TU‐E‐352‐01: Medical Physics Education of Diagnostic Radiology Residents

Abstract

This session provides a forum for discussion of the progress made in improving diagnostic radiology resident education and some of the opportunities in education becoming available due to new technologies available to the teacher and student.The first speaker will discuss the status of the curriculum for medical physics education of residents. At RSNA in November 2007, the AAPM medical physics resident curriculum committee met to review the first draft of new learning objectives which are being written for each section of the curriculum. The learning objectives are defined in three areas: 1) Fundamental Knowledge; 2) Clinical Application; and 3) Clinical Problem Solving. Radiologists and physicists are working together to develop these with a strong emphasis on clinical relevance.The second speaker will describe the efforts of a task force formed under the leadership of William Hendee, Ph.D. (AAPM) and George Bissett, M.D. (RSNA) to develop free web‐based educational modules for radiologic science (medical physics) education of residents. Two modules have been developed: one on CT dose and a second on interventional radiology dose and safety. RSNA has agreed to host these modules on their web site and will make them available free of charge to any AAPM (physicists) or RSNA members (radiologists and residents). Most important, both AAPM and RSNA have contributed substantial funds to encourage the development of these education modules. Authors will receive $3,000–$4,000 for the development of each module. Approximately 50 modules are planned. A Request for Proposals has been distributed requesting authors to contribute modules. Each physics module must be authored by a physicist and a radiologist and must follow specific guidelines regarding content, objectives, required post test and the use of clinical materials in the educational process. These modules will be useful for both residents in training and radiologists in clinical practice through their maintenance of certification process.The third speaker will provide a keynote lecture on “Evolving Models of Medical Image Physics and Technology Education.” See his abstract description for further details.