Global Radiology Training Prevalence Among Radiology Residency Programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Global Health
• Radiology

Background:

• Global Radiology Training (GRT) is crucial for enhancing medical imaging access and education worldwide.
• Limited data exists on the integration and perception of GRT within radiology residency programs.
• Understanding the current landscape of GRT is essential for its future development and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess how radiology residency programs perceive and incorporate Global Radiology Training (GRT).
• To evaluate the online promotion of GRT opportunities by residency programs.
• To identify barriers and enablers for GRT implementation in radiology curricula.

Main Methods:

• Surveying radiology residency program directors on GRT electives, partnerships, resident/faculty involvement, applicant inquiries, and barriers.
• Analyzing radiology residency program websites to identify publicly available GRT information.

Main Results:

• A 19% response rate yielded 62 survey responses, with 38% offering GRT electives and 27% having international affiliations.
• Eighty-four percent of program directors reported applicant inquiries about GRT opportunities.
• Only 13% of program websites listed any GRT electives, indicating significant underrepresentation.

Conclusions:

• GRT is more prevalent in radiology residencies than previously documented, but is underrepresented on program websites.
• Most program directors view radiology as important in global health, with one-third having integrated GRT.
• Lack of curriculum time and faculty interest are primary barriers to GRT, despite strong applicant interest.