Return of the Generalist

Program Director Dr. Mandy Weidenhaft discusses her approach to leading the radiology residency program at Tulane University

At Tulane University in New Orleans, where the complexity of medicine meets a vibrant and storied city, Dr. Mandy Weidenhaft is quietly shaping a new generation of radiologists. In her tenth year as Program Director of the radiology residency program, Dr. Weidenhaft’s approach is rooted in her unique journey from a small town in Louisiana to a leadership role in one of the city’s most prestigious medical institutions. Her goal is simple yet powerful: to cultivate versatile radiologists who are prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly complex field.

From Small Town Beginnings to Residency Leadership

Dr. Weidenhaft grew up in Albany, Louisiana, a small town that feels like a world apart from the fast-paced, high-tech environment of radiology. “I always knew I wanted to be a doctor, even before I fully understood what that meant,” she recalls. That early fascination with medicine drove her to Tulane for both her undergraduate studies and medical school. Along the way, she discovered radiology—a field that spoke to her love for diagnostic precision and technological problem-solving.

“I was drawn to radiology because it’s a perfect blend of science and patient care,” she explains. “The ability to diagnose and impact patient outcomes based on images, often without ever laying eyes on the patient, was fascinating to me.”

Her journey from rural Louisiana to Tulane deeply influences how she shapes her program. “I want our residents to be well-rounded, capable generalists,” she says, “because some of them will end up in community settings where they’ll be reading a little bit of everything.”

Generalists in a World of Specialists

In an era where sub-specialization is increasingly the norm, Dr. Weidenhaft is determined to preserve the value of a solid foundational training. “Much of what we see in the radiology literature is hyper-specialized, but there’s a real need for radiologists who feel comfortable reading in more than one speciality,” she notes. Her focus on producing versatile radiologists stems from the real-world needs of her residents—many of whom go on to work in private practice settings after fellowship, where they are expected to manage a broad spectrum of cases.

“We’re training them to be safe and competent across the board. They need to be comfortable handling anything from a simple chest radiograph to a complex MRI,” she says. This emphasis on generalist training reflects her belief that flexibility will be the key to success in the future of radiology.

Integrating Core Physics Review into a Modern Residency Program

One of the pillars of Dr. Weidenhaft’s program is Core Physics Review, which offers a structured yet flexible approach to teaching the physics critical to radiology. As a former resident herself, Dr. Weidenhaft understands how intimidating physics can be. “When I was a resident, we had to drive to lectures where PhDs taught us physics. It was a challenge because there was often a disconnect between what they knew and what we needed to learn and understand as future radiologists,” she recalls.

Core Physics Review has transformed that experience for her residents. “Now, they’re learning from radiologists who know exactly what they need to understand. It’s radiology physics, taught by radiologists,” she says. The course provides a mix of foundational review, final preparation, and hands-on experiences through tools like the NRC80 Labs. For Dr. Weidenhaft, this combination has been invaluable in preparing residents for their board examinations and meeting the granular ACGME curriculum requirements related to NRC.

“Everyone learns differently,” she explains. “Some residents prefer diving into lectures, others thrive with questions or flashcards. Core Physics Review reflects that spectrum of learning styles. It gives them the flexibility to engage with the material in the way that works best for them.” This flexibility, paired with the depth of the curriculum, has made the program an essential part of Tulane’s residency training.

Fostering Independence and Confidence in Learning

A central tenet of Dr. Weidenhaft’s approach is encouraging independence. At Tulane, residents are given increasing autonomy throughout their training, especially when on call. “I believe that real growth happens when you’re the one responsible for making decisions,” she says. “It’s important for them to try to figure things out on their own before turning to an attending for help.”

This philosophy extends to the program’s night call system, where residents are expected to handle cases independently, with attending backup available when needed. “There’s a different kind of learning that happens when you know you’re the one responsible. It pushes you to be sharper, and more decisive, and the cases you figure out on your own are the ones that stick with you the longest” she explains.

Navigating the Future of Radiology

Looking ahead, Dr. Weidenhaft is optimistic about the role radiologists will play in an increasingly technology-driven field. While the rise of artificial intelligence has sparked concerns about the future of the profession, she sees it as an opportunity for radiologists to evolve. “I don’t think we’re going to be replaced anytime soon,” she says, smiling. “But I do think we’ll need to be more versatile—able to integrate new technologies while maintaining our clinical expertise.”

In her view, AI won’t eliminate the need for radiologists but will instead create new opportunities for those who can combine a strong foundational knowledge in all of the areas of radiology with the precision of AI tools. “The radiologists who can use AI to enhance their practice will be the ones leading the way,” she believes.

Conclusion

Dr. Mandy Weidenhaft’s leadership at Tulane radiology residency program reflects a clear vision: to produce adaptable, confident, and capable radiologists who are ready to meet the challenges of the future. With a focus on comprehensive training, autonomy, and the integration of innovative resources like Core Physics Review, Dr. Weidenhaft ensures that her residents are not only prepared for exams—they are prepared for the evolving world of radiology.