Inaugural Pan-Canadian RADGames: Results From a Successful Approach to Radiology Education for Medical Students

Abstract

A goal in radiology undergraduate medical education is to improve exposure to the field. In 2022, the Canadian Association of Radiologists' Medical Student Network hosted for the first time "RADGames," an interactive image interpretation contest for medical students across Canada. This program was aimed to spark interest in radiology and improve students' image interpretation skills through gamification with expert guidance. Volunteers from Radiology Interest Groups in Canadian medical schools set up a virtual event for the competition using breakout rooms and a quiz platform. Participant recruitment was through social media and advertisement by medical student associations. Participants were surveyed anonymously for feedback following the event. Data about previous exposure to and knowledge of radiology, and an evaluation of the event including self-perceived impact on participants' understanding of the field were collected. Eighty seven medical students from 15 of Canada's 17 medical schools competed against one another virtually. Forty seven (54%) responded to the post-event evaluation survey. All responses about the event itself were favourable. Respondents overwhelmingly indicated that RADGames increased their interest in radiology (38, 81%), their understanding of the work of a radiologist (31, 66%) and their knowledge about medical imaging (46, 98%), and improved their confidence in basic imaging interpretation (36, 77%). The Canadian Association of Radiologists' Medical Student Network hosted Canada's first national image interpretation competition for medical students, RADGames. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with perceived benefits to participants on their understanding of and interest in radiology.