The vast amount of radiologic knowledge must be acquired from books, journals, syllabi and other written sources. An equally important source for the trainee's education is learning from the attending radiologist during film read out sessions. As an adjunct, the trainee turns to the vast sums of accumulated educational material comprehensively known as the teaching files . TFs are a conglomeration of interesting cases that have been acquired over the many years that the department has operated. Extensive teaching files from major educational institutions may have cases dating back to the time of Roentgen.
Files are in the form of X-ray film and copies of radiographs.
The radiographs usually illustrate one or more teaching points that the department's faculty has felt are important to the trainee's understanding of radiology practice and patient care. Thus, a TF is prepared so that trainees will have exposure to the particular disease entity and become familiar with the radiographic findings as well as the appropriate use of the modality. The TF usually gives a brief discussion of the pertinent X-ray findings, the differential diagnosis, and a monologue regarding the particular disease entity illustrated. A TF system categorizes and stores each case. Files generated over the years take up a considerable amount of room in a radiology department.