A resident perspective on the radiology residency. The critical incident technique

A recent job analysis of the radiology residency from the perspective of staff physicians revealed that radiology staff emphasized nonacademic factors such as conscientiousness, curiosity, and interpersonal skills in considering resident performance. The present study comprises a replication and extension of that work, considering the role of the resident from the perspective of the trainees. Critical incident interviews were conducted with residents at all levels in the residency (years 1 through 4). Two types of analyses were conducted, one in which residents independently developed taxonomies for these incidents, and one in which resident incidents were compared with faculty incidents in the taxonomy developed in the earlier study. Similarities to and differences from the faculty perspective were noted. Results provided support for the importance of evaluating factors other than academics in resident performance.