Bridging Gaps in Radiology Education: Insights From Clinical-year Medical Students and the Risk of Diminishing the...

This study investigates clinical-year medical student perceptions of the role of radiologists and medical imaging in patient care, assessing their exposure to and experiences with radiology during clinical rotations. Given radiology's critical function in modern healthcare, this study aims to highlight educational gaps and propose improvements for integrating radiology more effectively within medical curricula.

A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a validated survey and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The survey focused on students' familiarity with the radiologist's role, confidence in interpreting imaging findings, and experiences with radiology across different clinical rotations. Ten students were randomly selected for in-depth interviews to provide deeper insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data using thematic analysis.

Out of 90 surveyed students, 50% responded, revealing varied experiences across clinical rotations and limited exposure to diagnostic and interventional radiology. Radiologists were widely viewed as ancillary service providers, with many students reporting no direct communication with them regarding image interpretation. While radiology reports were noted to influence patient treatment, few students reported patient awareness of the radiologist's contributions. The study also highlighted a moderate understanding of radiation risks and the selection of appropriate diagnostic imaging.

The findings underscore the necessity for an integrated radiology curriculum, including practical exposure and enhanced interprofessional collaboration. These insights advocate for an educational framework that aligns radiology's educational presence with its clinical significance, thus preparing students for the multifaceted demands of modern medical practice.