E2803. First-Year Radiology Resident Boot Camp: A New Approach to a Foundational Lecture Series
Authors
Alexis Salsbury;
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Aric Berning ;
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Allison Weyer;
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Objective:
The introductory curriculum for first-year radiology residents (R1s), often termed “boot camp,” is an important opportunity to provide a foundation of knowledge in each radiology subspecialty before the residents embark on their clinical rotations. At our institution, this curriculum has historically been comprised of online modules with in-person lectures that have focused on selecting appropriate imaging rather than on image interpretation. We recently revised this curriculum to provide more in-depth education regarding imaging modalities, anatomy, and search patterns that would be immediately applicable to residents on their rotations and in the practice of radiology.
Materials and Methods:
A committee of residents collaborated to create a new foundational curriculum for R1 residents. Fourteen lectures were created within eight categories: neuro, abdominal, cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal, interventional, breast/women's, nuclear, and professionalism. Lectures for each category covered anatomy, imaging modalities, imaging physics, search patterns, and case examples. Each lecture was reviewed by a senior resident for quality. Lectures included a variety of diagrams and labeled radiology images. Each category of lectures was supplemented with journal articles, a list of which was provided to the R1 residents prior to the course. Lectures were given by senior residents during the first five weeks of the academic year. At the conclusion, a survey was sent to R1 residents to assess their satisfaction with the course as well as to senior residents to obtain data comparing the former and new curricula. These surveys included questions regarding curriculum content, format, and length. Residents also had the opportunity to provide constructive feedback.
Results:
Preliminary survey results from the R1 class demonstrated 100% attendance throughout the course. Regarding course content and format, 77% of those who responded felt that the content and format was significantly beneficial. Additionally, 88% of these respondents felt that the course length was appropriate. However, a majority of the R1 residents were less satisfied with the at-home reading materials. Preliminary results of the surveys distributed to senior residents demonstrate that a majority felt the previous curriculum was only moderately beneficial to their education, and 100% of respondents view the new curriculum as an improvement. Results are continuously being collected to enable additional improvements for the next academic year.
Conclusion:
A high-quality introductory curriculum for first-year radiology residents is essential for a successful start to residency. Modifying our curriculum to include more interactive sessions that cover content specific to various subspecialties and to the practice of radiology has proven to be effective and well-received by residents.
