A New Model for Teaching Radiological Anatomy

The General Medical Council (GMC) and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) Undergraduate Radiology Curriculum emphasize the need for medical graduates to use anatomical knowledge when interpreting imaging studies. This study evaluated a model in which Clinical Teaching Fellows (CTFs) were upskilled to deliver radiologist-designed tutorials using computed tomography (CT) imaging to facilitate the identification of key anatomical landmarks on chest and abdominal X-rays. Two tutorials, aligned with our institution's pre-clinical curriculum, were developed by radiology residents and anatomy faculty for 430 first-year and 420 s-year medical students. CTFs were trained using structured pre-learning resources and then facilitated small-group sessions where students interacted with CT scans and correlated the anatomy with X-rays. Feedback was collected from students and tutors. Response rates were high (76% first year; 88% second year). Most students (87%) reported feeling prepared, 94% found sessions enjoyable, and nearly all (99.9%) found CT imaging useful for learning X-ray anatomy. Among tutors (n = 11), confidence in teaching with CT imaging rose significantly, with those reporting themselves as quite or very confident increasing from 28% to 91%. Tutors also reported improved confidence in viewing CT scans in their own clinical practice. Radiological anatomy teaching can therefore be delivered sustainably through the upskilling of non-radiologist educators. This model enhances student understanding of clinically relevant anatomy, aligns with national guidance, and provides professional development benefits for tutors. It offers a pragmatic strategy to integrate radiology into undergraduate curricula at scale.