Improving medical imaging interpretation through a clerkship anatomy selective

Medical students poorly retain their anatomy knowledge and there is an increased desire among students for more exposure to medical imaging. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the change in student image interpretation skills following a 4th year radiologic anatomy course designed to address both issues.

Fourth-year medical students enrolled in either "Regional Anatomy through Diagnostic Imaging" selective (n = 36) or "Advanced Gross Anatomy" selective (n = 19) completed a pre and post-test evaluating their ability to identify anatomical structures. The assessment utilized x-ray, CT scan, MRI and ultrasound images from eight different body regions. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and independent t-tests.

At baseline, the students' mean score was 63.8% ± 22 (25 - 97%) with no significant difference in performance between groups. Performance on x-ray imaging questions (74.5% ± 1.8) was significantly higher compared to other imaging modalities (p < 0.05). Post selective, there was a 15.1% mean increase in performance among Regional Anatomy through Diagnostic Imaging students but no significant increase in skills assessment among their colleagues. The independent t-test analysis showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in performance between the two groups at the post-test level.

An elective that integrates anatomy and medical imaging improves graduating medical students' ability to interpret medical images and identify anatomical structures. This approach can be used by other institutions to address student demand for additional exposure to medical imaging while also reinforcing anatomy knowledge.