Dan Gill MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Gaurav Saigal, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Samir Patel, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter McLeod MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Residency training programs face significant challenges in preparing their first year residents for on call duties. Radiology is relatively unique, in that the undergraduate medical curriculum does not require rotating/elective students to provide on call services. Therefore, most incoming radiology residents have limited exposure to on call responsibilities and duties. Our objectives are to evaluate Canadian radiology residency programs for course requirements, duration, and goals in preparing first year residents for on call duties.

A questionnaire was distributed to all the radiology residency program directors in Canada. The survey instrument contained questions to determine the types of courses, lectures, rotations, distribution of rotations, and support efforts residents were provided during the pre-call orientation period. The program directors were also asked to indicate the duration of the resident orientation, duration of ‘shadow’ call, evaluate whether their residents demonstrated readiness after the orientation period, and to assess the pros and cons of their specific programs.

Preliminary results indicate that the majority of institutions in Canada have a structured program in place to prepare resident for the on call experience. The programs show a great variability in length of the orientation period, rotation and course content. Program directors are generally satisfied with the performance of residents during this time, and feel improvements are contingent apon the number of residents in the program.

Most radiology residency programs in Canada offer a pre-call orientation program for first-year residents. There is great variability in the duration and composition of these programs. Although further assessment is necessary, there may be a need for residency program directors to arrive at a consensus, in establishing an interdisciplinary program that will aid first-year residents in their preparation.

Gill, D, Saigal, G, Patel, S, McLeod, P, On Call Preparation for First-Year Canadian Radiology Residents.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4414513.html