Several years ago we undertook a study of the radiology residents’ perception of value of their internship year. We were gratified by the response, surprised by the results and heartened by the fact that this study has already gained credence among leaders in radiology to the point where recommendations for modifications of some components of some types of internships will be made to national organizations. I believe the perceptions of residents today have changed little over the past 5 years and I present to you a reflection of continuing attitudes [1].

The questionnaire was sent out in 2007 to all residents in radiology and also those 1 year past training, most of whom were in fellowships. We were astonished by a 40 % response rate to the questionnaire. We asked the trainees six specific questions and called for additional data, including location of residency, the number of trainees and programs, current year of residency, internship type, and number of elective months during internship, expected subspecialty focus and other comments. The questions were. (1) Do you think the internship was necessary for your development as a radiologist? (2) Do you think the internship was necessary for your development as a physician? (3) Do you think the internship was necessary to provide perspective on the utilization of imaging resources? (4) Did the internship advance your capabilities and skills in specific procedures which have been helpful in your development as a radiologist? (5) Did the internship create further demands for your management of debt? And (6) did the internship further affirm your decision to become a radiologist? For these six questions, there were five options on a Likert scale. 1—not at all, 2—hardly, 3—no influence, 4—mostly, and 5 absolutely. 5,500 questionnaires were sent out, 1,000 returned unopened, and nearly 2,000 completed and were returned to us.

Now for the specifics. Question one, (did you think the internship was necessary for your development as a radiologist). This was perhaps the most important question because the answer reflects what the residents feel about the pertinence of the first post graduate year. 52 % of those who responded indicated that the internship year was not at all necessary or hardly necessary or had no influence on the development as a radiologist whereas 48.8 % claimed that it did. If we eliminate the 12.3 % who claimed no influence, then our results indicate that 56 % thought the internship was vital for them and 44 % felt that it was not necessary.