Implementation of a new undergraduate radiology curriculum: experience at the University of British Columbia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to review and revise the undergraduate radiology curriculum at the University of British Columbia to improve radiology education to medical students and to meet the needs of a medical program with province-wide distribution. METHODS: We identified the radiology content of the curriculum from the Curriculum Management and Information Tool online database, from personal interviews with curriculum heads, and from published information. Undergraduates' and recent graduates' opinions were solicited by means of surveys. Information on radiology curricula at medical schools across Canada was gathered from email surveys and personal contacts with members of the Canadian Heads of Academic Radiology (CHAR). RESULTS: Review of our curriculum indicated that lack of a unified syllabus resulted in redundant content, gaps in knowledge, and lack of continuity in the curriculum. Results from the survey of programs across Canada indicated that most schools also lacked a formal radiology curriculum for medical students. By adapting the guidelines from the Association of Medical Student Education in Radiology, we revised our undergraduate radiology curriculum to emphasize integration and self-learning. The modified curriculum includes a combination of instructional technology, focused lectures in preclinical years, and in-context seminars in clerkship rotations. CONCLUSION: Most medical schools in Canada do not have a formal radiology curriculum for medical students. A structured curriculum is required to improve the quality of radiology teaching for medical students.