About the Radiology Academy

The original Radiology Academy, based in Plymouth, was created with the specific purpose of radiology training and it provides a truly outstanding environment for radiology resident doctors to learn. It has been designed from scratch, blending traditional small group teaching methods with state-of-the-art electronic and simulator technology. Radiology is a highly technology-based specialty and modern-day training requires all of these tools to be effective.

The Academy has built on a foundation of one of the strongest traditional training programmes in the country and onto this base we have built one of the most advanced and up-to-date training environments.

At the Academy, one of our core principles is non-opportunistic teaching – a shift from traditional training methods. Most conventional programmes rely on live clinical cases, meaning residents only gain experience from the cases that happen to present during their rotation. With limited training time, this approach can significantly restrict learning opportunities.

By contrast, the Academy offers a highly structured, efficient and immersive training environment. Instead of waiting on live patient cases, we use virtual case lists, allowing residents to engage with a broader range of cases without delays caused by patient turnaround or cancellations.

All PACS workstations are set up specifically for teaching, with small group learning spaces and projection facilities to enhance shared learning. On-site radiology consultants are available to support residents, ensuring expert guidance is always available.

The Academy is designed to complement, not replace, hands-on clinical experience.

Resident doctors spend 50% of their first three years in the Academy and the other 50% in clinical departments across the Peninsula region. This balanced approach ensures you benefit from both immersive teaching and real-world clinical exposure.

By relocating all teachable content to the Academy, clinical placements are freed up to focus on direct patient care, practical skills and clinical-radiological interaction, maximising the value of your time in hospital settings.

Learning is delivered through small group teaching, self-directed study and structured, supported reporting. You’ll also gain early access to practical skills through our cutting-edge simulation facilities, including two state-of-the-art ultrasound simulators and a vascular simulation model, giving you the confidence and preparation to excel in clinical placements.

We also have a fully equipped ultrasound suite, where selected patients are brought in for training lists. These lists are led by residents, sonographers and trainee sonographers, with full support from senior radiologists and sonographers, all within a calm, focused learning environment

The Academy consistently delivers excellent exam results. As a pioneering pilot programme developed over 20 years, our model has undergone rigorous evaluation by the Royal College of Radiologists and the Department of Health. Their scrutiny confirmed what our outcomes have proven: we provide high-quality, effective training.

Since our first full cohort graduated in 2010, many of our alumni have gone on to secure prestigious fellowships worldwide or consultant posts, a testament to the strength and success of our training model.