Radiology resident experience in a community-based residency program.
OBJECTIVE
The authors performed this study to examine the educational experience of radiology residents by evaluating exposure to total number and variety of examinations. They examined this exposure in relation to current concepts of resident education regarding exposure to difference radiologic examinations, preparation for private practice, and 4th-year resident experience.


METHODS
The number of examinations performed by radiology residents and the number classified as general versus cross-sectional radiology were analyzed by calculating the average number of studies performed per academic year during the past 6 years.


RESULTS
In general, there was in increase in the total number of examinations performed per resident during the past 6 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the experience with general versus cross-sectional radiologic examinations. The data support the contention that 4th-year residents perform fewer examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
Experience with all radiologic examinations is increasing as the overall utilization of radiology services increases. Fourth-year residents read fewer images; further studies are necessary to determine whether this finding reflects a planned decrease in workload or an increase in the complexity of the workload. It may be necessary to establish a minimum number and mixture of examinations to prepare residents for private practice.
Knudtson
J D
JD
Department of Radiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wesley Medical Center, Wichita 67214, USA.
McGuire
C W
CW
D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D007615:Kansas; D009825:Oklahoma; D011331:Private Practice; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data