Factors to consider in the revision of educational objectives for medical students in radiology clerkships

Abstract

To maintain accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and to form up-to-date educational objectives for medical students rotating through radiology clerkships, the authors investigated the influencing factors from instructors', students', and the medical community's perspectives in the setting of traditional radiology medical student education. Radiology instructors' perspectives were studied via literature, experience, and consensus. The medical community's perspectives were studied via literature, most specifically the recommendations of the Liason Committee on Medical Education. Medical students' perspectives were studied via a survey questionnaire eliciting the goals of the students as their clerkships began. Radiology instructors' goals for radiology clerkships centered on anatomy, pathology, technology, and foundation. The medical community's goals for radiology clerkships centered on history taking, physical examination, procedures, diagnosis, management, prevention, data analysis, communication, professionalism, cultural competence, careers in medicine, and models of health care delivery. Thirteen medical students were surveyed, and 13 responded (100%). Medical students' goals for their radiology clerkships centered on appropriateness, science, film interpretation, and confidence. The objectives for radiology clerkships in medical schools should be reevaluated and rewritten frequently. The formulation of the optimal objectives should be multifactorial, including the input of medical students, radiology instructors, and the medical community. These factors should be incorporated in the setting of traditional educational values with special consideration to current medical students' needs. The authors have provided the objectives that they recently adopted, which they feel appropriately address the currently important issues.