DIAGNOSTIC
IMAGING
Medical Student Elective Program
GUIDELINES, GOALS
and
EXPECTATIONS
Welcome to your elective rotation in Radiology at St. Joseph’s Healthcare ! The Diagnostic Imaging
Department is located on Level 0 of the Juravinski Tower. Students and residents are requested to email
their CV and their goals and objectives before starting the elective rotation.
I.
CONTACTS
Administrative Assistant for Elective Medical Students/ Non-Radiology Residents in
Rotation in Radiology
Sue Wagland – Administrative Assistant
Dept. of Diagnostic Imaging
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
50 Charlton Ave. East, T0114
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
Tel: 905-522-1155 Ext 33308
Fax: 905-308-7207
Email: swagland@stjoes.ca
Dr. Judith Coret-Simon, MD, Coordinator of Elective Medical Students/Non-Radiology
Residents in Rotation in Radiology
Judith Coret-Simon, MD
Assistant Professor
McMaster University
Department of Diagnostic Imaging
St. Joseph's Health Care
Hamilton, Ontario
Tel:
905 522-1155 Ext 34192
Email:
jcoret@stjoes.ca
II.
INTRODUCTION
The promotion of Radiology within the medical school curriculum is of increasing
importance given the increased emphasis of imaging in clinical diagnosis and
management. Radiology is fast becoming the optimal vehicle for teaching human
morphology and certain aspects of physiology and pathology. The elective rotation may
offer students their best opportunity to assess Clinical Radiology as a possible subsequent
career choice.
The length of these elective rotations varies between 2-4 weeks. Blocks less than 2 weeks
will be not accepted. Maximum number of concomitant students in the DI elective is 2.
The following documents are being sent to all Deans of Medical Schools and are available
for students’ review via links that can be found on the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR)
website.
http://www.rcr.ac.uk/content.aspx?PageID=703
Documents that can be downloaded (PDF files) on this site include:
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III.
The Changing Role of Clinical Radiology and Imaging in Medical School Curricula
Teaching Radiology and Imaging: Core Curriculum or Optional Extra?
The Place of Clinical Radiology and Imaging in Medical Education: Objectives,
Content and Delivery of Teaching
The place of Clinical Radiology and Imaging in Medical in Medical Student
Education: Recommended Framework for Curriculum Design
Suggestions for Reading in Radiology for Clinical Medical Students
ELECTIVE COURSE OBJECTIVES
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To become aware of and understand the nature of all currently available imaging
procedures.
To gain a firm knowledge of the indications, contraindications, risks and costs of
commonly used imaging procedures.
Understanding Radiology safety.
To provide a broader understanding of the principles of Radiology and a familiarity
with the many diagnostic techniques available, their values and limitations, and how
they may be best used in the management of the patient.
To become familiar with the radiologist as a consultant.
To begin to realize how inculcation of clinical facts can lead to more efficient and
directed imaging studies.
To learn to recognize basic anatomic structures as they appear on imaging studies
in the normal patient and in common disease states.
To train the student in the basic skills of Radiology interpretation of plain
radiographs as well as of Cross-Sectional imaging studies, such as CT, MR and
Ultrasound.
IV.
V.
METHODS OF TEACHING
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Didactic:
One-on-one teaching sessions with staff radiologist;
Attending department rounds
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Clinical:
Case reviews with faculty
Shadowing radiology residents and fellows
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Self-learning:
CORA project
Teaching files assessed through PACS
Books; websites
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are expected to:
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VI.
Demonstrate a responsible work ethic with regard of conference attendance and with
regard to service responsibilities and attendance
Demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles pertaining to confidentiality of patient
information
Case Presentation: During the last week of the elective, each student will choose one
disease topic of interest and give an approximately 10-15 minutes presentation on this
subject to include a brief review of current literature and description of expected clinical
presentation, radiographic findings, treatment options and expected results. The
presentation will be given at one of the department rounds or, according to the topic, to
the elective program coordinator.
METHOD OF EVALUATION
The evaluation form is web-based. The students will be evaluated based on their
attendance and their contribution to the discussion of the patients and medical images
presented in the readout sessions. Evaluations will be based on a system of “Honours”,
“Pass” and “Fail” for the overall course. Completion of the oral presentation is required for
the “Pass” grade.
I wish you a meaningful and enjoyable rotation in our department, and hope you achieve
your objectives. I will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
Dr. Judith Coret-Simon, MD, Coordinator
Elective Medical Students and Resident
Department of Diagnostic Imaging