmes alike.