title: The Exposure Dilemma: Qualitative Study of Medical Student Opinions and Perceptions of Radiology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  According to a national survey of over 900 Canadian medical students, the stereotype of an isolated radiologist working in a dark room persists. The purpose of this study is to use qualitative methods to explore the ways exposure to radiology in medical school impacts students' opinions and perceptions of radiology and radiologists.
  
  
  METHODS
  After receiving ethics approval, 4 focus groups were conducted, 1 per year of undergraduate medical training at Western University. The transcribed audio recordings and accompanying field notes, together with the open-ended questions obtained from the national survey, were analyzed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five hundred sixty students in medical school years 1 and 2 (preclerkship) participated in the national survey and 18 in the focus groups; 336 students in years 3 and 4 [clerkship] participated in the national survey and 10 in the focus groups. Three major findings emerged from the analysis of the data. First, stereotypes are perpetuated mainly through informal interactions. Second, there is limited exposure to radiology and radiologists in medical school, especially in preclerkship. Third, students want to know what to expect if they choose a career in radiology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Medical students, especially those in preclerkship, are seeking accurate information to modify or reinforce radiology stereotypes. Limited exposure makes interactions with students impactful and mentorship essential. Students want meaningful interactions with radiologists and radiology residents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: kari.visscher@londonhospitals.ca.
authors.forename: Kari L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Visscher
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nassrallah
authors.affiliation: Centre for Education Research & Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Faden
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wiseman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education; D013240:Stereotyping; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Education; Medical students; Qualitative research; Radiology and radiologists; Undergraduate medical education