Leading Through Vision
Associate Program Director Dr. Swati Sharma discusses her approach to leading the radiology residency program at UF Jacksonville
At the University of Florida, Jacksonville, where a diverse patient population and cutting-edge technology converge, Dr. Swati Sharma is reshaping how radiology residents are trained. As the Associate Program Director, Dr. Sharma’s journey through multiple residencies—across two countries and different specialties—has uniquely positioned her to guide the next generation of radiologists with a comprehensive, patient-centered vision.
For Dr. Sharma, radiology is more than just interpreting images; it’s about mastering the science behind them. “I’ve always believed that understanding how an image is created is as important as being able to read it,” she says. This belief underpins her commitment to empowering residents with the knowledge and autonomy they need to excel, both in their exams and throughout their careers.
A Rich Journey Through Medicine
Dr. Sharma’s career began in India, where she first pursued Diagnostic Radiology. But her path took an unexpected turn when she moved to the U.S. and entered a Family Medicine residency. “At the time, Family Medicine gave me an opportunity to practice and stay close to patient care,” she reflects. “But my love for radiology never left.”
That love eventually led her back to radiology, where her experience in Family Medicine became an asset. “Having been on both sides—ordering and interpreting studies—has given me a unique perspective,” she explains. “It allows me to guide residents with a deeper understanding of how our work directly impacts patient care.”
Building Leaders Through Graduated Autonomy
At UF Jacksonville, Dr. Sharma is determined to create not just skilled radiologists, but leaders in the field. A key component of her approach is “graduated autonomy,” where residents are trusted to take on increasing responsibility based on their readiness, rather than the year of their training.
“By their second year, many of our residents are already interpreting advanced MRI cases,” she says. “We don’t believe in holding them back based on how long they’ve been here. It’s about readiness, comfort, and confidence.”
The environment at UF Jacksonville, a Level 1 trauma center, provides fertile ground for this growth. Residents are exposed to complex and varied cases early in their training, sharpening their skills and preparing them to handle even the most challenging scenarios. “It’s an intense but rewarding environment,” Dr. Sharma adds. “We see pathologies here that many places don’t.”
Core Physics Review: Foundational Knowledge for Radiology Excellence
Amid this rigorous training, Dr. Sharma turns to Core Physics Review as a pivotal resource for her residents. As an alumna of the program herself, she speaks with firsthand experience of its impact. “Core Physics Review helped me understand the physics of image generation in a way that no other resource could,” she says. “It’s not just about passing the Core Exam; it’s about truly mastering the science that underlies everything we do as radiologists.”
For her residents Core Physics Review is indispensable. The program’s blend of structured learning and flexible, on-demand content allows them to tailor their studies to their busy schedules. “Our residents are juggling rotations, research, and complex cases. Having a resource like Core Physics Review that they can access at their own pace is invaluable,” Dr. Sharma notes. “And every year, our residents say the same thing—it’s their most useful tool for mastering physics.”
Fostering Excellence in Every Resident
Dr. Sharma’s philosophy goes beyond technical competence. She’s committed to graduating residents who are not only skilled but also capable of leading in their respective fields—whether in academic settings or private practice.
“We’re not just training radiologists who can get through their exams,” she explains. “We’re training radiologists who can lead in their divisions, who can push the boundaries of the field.”
It’s a vision deeply aligned with the values of UF Jacksonville—serving the underserved, tackling complex cases, and fostering innovation. And it’s a vision that, through tools like Core Physics Review, prepares residents to meet the challenges of modern radiology with confidence and expertise.
Launching Pad for Future Leaders
Under Dr. Swati Sharma’s leadership, the radiology residency program at UF Jacksonville is more than just a stepping stone for trainees. It’s a launchpad for future leaders in the field, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and vision to shape the future of radiology. With Core Physics Review as a key resource, Dr. Sharma ensures that her residents are not just prepared for exams—they are prepared for excellence.