Randy R Richardson MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Purpose: To rate the adequacy of radiologic education during medical school.

Materials and Methods: 111 fourth year medical students from more than 20 medical schools were surveyed regarding radiologic education during medical school. Students were asked to rate their training in x-ray interpretation, CT /MRI, and ultrasound on a scale of 1-5 (1=No training, 2=insufficient, 3=adequate, 4=slightly more than adequate, 5=markedly overemphasized). The subspecialty plans of these medical students were as follows: Primary care (n=51), Radiology (n=31), Surgery (n=18), Pathology (n=3), Undecided (n=8).

Results: The average scores for the three categories were as follows: x-ray interpretation= 2.29, CT/MRI=1.98, Ultrasound=1.7. The combined overall score for radiologic education during medical school was 1.99. There was no statistical difference between subspecialty groups.

Conclusion: The majority of medical students surveyed consider the fundamental training of x-ray interpretation during medical school insufficient. Education regarding CT and MRI was rated just below insufficient and almost 25% of medical students surveyed receive no formal education regarding ultrasound.

Richardson, R, The Neglect of Radiologic Education in Medical School.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4420365.html