Navigating Innovation and Mentorship in Radiology
Program Director Dr. Andrew Yen a discusses his approach to leading the radiology residency program at UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego (UCSD), where the rhythm of the ocean meets the pulse of cutting-edge research, innovation flows as naturally as the tides. Within this dynamic landscape, Dr. Andrew Yen, the Program Director of the Radiology Residency Program, leads with a vision that seamlessly blends the tradition of medical excellence with a forward-thinking approach. Since stepping into his role in 2020—a time of unprecedented challenges—Dr. Yen has navigated the complexities of modern medical education with a deep commitment to mentorship and innovation, shaping the next generation of radiologists against the backdrop of UCSD's inspiring coastal setting.
Dr. Yen’s path into radiology was far from linear, a journey marked by unexpected turns and moments of deep reflection. It is this very journey that has strengthened his capacity as a mentor, allowing him to relate to his students on a personal level. “Mentorship isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about being accessible, relatable, and ensuring that your words resonate emotionally,” Dr. Yen reflects. His approach to mentorship prioritizes the human connection, making himself available to his mentees not just as a teacher, but as a guide who has walked a similar path.
When Dr. Yen took on the role of Program Director, the world was in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges were immediate and profound—residents needed to continue their education while minimizing in-person contact. Dr. Yen responded by implementing necessarily creative processes that allowed students to participate in lectures and readouts remotely, ensuring that their training continued uninterrupted despite the constraints. Some of these changes were stopgap measures that are still being phased out, and others were strategic adaptations that have since become integral to the program’s operations.
UCSD boasts tremendous in-house research faculty and a fully-developed national review course that has been offered for nearly half a century. Dr. Yen recognizes these as invaluable resources for the program. However, he also understands that preparing residents for the Core Exam benefits from resources with complementary strengths. This is where Core Physics Review comes into play, enhancing the robust educational framework at UCSD by providing focused, reliable, and accessible preparation for the physics portion of the board exams.
“Core Physics Review has been a consistent and invaluable resource for our residents," Dr. Yen remarks. "It offers the kind of practical, exam-focused preparation that allows us to free up our in-house resources without compromising our high standards, and it’s become an essential part of our training program.”
Dr. Yen’s year-over-year decision to incorporate Core Physics Review into the residency curriculum reflects his deep commitment to his residents' success. “Our residents consistently regard Core Physics Review as an indispensable resource,” Dr. Yen adds, emphasizing its role not only in preparing them for the Core Exam but also in deepening their understanding of the physics that underpins their daily work.
Mentorship, for Dr. Yen, extends beyond one-on-one interactions. With the demands of the program and the limited opportunities available for personal meetings, he channels his mentorship philosophy into the very structure of the residency program. “Every program has its administrative challenges, and UCSD is no different,” he acknowledges. Yet, it is in these behind-the-scenes decisions—programming, scheduling, and course selections—that Dr. Yen’s mentorship philosophy truly manifests. Core Physics Review is a prime example of how he strategically aligns resources with his educational goals, ensuring that his residents are not only well-prepared for their exams but also equipped to thrive as practicing radiologists.
In Dr. Yen’s leadership at UCSD, empathy and innovation are seamlessly intertwined. His mentorship style, coupled with his strategic vision, has fostered an environment where residents feel supported, even amid challenges. Core Physics Review, with its focus on making complex material accessible and its innovative delivery methods, resonates deeply with Dr. Yen’s educational philosophy. As the medical field continues to evolve, Dr. Yen’s approach—rooted in mentorship and bolstered by innovative resources like Core Physics Review—serves as a model for how to inspire and equip the next generation of radiologists.