Radiology and Therapeutic Radiology

Students are introduced to the use of diagnostic and procedural ultrasound at the bedside. Educational ultrasounds are performed by students on emergency department patients using ultrasound equipment in the ED. Attention is paid to image acquisition, machine optimization and image interpretation. Diagnostic pelvic, vascular, cardiac, pulmonary, biliary, trauma and soft tissue sonography is introduced. In addition, students may participate in supervised ultrasound-guided procedures (central and peripheral vascular access, abscess drainage, paracentesis). Students spend most of their time performing ultrasounds in the emergency department; with one half-day a week spent reviewing recorded examinations. Educational materials are provided. While the focus of this rotation is the sonographic evaluation of the emergency patient, students considering almost any specialty may benefit as clinician-performed ultrasound continues to expand.

Students are introduced to the basic principles of all forms of radiologic interpretation and will rotate through sections of the department of diagnostic imaging, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, chest, musculoskeletal, neuroradiology, pediatrics, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, vascular & interventional radiology, and emergency radiology. Up to one week may be spent in a specialty area of the student's choice. In addition to participating in the daily film reading with residents and staff, the students will receive an introduction to the role of that section in the diagnosis and management of disease. Self-teaching, learning-film files and quiz material are available in the radiology library. The students will attend the department resident conferences twice daily as well as specific student seminars. There are no call responsibilities.

This elective is primarily directed toward student participation in the diagnostic studies underway in nuclear medicine. Rotations begin each day at 8:30 a.m. Observation of imaging studies and operation of equipments are usually done in the morning. Importance of clinical information and findings are stressed at the time of selecting the appropriate study. Radionuclide imaging studies and radiopharmaceutical are discussed at readout sessions. For each study, the radiation dose involved, indications, contraindications, and type of data to be obtained are reviewed. The importance of each procedure in terms of diagnosis and ultimate patient management are discussed during case review.

This elective is an introduction to vascular and interventional radiology: the use of radiological imaging to guide procedures in various organ systems of the body and the evaluation and management of patients who are candidates for these. In the vascular system, this includes arterial and venous angiography, angioplasty, stenting, embolization for bleeding, tumors (such as uterine fibroids), and vascular malformations, venous reflux management, inferior vena cava filter placement, hemodialysis access management, and placement of a variety of venous access devices. Nonvascular experience includes percutaneous approaches to biliary and urinary track pathology, drainage of abscesses and other fluid collections, and tumor ablation. Students will participate in the interventional radiology clinic and admitting service.

This elective serves as an introduction to the clinical management of infants, children, and adolescents through the use of integrated diagnostic imaging. Students will participate through a review of imaging studies with residents and attendings, observation of fluoroscopic, ultrasound, computed tomography procedures, and attendance at daily clinical conferences. Students are encouraged to present interesting cases or to participate in research projects during their elective.

This rotation is designed as an introduction to neuroradiology. The student will become an integral part of the neuroradiology team, which consists of the resident, fellow and attending. A number of teaching conferences are offered including a daily case review session. The student will be exposed to the various subsections of neuroradiology including Neuro CT, Neuro MR, and Neuro special procedures. Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

A flexible program designed to introduce the medical student to radiation therapy. The opportunity exists to become familiar with the biological and physical basis of radiation therapy together with its clinical practice and with ongoing research. The elective offers an unequaled clinical exposure to patients with malignant disease, with 75 to 100 patients treated daily in the department. The student takes part in department conferences, clinics, lectures and individual training sessions.

Special permission is needed from Dr. Lynn Wilson.