The Emory University Department of Radiology is actively engaged in the education of Medical Students in Radiology. Dr. Stefan Tigges and colleagues teach in the Anatomy course and the Radiological anatomy sessions are very well-received. A core required Radiology clerkship/course (MEDI 725) occurs in the 2nd or 3rd year of Medical School at Emory and is administrated by Dr. Mark Mullins. Dr. Eugene Berkowitz is the Associate Course/Clerkship Directors for that offering. A 4-week clinical elective in Radiology is also offered by the Emory University School of Medicine and is administrated by Dr. Amanda Corey. This elective is popular not only with Emory Medical Students but also students at other Schools of Medicine as well as Interns and Residents in non-Radiological training programs. The Emory School of Medicine has changed curricula to a more longitudinal structure and we are considering having educational offerings to extend over one or more years as well. The Director of Medical Student Education in our Department is Dr. Mark Mullins, who is the current (2008-2009) President of the national group AMSER (the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology).
In line with the Emory University move to integrated learning, the Radiology course: MEDI 725, taught to the medical students, will be woven into the seven other clerkships of specialty training.
Three years ago, Emory University School of Medicine (SOM) redesigned the first two years of medical school, integrating what had previously been multiple separate courses. In the new curriculum, students learn organ system anatomy, pathology, histology etc. simultaneously to enable them to more easily connect these previously disparate disciplines. This year, the SOM will better integrate the curriculum of the clinical years, starting March 1. The previously freestanding, required Radiology course will be element of all seven specialty clerkships.
This change presents an opportunity for radiologists to better teach students in the context of the patients whom they will see during their clinical care rotations. Another advantage is that Radiology will have a constant presence during the clinical training of the various clerkships. Students will learn about many topics including the basics of how to interpret commonly ordered imaging studies such as chest radiographs and head CTs. In addition, they will learn about the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria so that they know when, or even if, an imaging study is indicated. Finally, students will be required to learn 22 "don’t miss" imaging Evolution of Education findings, such as pneumothorax and intracranial bleeding, so that important diagnoses are not missed or delayed.
When the integration was initially introduced, Dr. Mark Mullins, Vice Chair for Education and Director of Radiology Medical Student Education, successfully arranged for Radiology to maintain its status as a separate course with a letter grade and credit hours. When the students complete an existing clerkship (Ambulatory Care, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Surgery) they will be tested separately on the radiology that they learned as part of the "virtual course".
Dr. Stefan Tigges, a member of Cardiothoracic Imaging and Director of the required radiology course, has worked with clerkship directors to secure time for radiology teaching during the clinical rotations. The Radiology Department response has been overwhelming on at all levels, including faculty and residents. The collaborative efforts have both helped to develop the segments that will be led by Radiology, and influenced the radiology content to be included in the other clerkships. Dr. Tigges described the experience of working with the clerkship directors as being very pleasant and productive with open communication, as all players work to produce the highest level learning experience. Dr. Tigges would like to extend his thanks to all who have volunteered their time to ensure that this new platform is a success.
While the free standing radiology clerkship has been integrated into the other clerkships, many of the improvements made to the course by Dr. Mullins will be retained. Dr. Tigges would like to "compliment Dr. Mullins for all the innovative things that he has done" and he intends to incorporate such elements as the small group sessions and projects in the new format. The interactive nature of these sessions will ensure a more effective and more enjoyable experience for both teachers and students.
To view the original article in the February 2010 Rad Report, click here.
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