Fadi Toonsi MBBS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jeffrey Chankowsky MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Residency training programs must ensure that candidates have attained certain benchmarks before they take a board certification examination, The American College of Radiology Diagnostic Radiology In-Training examination (DXIT) is widely used by many programs across Canada for this purpose. Radiology residents, on the other hand, use different study habits to acquire radiology material. We aim to identify these habits and investigate which ones, if any, correlate with higher DXIT scores.

A questionnaire-based cross sectional survey focusing on seven aspects of study related habits. The study population was second to fourth year radiology residents at McGill University. Responses were correlated with participants’ 2012 DXIT scores. Fisher's Exact test, Spearman's Rho and Pearson Chi-Square tests were used.

23 residents completed the questionnaire (79% response rate). Almost half of the responders (52%) study 5 or less hours per week. Reference textbooks were the top ranked source for radiology reading, followed by case-based format books. All residents consider the journal “Radiographics” an important source for their reading. A significant correlation exists between higher DXIT scores and 1) higher residency levels (p=0.048) 2) reading from textbooks (p=0.006), 3) less reading from the radiological journal "Radiology" (p=0.004) and 4) less frequent use of highlighter pens (p=0.040). A nearly significant correlation was found between higher scores and 1) spending more money on textbooks (p=0.051) and 2) less preference for the differential diagnosis based lecturing format (p=0.074).

Radiology residents use different study habits, some of which correlate with higher in-training exam scores. The results could inform both low performing residents and residency programs with the aim of improving exam scores and performance.

Higher residency levels, reading form textbooks and journals focusing on educational material more than scientific research and less frequent use of highlighter pens relate to higher DXIT scores.

Toonsi, F, Chankowsky, J, Study Habits of High-Score Achievers in the American College of Radiology In-Training Exam (DXIT).  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13027613.html