Let's Keep On Fu*kin Goinngggg: 2023-2024 Radiology Applications Are Now Open (Part 2)!

Part 2 of our hot take on the changes to the 2024 radiology application, what it means for you and of course, how you can smash it (the RadCast way)!

Long time no see mi amigo!

If you haven’t read part 1, then what are you doing? Don’t be that person. Go read it, come back so you get the complete picture.

Without further ado, let’s get into it.

The Red or Blue Pill: Interventional Radiology Themed Tracks

In a similar fashion to prior years, candidates will be able to select IR themed training tracks when ranking their deanery preferences. Already, we’ve seen a bit of panic amongst candidates thinking they have to decide at this very moment in time if they’ll wield the power of a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse and keyboard combo as a diagnostic radiologist or choose to master the might of the Seldinger technique as an interventional radiologist (image guided surgeon if you’re a fancy pants). We at RadCast believe that the pen is mightier than the sword/mouse/needle and politely advise you to “take a chill pill”. You don’t need to decide your subspecialty right now and in fact, the guidance does state that those of you who do select an IR themed track and decide to, as they say on the “ends”, to “allow it fam” then you are free to do so. Similarly, if you get sick of looking at lung nodules all day and wish to get paid to stab someone with a sharp pointy thing, with consent of course, then you can apply for an interventional radiology subspecialty training at ST4 (provided there is capacity and funding in your deanery for this). In a nutshell, you are not shackled to a set route.

Minimum MSRA Scores

Whilst the format of the MSRA is the same as previous years, the recruitment panel this year has released the minimum MSRA scores required for each domain. Specifically, candidates need to score a minimum of 201 in each of the MSRA domains to be even deemed eligible to be ranked. What does that mean? Well, you can’t “make up” for marks in one domain by smashing the other domain. So, make sure to take each part of the MSRA seriously and give it equal attention.

If you’re looking for tips on how to maximise your MSRA score, check out our YouTube video where we chatted to Dr Craig George-McDowall who got over 600 in his exam!

Ranking Calculations Changed

In previous years, your final rank comprised of your MSRA score (33%), your interview score (33%) and your self-assessment verified score (33%). Basically, equal weightage across all three domains. This year, this changed with your final score being compromised of MSRA score (20%), interview score (50%) and self-assessment verified score (30%). We think this is a fantastic change with candidates getting more weightage for achievements aligned to radiology e.g. in their interview and on their portfolios. Honestly, we’re glad this has happened and couldn’t have come sooner. But please note, that doesn’t mean you can neglect your MSRA now since 1) you need to achieve a minimum cut off (as mentioned above) and 2) it will be used to shortlist you for an interview i.e. nobody will care about your PhD in radiomics if you can’t get a competitive MSRA cut-off.

Interview Format Changed…Again

“Just When I Thought I Was Out, They Pull Me Back In” - Michael Corleone, The GodFather Part III

We don’t know why but the format of the radiology interview seems to be getting a lot of heat over the last few years. Every time you think the interview format is sorted then bamn, it’s changed once again. From having a single commitment to specialty station to then having one station with multiple parts to now, as per the latest information, a 2x10 minute interview station that will assess “your commitment to the specialty and communication skills”. Plus, they’ve gone from doing the interviews on MS Teams to a using a software platform known as “Qpercom Recruit” (probably the cousin of SkyNet).

Now, these changes got our spidey senses tingling. Why would they change it? And why so soon? After consulting with our in-house tea-reader, palm reader and speaking to the radiology spirits via our Ouija board, we can conclusively say that we do not know why. But, we think and think we shall, that the interview format may be going “old school”. No, we’re not talking about “interpret this scan” old school but rather, splitting the interview into 1) your understanding of why you want to do radiology and your awareness of the specialty as a whole e.g. issues, latest developments and 2) the skills you will bring to radiology which are linked to the Person specification. You see, this makes the most sense to us since we weren’t really fans of the prior interview format. It didn’t make sense to us since literally, you were given 2 minutes to explain why you wanted to do radiology and thereafter, the rest of the time was spent proving that you weren’t the next Harold Shipman as you dealt with ethical scenarios. Whilst we don’t know exactly what they’ll ask, we do think this new format should be more balanced and give candidates a real opportunity to explain why they should be a radiologist.

So, how can you prepare? Honestly, it’s a bit early right now and you should be focusing on nailing the MSRA and getting those juicy high yield portfolio points. But if you’re looking to get a head start, do check out our Clinical Radiology Application Course (CRAC) 2023-2024

When we began to branch off into courses, the CRAC was our first one and we’ve been working on it since 2017. It’s like our first baby and as we all know, the first born is always the most loved. Every year, we review the content and update it accordingly. This year is no different and with the interview changes, we know the content on the CRAC will be golden. Why? Because since its inception, we’ve been working tirelessly to cover the important changes to radiology. Whether it’s the impact COVID had to examining the Duty of Candour in radiology, we have you covered. For those of you wanting to sign up, just use the button below to get access. Honestly, it’s the most comprehensive course out there covering the application from A-to-Z. Plus, you can access it 24/7 and go through it at a pace that suits you best.

Our Final Thoughts

We know. That was a lot to take in. Few changes here and there with the most notable being the interview format. But as always, we are here with you every step of the way. So, what do we advise you to focus on at this present moment in time? Here’s our top two RadCast tips:

• Focus on MSRA - please in the name of all things holy, do not neglect this exam. It is used to shortlist you for an interview and will decide 20% of your final rank. Find whatever time you can and channel it towards the MSRA. Check out our MSRA video and then go do what needs to be done.

• Get those high yield portfolio points - we’ve outlined these to you in part 1 of this newsletter so crack on. Honestly, the portfolio is worth 30% of your final ranking and every point counts (the competition ratio was 8.77 last year and we really do think it’s going to go up again this year).

Now, we’re going to go get a stiff drink since we have a lot of emails to catch up (we’ve just finished writing this at midnight). Please don’t stress. You do not need to upload any portfolio evidence at this time. You will only do so if you are shortlisted for an interview based on your MSRA score. We are working tirelessly to get through the emails and we will respond to you (pinky promise). As always, reach out to us via hello@radcast.co.uk if you have any questions.

Till next time,

From your ‘commitment to specialty’ friends,

Jamie, Uzoma and Muhammad
RadCast Co-Founders