The Holman Research Pathway in Diagnostic Radiology: 2003-2023

In the 26 years since its establishment, the Holman Research Pathway (HRP) has changed significantly. For example, a study published in 2018 found that interest among diagnostic radiology (DR) residents in the program had waned significantly, raising questions about the program's future. In this study, we sought to better understand the effectiveness of the HRP among DR residents, with a focus on the residency research productivity and career outcomes of DR residents who have completed the program.

We identified DR graduates of the HRP between 2003 and 2023 using the ABR's website and collected data regarding demographics, research output, and career outcomes from publicly available online sources. Research productivity was measured by first-author publications during residency and first- or last-author publications within 30 months after graduating from residency. Journal impact factors, citations, grant support, and open-access status were recorded. National Institutes of Health funding and academic employment were also evaluated.

Thirty-three DR residents completed the HRP from 2003 to 2023 (mean 1.6 per year); 91% of graduates have completed subspecialty fellowships, 67% currently hold academic positions, and 27% have received National Institutes of Health funding. During training, residents published 64 first-author articles (mean 1.9 per resident) in journals with a median impact factor of 4.7, and 67% of these articles were published in open-access journals. In the first 30 months postresidency, graduates published a mean of 1.5 first- and last-author manuscripts in journals with a median impact factor of 3.5. There was a positive correlation between residency and postresidency research productivity (r = 0.5, P < .01).

Although HRP participants in DR demonstrate research productivity comparable to radiation oncology graduates, fewer remain in academic positions, and overall participation has remained low. Increased awareness and support for the HRP may help attract more DR residents.