ABR DR Core study plan

Define and diagram x-ray production, beam spectra, and filtration effects from first principles

Derive and apply the inverse-square law and attenuation equations to numeric problems

Explain detector types, conversion pathways, and their effect on image noise and dose

Calculate mA, time, kVp, and mAs relationships and predict their effect on image quality

Compare CT reconstruction algorithms and describe tradeoffs among noise, dose, and resolution

Explain MRI pulse sequence timing, relaxation, and contrast weighting

Differentiate ultrasound transducer properties, artifacts, and bioeffects thresholds

Describe fluoroscopy dose-management features and their clinical rationale

Identify common image artifacts and state a corrective action for each

Describe DNA damage types, repair pathways, and their clinical implications

Explain cell survival curve models and interpret alpha/beta parameters

Apply the linear-quadratic model to predict isoeffect dose fractionation changes

Compare acute versus late tissue radiation responses and tolerance doses

Summarize stochastic versus deterministic effects with dose thresholds

Explain oxygen effect, dose-rate effects, and radiosensitizer/radioprotector mechanisms

Describe whole-body and organ-specific radiation syndromes with dose ranges

Identify radiation protection principles and occupational dose limits

Interpret fetal dose and pregnancy-related radiation risk scenarios

Relate radiation carcinogenesis models to risk communication

Apply quality improvement frameworks to a hypothetical departmental workflow problem

Describe patient safety event reporting, root cause analysis, and disclosure principles

Explain informed consent, decision capacity, and shared decision-making elements

Summarize billing, coding, and compliance concepts relevant to radiology practice

Interpret basic biostatistics including sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and confidence intervals

Outline contrast media types, adverse reaction management, and renal safety considerations

Explain radiation dose optimization and ALARA application to common protocols

Describe communication and professionalism expectations including error disclosure

Build a diagnostic approach framework for chest and abdominal imaging presentations

Identify high-yield modality selection principles for common clinical scenarios

Compare imaging findings across modalities for neurologic, thoracic, and musculoskeletal entities

Differentiate benign from aggressive imaging features in common organ-system lesions

Describe pediatric-specific imaging considerations and dose-reduction strategies

Explain breast and GU imaging screening and diagnostic algorithms

Identify classic imaging signs and their associated diagnoses

Re-review all error logs and resolve every flagged weak subtopic

Complete two full-length mixed-domain practice exams under timed conditions

Recite key formulas, dose thresholds, and dose limits from memory

Prioritize remaining gaps by domain weighting and expected yield

Finalize a test-day strategy for pacing and question triage