ABR DR Core study guide
ABR DR Core · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ABR Diagnostic Radiology Core Exam is one of the examinations administered by the American Board of Radiology, a not-for-profit organization and member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. In the ABR's own words, its mission is "to certify that our diplomates demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skill, and understanding of their disciplines to the benefit of patients," and the Core Exam sits within the Diagnostic Radiology pathway described under the ABR's Get Certified section. Candidates are physicians in diagnostic radiology training who are working toward initial board certification. Because the ABR's dedicated Core Exam page could not be retrieved (it returned a 404 error at the time this page was compiled), the specific content outline, item count, time limit, passing standard, and fee are not reproduced here; candidates should confirm those details directly with the ABR through its Get Certified, Exam Dates and Information, and Policies pages. The ABR DR Core study guide has 4 sections and about 1,125 words.
01Physics of Diagnostic Radiology
Understand the imaging chain as a sequence: x-ray production, beam filtration, patient interaction, scatter rejection, detection, and display. Key physics includes the bremsstrahlung vs characteristic spectrum, the effect of kVp on beam quality and quantity, mAs and the inverse-square law, and the difference between exposure, absorbed dose, and effective dose.
311 words, about 2 min02Radiobiology and Radiation Protection
Know the deterministic vs stochastic dichotomy: deterministic effects have thresholds (skin erythema, cataract, infertility) and increase in severity with dose, while stochastic effects (carcinogenesis, heritable effects) are modeled as no-threshold and increase in probability. Understand the linear no-threshold model, dose units (Gy, Sv, mSv), and the weighting factors (radiation weighting for type, tissue weighting for organ sensitivity).
276 words, about 1 min03Noninterpretive Skills
This domain covers quality and safety, communication, professionalism, and practice management. Know the elements of a structured report (indication, technique, findings, impression), the value of standardized reporting and clear recommendations, and the principles of informed consent.
256 words, about 1 min04Diagnostic Radiology Across Organ Systems
Integrate modality choice with disease pattern. In chest imaging, know the lobar anatomy, silhouette sign, air bronchograms, and the difference between interstitial and alveolar patterns.
282 words, about 1 min