Fundamentals Of Radiology Series
Armanda Kicks
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Purpose: The current undergraduate radiology education predominantly integrates radiology with other disciplines during preclerkship years and is often taught by nonradiologists. Early exposure to radiology and profound understanding of scientific fundamentals of imaging modalities and techniques are essential for a better understanding and interest in the specialty. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic-related impact on in-person medical education aggravated the need for alternative virtual teaching initiatives to provide essential knowledge to medical students.
Methods: The authors designed an online 7-session course on the principles of imaging modalities for medical students and fresh graduates in the United States and abroad. The course was delivered online and taught by radiologists from different US institutions. Pretests and posttests were delivered before and after each session, respectively, to assess change in knowledge. At the end of the course, a survey was distributed among students to collect their assessment and feedback.
Results: A total of 162 students and interns initially enrolled in the program by completing a sign-up interest form. An average of 65 participants attended each live session, with the highest attendance being 93 live attendees. An average of 44 attendees completed both the pretest and posttest for each session. There was a statistically significant increase in posttest scores compared with pretest scores ( P < 0.01) for each session; on average, the posttest scores were 48% higher than the pretest scores. A total of 84 participants answered the end-of-course survey. A total of 11% of the respondents described themselves as first year, 17% as second year, 18% as third year, 21% as fourth year, and 33% as "other." Attendees were enrolled in medical schools across 21 different countries with 35% of the respondents studying medicine in the United States. More than 76% of the respondents stated that they "strongly agree" that the program increased their understanding of radiology, increased their interest in radiology, and would be useful in their clinical practice in the future. Eighty-three percent of the respondents stated that they "strongly agree" that "this course was a worthwhile experience." Particularly, more than 84% of the respondents stated that among the most important components in enhancing their understanding of radiology were "the interpretation of normal imaging" and "interpretation of clinical cases." Ninety-two percent of the respondents stated that "the amount of effort to complete the requirements for this program was just right." Participants were also asked to rate each of the 8 sessions using the following scale: poor = 1 point, fair = 2, good = 3, and excellent = 4. The average rating for all 8 sessions was 3.61 points (SD = 0.55), which translates to 96% of the sessions being rated good or excellent. Eighty percent of the participants reported that the topics presented in the program were "excellent and clinically important to learn," and 20% of the participants reported that the topics presented were "good and somewhat important to learn." The participants were asked to evaluate their confidence regarding basic radiology skills before and after the program using the following scale: not confident at all = 1 point, somewhat confident = 2, moderately confident = 3, and very confident = 4. Figure 2 summarizes the responses of the participants.
Conclusions: An online course to teach the fundamentals of imaging modalities could be delivered through a webinar format to medical students and interns in several countries to address the potential gaps in radiology education, therefore increasing their understanding of the different imaging modalities and their proper use in medicine.
The Breast Imaging Essentials series covers the fundamentals of mammography, breast imaging equipment andtechniques for ensuring image quality. Breast anatomy and pathologies are also discussed along withstrategies for communicating with patients. This series is a great introduction to breast imaging or anexcellent refresher for those currently in the field.
After successful completion of all 10 modules, participants will receive 14.25 Category A CE credits,1.75 Category A+ CE credits and a document from the ASRT recognizing their achievement. This packageincludes a free bonus practice test containing 200 questions.
This module describes the radiographic principles essential to mammography, the purpose of regulations and licensing regarding the performance of mammography, and techniques that produce quality mammographic imaging with minimal radiation exposure. You will also learn about the development and purpose of digital mammography in addition to other breast imaging modalities.
This module explains the basic functions and components of mammography equipment. The direct and indirect methods of digital image acquisition are discussed, along with the requirements for displaying the resulting images. You will also learn about methods for storing mammographic images, and the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) requirements for performance, operation, and qualifications.
This module describes the technical variables that affect image quality and how to alleviate problems that could reduce the quality of a mammogram. You will learn how to evaluate mammograms for positioning, compression, and technique. Digital artifacts and digital image display systems also are discussed.
This module explains the stages of human breast development and defines important terminology for describing the internal and external anatomy of the adult female breast. You will also learn about the vascular supply and venous and lymphatic drainage systems, the hormonal influences of menstruation and pregnancy, and common breast anomalies.
This module explains imaging terminology for breast pathology, and how to recognize examples of breast disease in both men and women. You will learn how benign and malignant breast diseases and conditions appear on mammographic images, and the various treatment options for those diseases.
This module explains the requirements for mammography accreditation and certification and the agencies involved. You will learn about the reporting requirements listed in the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and the mandatory mammography quality control tests performed by both technologists and medical physicists.
This module describes the modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer, and the difference between screening and diagnostic mammography. You will also learn how to obtain a thorough patient medical history and teach patients to perform breast self-examination. Common signs and symptoms of breast self-examination and clinical breast examination also are discussed.
This module explains the requirements for image labeling, projections and positions used for mammography, and the criteria for evaluating digital mammograms. You will also learn localization techniques used in breast procedures, how to handle difficult patient situations, and the process for various interventional breast procedures.
This module explains basic principles of ultrasound physics, sonographic terminology relevant to breast imaging, and the role of ultrasound in characterizing breast pathology. The steps of the ultrasound examination and methods to recognize benign and malignant pathology also are discussed.
This module explains the origin and theory behind tomosynthesis systems, how DBT images are acquired and displayed, and the benefits and challenges of the modality for both patients and staff. You will also learn about the training and certification requirements for digital breast tomosynthesis.
This series covers the fundamentals of mammography, breast imaging equipment and techniques for insuring image quality. Breast anatomy and pathologies are also discussed along with strategies for communicating with patients. This series is a great introduction to breast imaging or an excellent refresher for those currently in the field.
This series covers the development of MR imaging, how the equipment and instrumentation works and how to improve image quality. Modules in this series explain the importance of parameters, the functionality of radiofrequency systems and gradient systems in MR imaging. You will also learn about specific applications of MR imaging such as neuroimaging and joint imaging. The MR Pathology modules will improve your recognition and understanding of specific pathology in MR.
Become an ASRT member and receive access to 17 CE credits each membership year. Choose from more than 575 CE courses in a variety of topics. Earn CE to fulfill biennium, CQR prescription, state and regulatory requirements.
Clinical research in imaging is at an inflection point. We need to move beyond small single-center observational studies to multi-center medical imaging trials [1, 2]. This is illustrated by the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Clinical Trials in Radiology (CTiR) sessions at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in 2024 ( ). Randomized medical imaging trials have a substantial impact on clinical practice by prompting changes in the use of medical imaging technologies for specific clinical scenarios.
Changing clinical medicine depends on three crucial factors: first, new evidence primarily derived from robust data generated from randomized trials or large registries; second, reimbursement decisions by health technology assessment agencies based on clinical evidence and health economics studies; and third, a general consensus on the application of diagnostic tests and therapy within medical communities. Achieving consensus in the community often relies on acceptance of updated or revised clinical practice guidelines.
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