3:36 PM Abstract No. 296 To evaluate the effects of increased medical student exposure to interventional radiology on interest in and basic knowledge of interventional radiology

Abstract

To report the preliminary results of implementing a medical student interventional radiology curriculum in preclinical and clinical years The IR student curriculum was restructured to increase preclinical and clinical student exposure to the field. Changes were implemented in 2014 and completed in 2015. Student exposure was increased through career day presentations, creation of an IR interest group, a formal IR shadowing program, a 1st year didactic lecture, a new 3rd year IR elective and reorganization of a 4th year IR elective. In the 2016 academic year, 29 students elected the 3rd year IR course and completed pre- and postelective surveys. The surveys evaluated IR exposure, interest in IR and basic knowledge of IR procedures. Identical questions were used on pre- and postcourse examinations. Membership statistics for the IR interest group were evaluated during the 2015 and 2016 academic years. The top 3 methods of IR exposure prior to the 3rd year elective included exposure by a friend or family member (55% of students), preclinical lectures (52%) and care for a patient treated by IR (45%). Primary career choice considerations were medical in 52% of students, surgical in 24%, DR in 3%, IR in 14% and other in 7% preelective compared to 45%, 21%, 0%, 21% and 14% respectively post-elective. Post elective, there was an increase in consideration of IR as a career by 14%, increase in awareness of the IR/DR residency program by 17% and increase in basic knowledge of IR procedures by 17%. Interest group membership increase by 53% between 2015 and 2016 (93 vs. 142 members). Member attendance to at least 1 organized event increased by 27%. IR exposure in the preclinical and clinical years with implementation of a formal curriculum and repetitive exposure has increased both knowledge and interest in the field. Increased student exposure will aid in recruitment to our field as well as allow students specializing in other fields to understand the diverse utility of IR in their future practices.