This year is essentially an extension of clerkship, or roughly the equivalent of the internship year in other countries, designed to provide a broad foundation in clinical medicine. The year helps develop the extensive core knowledge required in the role of a consultant radiologist.

The year is based largely out of the Rockyview General Hospital (RGH), which offers both acute ER/Inpatient and outpatient care for Calgary and Southern Alberta. The hospital is located amidst plenty of bike paths along the shore of the Glenmore Reservoir just south of Calgary city centre. First year Radiology residents join other off-service residents from Pathology, Anaesthesia, OB/GYN, Ophthalmology, Physiatry, and Psychiatry to form a unique PGY-1 cohort RGH welcomes and supports each year. The arrangement helps foster a sense of belonging and eases the transition from medical student to resident as every face becomes familiar by the end of the year.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has rolled out Competency By Design residency training for Diagnostic Radiology. As of July 1, 2022, all subsequent cohorts will be partaking in the new CBD Radiology curriculum.