title: The value of a structured course for an elective in radiology for senior medical students.
abstract: The authors recently revised the elective course for senior medical students at Northwestern University Medical School. The new course is well structured with clearly stated objectives, self-instruction seminars, specialized teaching conferences conducted by attendings and residents, student presentations, and a final examination. The enrollment in the course has increased steadily, especially among students not planning a career in radiology. Student surveys obtained immediately after completion of the new course demonstrated a clear positive response despite the increased workload. Follow-up surveys also showed a greater comfort level and expertise with radiographic images in students who participated in the more structured course. Final grade distribution was based on multiple factors and resulted in 16% honors reduced from previous honors rate of 24%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sider
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007087:Illinois; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*