Teaching Radiology in Medical School: An Association for Medical Student Educators in Radiology Survey

Abstract

T he presence of radiology and radiologists in medical school curricula is important for many reasons. Future physicians must learn how to use medical imaging effectively and efficiently for better patient care. Additionally, if medical students are not specifically trained in or exposed to radiology during their coursework, they may not have adequate opportunity to consider radiology as a career option. Finally, teaching radiology to medical students provides an excellent opportunity for radiologists to develop a positive reputation and to form strong collaborative relationships between radiology and other medical specialties. As a first step in attempting to enhance the profile of radiology in the curricula of US medical schools, it is important to define its current status. Toward this end, we conducted a survey of the membership of the Association for Medical Student Educators in Radiology. The survey consisted of a 22-question instrument, with both multiple-choice and open-ended items. Requests to complete the survey were sent out in January and April 2012, and a total of 83 responses were received. Many respondents did not state which institution they were affiliated with, and duplicate responses were received from at least 3 institutions. This brief report summarizes the results. Responding to the question, ‘‘Does your medical school have a required radiology course?’’ 43% of the respondents indicated that their institution has at least one required course in radiology, whereas 57% do not. Because this surveywas sent only to Association for Medical Student Educators in Radiology members, it is highly likely that the actual percentage of all schools requiring a radiology course is lower. Also, responses to this question may underestimate the role radiology is playing in medical school curricula, because medical students can receive high-quality radiology education outside of required radiology courses.