Value of a radiology research rotation: a medical student's perspective.

Given the difficulty that can be confronted in obtaining a position in a radiology residency program, many medical students interested in pursuing a career in the field are looking to research electives, and possibly time off for research, to build their credentials. In most circumstances, a research rotation is not a medical school requirement and may not even be a recommendation made to students. An elective in radiology research, however, is an extremely valuable experience with a number of benefits; namely, it gives the student further insight into the field. For medical students interested in pursuing a career in radiology, it is worth seriously considering a research rotation, and it is important for student advisors to suggest this. Medical students’ experiences during a clinical radiology rotation differ, and although student research projects may be encouraged, it is often the case that the majority of time is spent observing radiologists reading images and consulting with other physicians. A radiology elective is, of course, extremely valuable because it provides knowledge of the anatomy as it is imaged with the various modalities, as well as information about what can and cannot be answered with imaging. Furthermore, one learns what subsequent imaging or laboratory studies may be of value. This is in addition to an introduction to the technology, the wide variety of case material, and the multidisciplinary interaction with other specialties. However, let’s be frank. As hard as you may work on a clinical radiology rotation, a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience is necessary to read images correctly and efficiently. What you walk away with at the end of the rotation is a basic fund of knowledge and a good sense of what a day of reading images is all about. Although this is valuable in its own right, the student does not always get an idea of what pursuing the field of radiology can mean beyond reading images. Moreover, although students may have an advisor or look to a radiologist on the rotation to inquire about the field, much concerning the specialty remains unknown. A research rotation not only allows students to have a one-on-one interaction with someone who is willing to share his or her time and knowledge but also enables them to see firsthand what radiology, particularly academic radiology, really entails. Academic radiology consists of a balance of clinical work, teaching, research, and administration. If a research rotation is done at a large, tertiary academic institution, the student will see the extent to which clinical information and previous imaging studies can be acquired and utilized in the further analysis of images. Students may also have the opportunity to learn how to use advanced information systems. Also found in this type of setting are many world-renowned experts who are available for consultation. The student will gain an appreciation of the importance of teamwork with colleagues, good working relationships, and the art of communication. Furthermore, with so many physicians and residents available to educate medical students, the student can see the attributes of an excellent teacher. For an academic radiologist, teaching includes not only reviewing images at the alternator or picture archiving and communication system monitor, but also didactic lecturing and writing. I have seen how much time and work goes into organizing a lecture and the broad spectrum of venues at which to lecture. During Acad Radiol 2002; 9:805–807