What is radiology and what do radiologists even do? This is a question facing many medical students when they enter into medical school. When it is answered depends on the school they attend and the teaching and exposure to radiology they receive.

Radiology teaching during preclinical studies, which typically refers to the early years of a medical education before clinical training begins, in Canada is relatively minimal and self-directed. However, recent changes with the increasing popularity and importance of technology in modern times is resulting in change and an increased emphysis on imaging during teaching. At the University of Alberta there are introductory lectures to radiology and online modules created for students to walk through. Furthermore, in anatomy lectures it is common to be exposed to X-rays and CT scans ranging from normal to pathological.

Speaking from personal experience, this limited exposure has sparked an interest in myself in learning more about speciality. Being able to view an image and understand the anatomy then using that to create a diagnosis is instrumental in providing the best patient care. We are just at the beginning of radiology being implemented into preclinical teaching but it serves an important purpose. Imaging is a vital and common step in the management of many patients. Few will become radiologists, but many physicians will request imaging and view the images/results. 

Developing a basic approach to X-ray or CT scans in preclinical studies not only helps prepare students for clinical rotations, but also fosters the development of critical thinking skills that will be useful throughout our careers. As radiology is increasingly involving artificial intelligence (AI), introducing radiology early on can help student become more familiar with the vast amount of technology in radiology and medicine in general. As radiology becomes more integrated into the preclinical curriculum the introduction of problem-based learning sessions is of much benefit.

Medical student-based interest groups for radiology can vary in what they provide for the preclinical students. Some will focus on the day-to-day life of a radiologist and what they do via lunch talks from an attending or resident. Others will have clinical skills sessions to improve approaches to imaging. This can influence the overall experience of radiology for students and a standardized approach where students are shown the diversity and vast knowledge used in radiology could be beneficial.

Exposure in pre-clinical studies would be useful to address some of the common misperceptions held about the speciality. For example, ‘lack of patient contact’ or ‘sitting in a dark room all day’. Although this can be true for some, radiology is a diverse field with many opportunities to tailor your practice to what fits best for you and your patients. You can sit in a dark room and read studies or you can do procedures and see patients or both. The thought you don’t see patients or are alone all day are false. Radiologists play a vital role in the healthcare team and spend time talking to fellow physicians about patient cases. It could be argued being an effective communicator is as important as any primary care specialty.

By shadowing radiologists, you can gain an insight into the specialty, knowledge, technological skills, and team work require, and learn more about the specialty.