Radiologists operate in a field that requires considerable anatomical knowledge and extensive educational experiences to ensure that patients receive safe and comprehensive diagnostics. Throughout their schooling, radiology residents endure multiple exams that measure their studies and gauge their ability to operate in the clinical setting.
The oral test, typically given at the end of their fourth year, was long considered the most anticipated event of a radiologist’s education. However, updates to the core exam have many in the medical imaging community wondering how beneficial the new program is for preparing residents for a career in health care.
According to Diagnostic Imaging, the computerized exam is stocked with scan results and covers the entire field of diagnostic radiology. It is estimated that residents are presented with nearly 400 cases per testing day as well as several questions for each study. In total, they may answer almost 600 questions each day of testing. The two-day exam is given in June and October, with each session lasting about seven hours and covering 18 categories of radiology, including cardiac, breast, CT and MRI. If a resident fails one to five categories, they must repeat them. However, failing more than five sections requires a full retaking of the exam.
Cutting study time
Previously, the residency programs allowed radiology students a considerable amount of time to study for the exams. But the new standards for the core test have changed, with board preparation now taking place when residents are not on duty.
In 2014, the qualifying exam is taken late in residency, and certification cannot be earned until 15 months after graduation. This can be risky, as some residents will go straight into practice at a medical facility, and it is unknown whether they can provide accurate interpretations because they are not board-certified, AuntMinnie.com explained.
The American Board of Radiology and the Association of Program Directors in Radiology had previously stated that no special preparations were needed to study for the updated core exam, but the new timeline calls for considerable consolidation of test review. Because of this, new graduates will wind up spending extra time on nights and weekends to self-teach the material as they work in a residency program. In the end, it could lead to problems with poorly-trained radiologists who lack adequate imaging experience and knowledge.
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Ronny Bachrach
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