The goal of the UAB Diagnostic Imaging Physics Residency program is to provide the opportunity for individuals with this background to gain training to become independent, proficient Diagnostic Imaging Physicists. We are a CAMPEP-accredited two-year medical physics residency in imaging, and we typically accept one new resident each July. The requirements for entrance into our residency program are an MS or PhD from a CAMPEP-accredited medical physics program, or, a certificate from a CAMPEP-accredited certificate program in addition to a PhD in Physics or Engineering.

The Physics and Engineering Division of the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama Medical Center consists of nine physicists, six service engineers, and 2 image quality specialists. Our objectives are to provide educational training and clinical experience in diagnostic radiological imaging, (including general radiology and fluoroscopy, CT, angiography, ultrasound, and mammography), MRI, nuclear medicine (including PET), informatics, radiation shielding design, and patient and fetal dose estimates.

Residents participate in clinical support including troubleshooting, teaching of radiology residents, technologists, and fellows, and clinical imaging research as training for a career in medical physics.

Residency Program Overview

Certificates are given upon satisfactory completion at the Radiology Annual Awards Program held in June of each year or upon completion of a full two-year time. Training essentials consist of didactic lectures, clinical duties, teaching, attendance at conferences, and completion of special requirements relating to ethics, HIPPA, and conflicts of interest.

Successful completion consists of:

1. Completion of two full years (24 months),
2. Satisfactory completion of all of the core competencies for each rotation,
3. Passing grades in all of the didactic courses,
4. Completion of all of the extra assignments covering material outside of the didactic courses,
5. Attendance at the specified number of conferences, radiation safety committee meetings, quality audit meetings, and
6. Participation in education activities, such as giving lectures to radiologists, physicists, and technologists. The residents assist with the labs and lectures that are part of the introductory course given to the Radiology Residents.

Our History and Future

A two-year postdoctoral fellowship program in medical physics was initiated in 1978. Throughout its existence, the program has had as its main goal the training of individuals as medical physicists with a prime emphasis on clinical training, while also providing opportunity for clinical research projects.
In 2016, we attained CAMPEP-accreditation and converted the fellowship into a residency program. Statistics on the numbers of individuals applying, completing, and general classifications of positions attained are provided under the Statistics tab.

The UAB Department of Radiology performs over 700,000 exams yearly, utilizing a full range of diagnostic and nuclear medicine imaging equipment.. We have nine faculty members in the Physics and Engineering Division and all are diplomates of the American Board of Radiology or the American Board of Medical Physics or are new faculty in the process of achieving board certification. We have two medical physics residents at any given time.

2026 Residency Position and Application Process

A two-year CAMPEP-accredited residency position in diagnostic imaging medical physics is available in the Physics and Engineering Division of the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham with a start date of July 1, 2026. The position is open to individuals who have graduated with an MS or PhD in medical physics from a CAMPEP Graduate Medical Physics Program. It is also open to individuals who have received a PhD in a physical science or engineering, and in addition have completed a CAMPEP-accredited certificate program. Residents participate in clinical support, teaching, and clinical research projects as training for a career and certification in Diagnostic Medical Physics. Training is provided in all areas of diagnostic imaging: X-Ray, CT, fluoroscopy, mammography, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.

The UAB Department of Radiology performs over 700,000 exams yearly, utilizing a full range of diagnostic, interventional fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine imaging equipment at UAB Hospital, UAB Highlands, The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, and UAB Clinics at Leeds, Gardendale, and Hoover. The Advanced Imaging Facility includes a cyclotron, two PET/CT scanners, and a PET/MRI scanner.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply using the MedPhys Match Application Service. Please include a personal statement, all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a Curriculum Vita, and request three letters of recommendation. Alternatively, application materials may be submitted to Dr. Sharon White at shlwhite@uabmc.edu. Completed applications, including reference letters, must be received by December 31, 2025 for full consideration. We are not able to provide Visa support at this time but applicants eligible for Optional Practical Training may apply.

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment. In addition, all individuals who will be employed by the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation (UAHSF) or other UAB Medicine entities, must successfully complete a pre-employment drug and nicotine screen.