Impact of Early Radiology Research Experiences on Medical Student Perceptions of Radiology and Research

Rationale and objectivesTo promote opportunities for medical students to gain early exposure to radiology and research, our institution has initiated programs which fund summer radiology research projects for rising second-year medical students. This study assesses the impact of these faculty-mentored summer research experiences on medical student perceptions of radiology and research, in terms of both knowledge and interest.Materials and methodsA voluntary, anonymous survey was administered to students both before and after the summer research period. Both the pre-program survey and post-program survey included 7-point Likert-scale questions (1 = strongly disagree; 7 = strongly agree) to evaluate students’ perceptions about research and students’ perceptions about radiology as a specialty. Faculty mentors were sent an analogous post-program survey that included an evaluation of their student's research skills.ResultsThe surveys were completed by 9 of 11 students and 10 of 11 mentors. Students’ perceived knowledge of radiology as a specialty improved (P = 0.02) between the pre-program survey and post-program survey. Similarly, there was an increase in students’ perceived knowledge of research skills (P = 0.02) between the pre-program survey and post-program survey, with student ratings of research skills consistent with those of mentors. High student interest in both radiology and research was maintained over the course of the program.ConclusionOur pilot study suggests that summer research experiences can improve knowledge of radiology and research among medical students. Continued evaluation of this annual program will allow us to enhance the benefit to medical students and thereby bolster interest in academic radiology.     

The vestibular aqueduct syndrome: computed tomographic appearance

We have recently examined three young patients with congenital unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. On computed tomography the only abnormality discovered was a remarkably enlarged vestibular aqueduct on the abnormal side. The vestibular aqueduct syndrome is an important cause of congenital hearing loss. Although this finding has been well illustrated with conventional multidirectional tomography, there has been little emphasis on the computed tomographic appearance.     

Labeled cells in the investigation of hematologic disorders

Radiolabeling techniques for white cells, platelets, and erythrocytes are reviewed. The early studies using diisopropylfluoro-32P contributed to an understanding of the production and circulation of the blood elements, and 51Cr proved useful in localizing sites of cell migration or destruction. 111In-oxine has further improved the understanding of blood cell organ sequestration, and permitted combined kinetic and organ imaging studies. Radionuclide labels have been essential for the elucidation of various hematologic disorders, such as the neutropenias, thrombocytopenias, anemias, and polycythemia. Many new treatments, including monoclonal antibodies, have been evaluated with radionuclides.     

Common Resident Errors When Interpreting Computed Tomography of the Abdomen and Pelvis: A Review of Types,Pitfalls, and Strategies for Improvement

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify common errors that radiology residents make when interpreting abdominopelvic (AP) computed tomography (CT) while on call, to review the typical imaging findings of these cases, and to discuss strategies for improvement.

Structured Reporting of Magnetic Resonance Enterography for Pediatric Crohn’s Disease: Effect on Key Feature Reporting and Subjective Assessment of Disease by Referring Physicians

Purpose

To objectively compare the content of structured reports (SR) vs nonstructured reports (NSR) for magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) of pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease, and to evaluate referring clinicians’ subjective assessment of reports.