Resident conference at the viewbox: an experimental approach.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and test an experimental radiology resident conference format designed to incorporate more cases, improve visibility of cases, increase resident participation, decrease resident anxiety, and provide residents with feedback on their oral presentation skills.


METHODS
Sixteen radiology residents were paired into eight teams. Each team was given an identical packet of eight chest radiograph cases, assigned a viewbox, and given 16 minutes to review the cases. Each case was then discussed in front of the group, by one resident from a team, such that all teams participated in oral presentation. The conference moderator provided a written handout, discussion of the findings, and diagnosis for each case. Residents anonymously evaluated each other's performance, the experimental conference format, and 15 traditional conferences.


RESULTS
Residents subjectively found the experimental conference to be a statistically significant improvement over the traditional conferences in certain areas (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The experimental conference serves as a valuable alternative to the traditional "hot-seat" conference.
Collins
J
J
Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792-3252, USA.
Garofalo
R S
RS
Albanese
M A
MA
D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*