STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE RADIOLOGY RESIDENT'S PREPAREDNESS FOR INDEPENDENT CALL COVERAGE: IS THERE A ROLE OF SIMULATORS?

Abstract

The radiology residents are the primary physician in the traditional night call system and provide the initial interpretations of the radiology studies with the consultant radiologist on call as a backup. This is an important aspect of residents training and fosters the important skills of autonomy, decision making and confidence. A number of teaching methods are adopted by residency programs to best prepare resident for independent overnight call which includes the use of a didactic radiology interactive lecture series, core rotation, review of teaching modules and “buddy” call with senior residents before the residents embark on independent calls. In addition incorporation of simulator program also provide a practice of independent image reading and enhances interpretation skills and hence also prepare them for the challenges of being on-call.