Radiology

Overview

The radiology rotation is a ½ to 1 block preceptorial rotation. The rotation occurs at Memorial Hospital and in other locations included in the radiologist’s usual practice. The teaching of radiology in the program includes this rotation, as well as experiences in the Family Medicine Center, the noon conference series and on other rotations (See other curricula.).

Note: A separate curriculum called “Radiology/Nuclear Medicine” describes the longitudinal curriculum in medical imaging taught throughout the three years of residency.

Goals

1. At the completion of this rotation, the resident will have an understanding of the practice of radiology in a community hospital setting which will facilitate appropriate referral practices in the future.
2. At the completion of this rotation, the resident will have knowledge and skills in the areas of radiology pertinent to the practice of family medicine.

Objectives

At the completion of this rotation, the resident will have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the radiology preceptor:

• medical knowledge in radiology pertinent to the practice of family medicine, including the appropriate indications for and evaluation of (MK): plain radiographs of the chest, bones and abdomen; specialized imaging studies including computed tomography, angiography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy; patients requiring contrast dye for imaging studies; and patients with conditions amenable to treatment by an interventional radiologist.
• the ability to perform an appropriate history and physical examination on the radiology patient, when pertinent, and to present these findings to another physician in an appropriate manner (PC).
• the ability to interpret appropriate data related to the radiology patient and arrive at reasonable diagnostic and management decisions, weighing alternatives, benefits and risks of diagnostic and therapeutic options, and co-managing patients appropriately with other specialists (PC).
• the ability to make appropriate decisions to assure high-quality care in a cost-effective manner (SBP); communication and interpersonal skills, which facilitate positive and therapeutic relationships (ICS).
• the ability to work cooperatively with other health professionals as part of a healthcare team (ICS).
• compassion, respect and integrity; responsiveness to the needs of patients and society that supersedes self-interest; accountability to patients, society and the profession; a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development (P).
• a commitment to ethical principles pertaining to the provision or withholding of clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, informed consent and business practices (P).
• sensitivity and responsiveness to a patient’s culture, age, gender and disabilities (P).

There are no specific procedural requirements for this rotation. However, there is a separate Procedures Curriculum, and residents may gain experience meeting these requirements during this rotation.

Implementation

This is a preceptorial rotation, so the resident is assigned to a particular radiologist or radiology group. The resident will accompany the radiologist during his/her professional activities in Memorial Hospital and in other locations involved in the preceptor’s usual practice. In the course of seeing patients, the radiologist will provide experiential learning, role-modeling and one-on-one teaching to the resident. At the discretion of the preceptor, the resident may be assigned to research specific topics in radiology.

The resident is responsible for contacting the radiologist prior to the start of the rotation to arrange a schedule for the rotation. The resident must continue to meet usual residency obligations to his/her Family Medicine Center population including attending scheduled clinics, caring for continuity patients admitted to Memorial Hospital and rounding in the nursing home. The resident is expected to attend noon conferences and abide by duty hour restrictions in keeping with usual program policies. Upon completion of the rotation, the resident must complete and return the evaluation form provided by the program.

Evaluation

The radiology preceptor will complete an evaluation form at the end of the rotation. Residents will specifically be evaluated on the following ACGME Milestones:

• MK-1: Demonstrates medical knowledge of sufficient breadth and depth to practice family medicine.
• MK-2: Applies critical thinking skills in patient care.
• SBP-1: Provides cost-conscious medical care.
• PBLI-2: Demonstrates self-directed learning.
• PROF-2: Demonstrates professional conduct and accountability.
• C-3: Develops relationships and effectively communicates with physicians, other health professionals and healthcare teams.