Radiology residency program management post-pandemic-peak: looking down the curve and around the bend()

The three stage model set forth by the ACGME, which provides a framework for pandemic residency program management, is insufficient and could best be expanded to 5 stages to include post-pandemic-peak residency program management. Stage 4, “Increased non-COVID clinical demands,” present the challenge of an increased clinical workload in the setting of social distancing while reengaging the educational mission of the residency program. In Stage 5, “Business as usual, redefined,” the residency program must learn to adapt to new challenges including uncertainty surrounding the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Core examination, uncertainty in the job market, and potential diminished medical student interest in radiology. Despite these challenges, this post-pandemic environment offers tremendous opportunity to build on and enhance the residency program now and into the future.