Considerations in Specialty Selections: What Medical Students Think, Know, and Think They Know about Interventional Radiology

Worldwide Knowledge About Interventional Radiology Among Medical Students: Findings of a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE

The objective of this comprehensive review is to investigate the studies assessing the interventional radiology knowledge among medical students worldwide and inspect the feasible solutions for improving their perspective on this specialty.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was accomplished on PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, and Embase databases. The quality of eligible articles was assessed with the QATSDD assessment tool.

RESULTS

After screening of articles, 29 studies were included. All the included articles were published between 2009 and 2021, with 20 studies performed in 2017 and thereafter. Interventional radiologists' duties, procedures, and training pathways were the main subjects investigated in surveys. The interest and exposure to interventional radiology were also assessed. All the studies indicated that the knowledge about interventional radiology compared with other specialties is weak. In 14 studies, over 50% of participants reported their interventional radiology knowledge as either poor or none. The most reason for not considering interventional radiology residency was lack of awareness during medical schools. Studies which held a tutorial course reported the students' awareness and interest improved significantly after the course.

CONCLUSION

The present evidence indicates that although the current awareness of interventional radiology is low, timely didactic courses in medical schools can improve this condition significantly, lead to graduation of more oriented referring physicians, and also attract more fit applicants to interventional radiology residency programs.

Exposure to, understanding of and interest in interventional radiology among Pakistani medical students: a cross-sectional study

Background

Medical students need more awareness regarding minimally invasive image-guided procedures carried out by interventional radiological approach. This study analyzed the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding interventional radiology (IR) and the factors influencing their decision to choose IR as a specialty in the future.

Methods

A cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among medical students across Pakistan. The data were collected from October 14, 2021, to November 14, 2021. The questionnaire included demographic variables, exposure, interest, and self-reported knowledge of IR, interventions, instruments utilized in IR, and the responsibilities of the interventional radiologist. Variables affecting the possible choice of IR as a future career were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The median age was 22 years, with a male predominance. 65.5% exhibited an interest in radiology, and 20.2% in IR. The majority, 83.5%, perceived IR. As having good to adequate prospects. Male participants preferred IR more as compared to females. Participants willing to attend IR rotation and had an excellent view of IR as a specialty had higher propensity towards IR as a future career than their counterparts. The majority opted for IR as a better-paying job with lots of intellectual stimulation and career flexibility.

Conclusion

IR is a demanding specialty with rigorous routines but reasonable monetary compensation. Lack of infrastructure and low numbers of trained specialists limit medical students' exposure to IR in developing health economies like Pakistan. Clinical rotations in IR departments would help raise awareness about the field and bridging this gap.

Radiology Stereotypes, Application Barriers, and Hospital Integration: A Mixed-methods Study of Medical Student Perceptions of Radiology

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Limited exposure to radiology by medical students can perpetuate negative stereotypes and hamper recruitment efforts. The purpose of this study is to understand medical students' perceptions of radiology and how they change based on medical education and exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-institution mixed-methods study included four groups of medical students with different levels of radiology exposure. All participants completed a 16-item survey regarding demographics, opinions of radiology, and perception of radiology stereotypes. Ten focus groups were administered to probe perceptions of radiology. Focus groups were coded to identify specific themes in conjunction with the survey results.

RESULTS

Forty-nine participants were included. Forty-two percent of participants had positive opinions of radiology. Multiple radiology stereotypes were identified, and false stereotypes were diminished with increased radiology exposure. Opinions of the impact of artificial intelligence on radiology closely aligned with positive or negative views of the field overall. Multiple barriers to applying for a radiology residency position were identified including board scores and lack of mentorship. COVID-19 did not affect perceptions of radiology. There was broad agreement that students do not enter medical school with many preconceived notions of radiology, but that subsequent exposure was generally positive. Exposure both solidified and eliminated various stereotypes. Finally, there was general agreement that radiology is integral to the health system with broad exposure on all services.

CONCLUSION

Medical student perceptions of radiology are notably influenced by exposure and radiology programs should take active steps to engage in medical student education.