Awareness of Interventional Radiology Among Medical Students at a Saudi Medical School: Clerkship versus Pre-clerkship Years

Abstract

ObjectivesWe sought to assess the awareness of interventional radiology (IR) as a specialty among medical students and determine any difference between the clerkship and pre-clerkship years.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based study in February 2018 at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Five hundred and forty-two medical students were enrolled. The survey consisted of 17 items canvassing student awareness of and interest in IR. The data were compared using the chi-square test.ResultsA large proportion of the respondents (n = 199, 36.7%) rated their knowledge of IR as poor, and 85 (15.7%) reported that they knew nothing about IR. Only 87 students (16.1%) responded that they would consider a career in radiology. The most common reason for not considering IR was lack of knowledge (42.9%). Students in their clerkship years had more interest and exposure to IR than pre-clerkship students (73.0%, p < 0.001 and 55.7%, p = 0.030, respectively). Awareness of IR was significantly more common among those interested in diagnostic radiology and IR (65.5%, p < 0.001 and 61.5%, p = 0.010, respectively).ConclusionsAwareness of and exposure to IR is poor among medical students, and can only be increased by a direct contribution from IR physicians to the undergraduate curriculum. Lack of a unified radiology curriculum in medical schools across the country should be addressed by the Council of Deans of Saudi Medical Schools. Involvement of the Saudi Interventional Radiology Society and Radiological Society of Saudi Arabia is essential.

Assessing diagnostic radiology knowledge among Syrian medical undergraduates

“…Our results showed comparable knowledge scores between males and females with no significant difference. Similar findings were reported by Alnajjar et al [3] who found that awareness about interventional radiology among Saudi medical students was gender-independent. Furthermore, our students demonstrated adequate knowledge in the basics of radiology and radiation exposure.…”

“…This result indicates a significantly low interest in radiology among Syrian medical students. Various studies from different parts of the world showed similar findings [3,22,36], which indicates that low interest in radiology is a global phenomenon. The primary reasons that our students gave for dismissing radiology were fear of radiation exposure and (23.3%) and a general lack of interest in this field (21.2%).…”

“…Similarly, Alnajjar et al observed that only 25% of Saudi medical students completed or were planning to complete an elective in IR. Finally, Agrawal et al noted an alarmingly low rate of IR rotation completion at 5.7% among Indian medical students [3,34,35]. Students who had a previous rotation in IR tended to be more informed about the specialty [3].…”

“…Finally, Agrawal et al noted an alarmingly low rate of IR rotation completion at 5.7% among Indian medical students [3,34,35]. Students who had a previous rotation in IR tended to be more informed about the specialty [3]. This shows that mandatory radiology exposure in undergraduate years is crucial, because the majority of specialties within the hospital refer to the radiology department.…”

“…In recent years, technological innovations have given rise to the field of interventional radiology (IR) which uses imaging for the treatment of various diseases [3]. What is surprising is how little is done to promote awareness about diagnostic/interventional radiology during the early stages of medical education [3]. Students should have sufficient knowledge about radiation, as it is a vital part of their future medical practice.…”