Radiology

Course #: 880J

Title:  Diagnostic Radiology

Selective Director(s):  James Ravenel, M.D.

Maximum Number of students per block: 4

LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this clinical rotation, students will be able to:

1. Describe the spectrum of diagnostic imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT, MR, NM, angiography, conventional radiology) and diagnostic and therapeutic image-guided interventional techniques.
2. Appreciate the breadth of medical knowledge necessary for imaging performance and interpretation and the spectrum of caregivers involved in the diagnostic and therapeutic imaging arena.
3. Appreciate the fundamental role and value of imaging to provide timely, accurate and actionable diagnostic information regarding a patient’s medical condition.
4. Recognize the indications and appropriateness of imaging studies for common clinical problems.
5. Describe the appropriate sequencing of exams and the limitations of diagnostic imaging tests, including cost-effectiveness of imaging studies.
6. Discuss basic test concepts of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive value and how the results of a diagnostic test affect the clinical probability of disease likelihood.
7. Participate in imaging interpretation, including basic study identification, viewing, and interpretation, basic normal anatomy and pathology as depicted on common studies.
8. Apply basic skills to evaluate basic imaging studies.

TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND ROTATION ACTIVITIES:
Students on this rotation will be expected to learn and achieve the educational goals and objectives through the following methodologies and activities:

1. Didactic lectures and case presentations from Radiology faculty and residents.
2. Attendance at the Resident didactic lecture series, held daily from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
3. Completion of designated reading from the departmental library (Chen MY, Pope TL, Ott DJ. Basic Radiology). Other textbooks to gain a more detailed overview of imaging from an organ system perspective are also available.
4. Review and study of designated radiology files in the departmental Medical Student Teaching File (film-based) and other imaging and educational tools. The departmental library has full audiovisual capability that houses an assortment of radiology texts and journals, as well as a variety of educational tools such as CDs, and a full-time librarian as a resource for students.

PATIENT ENCOUNTERS
Students on this rotation will be expected to work up and/or follow the following minimum number of patients with the specified conditions (i.e, 2 pediatric ear infections, 2 adult migraine headaches):

1. Direct Patients encounters occur infrequently in Diagnostic Radiology.  Learners will encounter patients indirectly during their observation time on ultrasound, fluoroscopy and technologist shadowing.
2. Indirect encounters (patient radiographs) will the typical “patient encounter”.  Normal images will be reviewed with attending on different subspecialties of radiology. These will include Chest, musculoskeletal, pediatrics, fluoroscopy (VA), Body CT, ultrasound, neuroradiology, breast imaging. Common abnormal images in these specialties will also be reviewed. These images will come from current patients in whom referring physicians have requested the specific studies. Sites where this will occur include didactic lectures, case presentations, and at the “viewbox” (PACS workstations).  Learners may be required to gather clinical data on patients in the reading room and present the findings to the radiology attending while reviewing the case.
2. Learners will get experience in the technical aspects of various examinations by shadowing Conventional x-ray, CT, MR and Nuclear Medicine Technologists.

EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK:
Students on this rotation will be evaluated through the following methods, and designate by whom for each method:

1. Direct observation of student’s participation and attendance.
2. Written and practical examination.  The material on these exams will come both from the assigned reading and presented material.  The purpose of the exam is to ensure that students will leave the rotation with a basic understanding of the practice and principles of Radiology.

Please outline when and how the learners will receive feedback on their performance:
Learners will receive feedback on their performance verbally and in writing by the attending physician and residents.  A final grade will be assigned on a pass/fail basis along with written comments related to performance as appropriate.