Structure

The specialist training consists of practical and theoretical components, research and quality improvement activities, as well as teaching.
The most important part of the programme is participation in the department’s daily medical work. Training takes place within the imaging units of the Landspítali Radiology Department at Fossvogur (general radiology and interventional radiology), Hringbraut (general radiology and nuclear medicine/JS unit), and Eiríksstaðir (breast imaging unit).

Trainees may complete part of their practical training at other domestic or international radiology departments, provided there is an agreement with the Landspítali Radiology Department and the placement has been approved by the Evaluation and Credentials Committee. Such a placement may count towards specialist training at Landspítali by agreement, if it meets the programme’s requirements. The maximum time spent at another radiology department, domestic or abroad, is six months, and the same curriculum and procedures must be followed.

The radiology department is divided into workstations, both on-site and digitally, and the trainee’s location is planned to ensure continuity and adequate time in each area, supporting knowledge acquisition in the professional aspects of imaging under the guidance of clinical and training supervisors.
Areas of knowledge acquisition, based on subspecialties or different professional aspects of imaging, vary depending on the workstation.

• The main focus at Fossvogur is chest imaging, neuroimaging, head and neck imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and emergency imaging.

• The main focus at Hringbraut is paediatric imaging and oncologic imaging, as well as abdominal, urinary tract, and gynaecological imaging. As part of this, the trainee will also gain experience in prenatal imaging, echocardiography, and paediatric cardiac ultrasound at Hringbraut.

Duration of Training

Specialist training for certification in radiology takes at least 5 years (60 months). At Landspítali, the programme offers up to 3 years of core training (ESR Level 1) in general medical imaging, providing the foundation for further training towards full specialist certification (ESR Level 2) at another accredited institution within Europe.

First Year

The first year focuses on general radiography (X-ray, at least 12 weeks), CT imaging — primarily emergency examinations and common disease workups (at least 12 weeks) — as well as basic ultrasound skills leading to competence in common ultrasound studies (at least 6 weeks).
For the first 8–12 weeks, emphasis is on emergency imaging (X-ray, CT, ultrasound) to prepare the trainee for on-call duties. On-call work begins once the trainee has sufficient competence in general radiography and CT in relation to emergency cases (a checklist will be completed in the training record).

Second and Third Years

During the following two years, trainees deepen their knowledge in these core modalities — radiography (at least 18 weeks), CT (at least 24 weeks), and ultrasound (at least 14 weeks) — and gain additional experience in MRI (at least 8 weeks), breast imaging, PET/nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology (at least 4 weeks in each area, with the option for extended training in the third year).

Accreditation

Final specialist certification is granted either in Iceland or abroad. Whether the time spent in Iceland is recognised internationally depends on the rules of each country. At Landspítali, the training period is a maximum of 3 years full-time, corresponding to ESR Level 1 of the European Society of Radiology curriculum. Foundational training (postgraduate foundation year) required by regulation is not included in this period. A portion of training time will be dedicated to research and quality improvement, which form part of the 3-year programme but do not replace specialist clinical training. Research work may be counted towards training time in line with current regulations.

Employment Percentage

Trainees are expected to work full-time (100%) in the radiology department and participate in the on-call rota alongside other trainees. Annual leave and statutory leave related to shift work count towards the training period; absences beyond two additional weeks may extend the training. Part-time work may be approved under special circumstances, considered case-by-case. If training is extended due to performance evaluations, parental leave, illness, study leave, or similar circumstances listed in the “Golden Book” guidelines of the Directorate of Health, the employment contract will be extended accordingly.

Examinations

No final examination is required after ESR Level 1 training. Upon completing Level 2, trainees may sit the European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR) examination, organised by the European Board of Radiology, covering the full ESR curriculum — the same framework on which this training description is based.

Academic Components

• Teaching sessions: Held half a day each week (13:00–16:00). Trainees are scheduled for these sessions and are excused from routine duties. Each week, a designated consultant oversees the session.

• Curriculum: At the start of the academic year (late August), a teaching plan is prepared with the training director, detailing topics for the year. Sessions may cover specific subjects, textbook chapters, review articles, and case discussions from daily work or online teaching resources.

• Format: Sessions are led by a trainee with support from a consultant in the relevant subspecialty. Topics are usually scientific but may also address general issues such as reporting standards, technical aspects, journal reviews, or research methodology.

Supervision

Trainees receive continuous supervision from a designated educational supervisor, who must have certified training in supervision.

• The supervisor monitors the trainee’s professional development, meeting formally every 3 months (meetings are recorded in the ePortfolio). These meetings review training progress, interests, well-being, workplace performance, and any challenges, as well as areas in the curriculum needing attention.

• Supervisors normally oversee no more than two trainees each, and the department’s capacity is set at a maximum of eight trainees at any one time.

• With support from the head of department and training director, the supervisor evaluates annual progress following Golden Book guidelines. Unsatisfactory evaluations may result in extended training time.

Progress

ePortfolio requirements

• Record all placements, including time spent and specialised medical procedures performed.

• Log attendance at departmental teaching, specialty courses, and professional meetings.

• Include all presentations you give, research and quality improvement projects, publications, abstracts, conference presentations, posters, and any teaching you do.

• Document your self-study and reading in the specialty so there’s a complete overview of your progress.

• Update and get sign-off from your educational supervisor at least every 6 months.

• Make sure your records show progress in the knowledge areas listed in section B-I of the curriculum.

Why this matters

• Accurate records are essential for assessing your progress.

• You must show that you have gained the knowledge and skills for ESR Level 1.

• Your ePortfolio will be reviewed by your educational supervisor and used to decide if you have completed Level 1.

More details
See Appendix 1 (“Additional information on ePortfolio documentation, supervision, and assessment” – in English) in the curriculum.