Journal Article

Invest in the future: “Hands-on Radiology” summer school

Oppenheimer, Jonas, Hamm, Bernd, Lerchbaumer, Markus, Marth, Adrian A, Nilssen, Martine S, Jahn, Mona, Gosch, Vitus, Segger, Laura, Bierbrauer, Annika, Auer, Timo A, Lüken, Sophia

2023

Overview

PurposeThe field of radiology is currently underestimated by undergraduate medical students. The “Hands-on Radiology” summer school was established to improve radiology knowledge and interest among undergraduates. The purpose of this questionnaire survey was to analyze whether a radiological hands-on course is an effective tool to reach and motivate undergraduate students.Materials and methodsThe three-day course held in August 2022 included lectures, quizzes, and small group hands-on workshops focusing on practical work with simulators. All participants (n = 30) were asked to rate their knowledge and motivation to specialize in radiology at the beginning of the summer school (day 1) and the end (day 3). The questionnaires included multiple choice questions, 10-point scale questions and open comment questions. The second questionnaire (day 3) included additional questions regarding the program (topic choice, length, etc.).ResultsOut of 178 applicants, 30 students (16.8%) from 21 universities were selected to participate (50% female and 50% male students). All students completed both questionnaires. The overall rating was 9.47 on a 10-point scale. While the self-reported knowledge level increased from 6.47 (day 1) to 7.50 (day 3), almost all participants (96.7%, n = 29/30) mentioned an increased interest in the specialization of radiology after the event. Interestingly, most students (96.7%) preferred onsite teaching instead of online teaching and chose residents over board-certified radiologists as teachers.ConclusionIntensive three-day courses are valuable tools to strengthen interest in radiology and increase knowledge among medical students. Particularly, students who already have a tendency to specialize in radiology are further motivated.Key pointsThe three-day student program enhanced the visibility of radiology as a specialization.Interest in and knowledge of radiology was increased among participants.Participants’ motivation to consider specialization in radiology increased.Participants favored onsite teaching and teaching by residents instead of consultants.Networking is a major factor during such courses among participants.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: CAI / Colleges & universities / Computer assisted instruction / Medical students / Motivation / Multiple choice / Onsite / Questionnaires / Questions / Radiology / Simulators / Specialization / Students / Teaching / Undergraduate study