Preceptors: Matthew Young, DO
Contact: Evelyn Espinosa, evelyn.espinosa@nyulangone.org
Telephone: 212-263-6737

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Radiology Selective or Diagnostic Radiology Elective or upon approval from faculty preceptor.

Description

This elective provides an interactive, hands-on learning environment designed for students considering a career in diagnostic radiology. Over this four-week elective, students will rotate through two, two-week subspecialty experiences, immersed in the radiology reading room. The student will have the opportunity to review imaging exams independently and create a preliminary radiology report similar to a junior radiology resident, under the close supervision of dedicated radiology teaching faculty. Students should anticipate greater confidence using a PACS-based workstation, improved use of accurate imaging-based terminology, and greater experience building an imaging-based differential diagnosis. This is a full-day elective which includes one-to-one instruction at the radiology workstation. Students will also participate in resident-centered lectures and conferences to learn how to effectively communicate imaging findings to colleagues.

Objectives of the Elective

Learning objectives include:

• Gain confidence using PACS: accessing correct imaging series, performing accurate quantitative assessment (such as size, density).
• Create a well-organized, complete, and clinically relevant imaging report.
• Build confidence and dexterity with imaging appropriateness and exam protocoling, including proper use of contrast materials and consideration of radiation dose.
• Correctly use accurate imaging terminology in written reports and in conversation with colleagues.
• Develop a reasonable imaging-based differential diagnosis for cases which are not pathognomonic.
• Assume graduated responsibility for imaging exams (both number and complexity, as determined appropriate by faculty).
• Fine-tune presentation skills with successful case presentation, designed from ‘an imager’s perspective’.

Key Responsibilities of the Student While on Elective

Students will assume graduated responsibility for independent case review, similar to a first-year radiology resident on their first subspecialty rotation. After a limited period of one-on-one teaching and observational case review (totaling no more than 4 hours with a faculty radiologist at the radiology workstation), students will independently review clinical imaging exams using PACS, with temporary credentials, similar to a resident.

• Students will then draft a preliminary report using Powerscribe (saved in “Draft” status).
• Student will review cases with faculty radiologist, who will then assume ownership of the draft report, make corrections as needed, and sign-off the case.
• Students will gradually review a greater number of more complex cases independently, always under the guidance of the dedicated radiology teaching faculty.
• Students will attend resident noon conference series and relevant sectional conferences, such as Thoracic Imaging section’s Interesting Case Conference.
• Students will prepare an interesting case to share with the group, just like the resident on service.

Didactic Program

While much of the teaching will occur in real-time at the radiology workstation, formal didactic learning materials will be housed on Brightspace and will incorporate a blend of learning formats. Vetted, high-quality online learning resources will be included, such as educational material sponsored by professional societies (American College of Radiology, Society of Thoracic Radiology, etc). This online material is typically comprised of recorded educational lectures from annual meetings, specifically curated for trainees. Formal societal recommendations and best-practice guidelines are also included via these resources. Students will also have access to a curated list of evidence-based literature, including peer-reviewed review articles and up-to-date textbooks that are typically recommended for junior residents.

Method of Evaluation

Pass/Fail based on formative assessment of clinical skills and learning effort, participation, including case-presentation as part of sectional activities, and professionalism.

Scheduling Information

Months Offered: January through June
Report To: Matthew Young, DO
Students Per Period: 4
Duration: Four Weeks