Specialty: Radiology

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MD2B Connect Physician ID # 67

 

Where will this rotation take place: This is a tele-rotation or telemedicine rotation. Therefore, you can take part in this rotation from anywhere in the world.

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Hours: 4 weeks of nights (6 PM to 3 AM Eastern Time Zone); students can expect to have two weekends off per four-week rotation. 

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Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor’s discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same.

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What you will do: You will be under the supervision of two board-certified radiologists and serve as an important member of their team. They have created an optimal environment for IMGs and other learners to gain proficiency in interpreting imaging studies. This will be an interactive experience in which you will not be simply observing. Therefore this is not a shadowing observership but rather an experience during which you will be actively involved with the preceptors. Learners are encouraged to ask questions so some degree of assertiveness will help you maximize your education during this rotation. During the four-week experience, you will spend two weeks with one preceptor and two weeks with the other preceptor. ​

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Preceptor # 1

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Preceptor # 1 has extensive experience educating students at all levels, an interest he developed while completing his residency in Chicago. Following his diagnostic radiology residency, he completed a musculoskeletal radiology fellowship at Northwestern University. Since then, he has become expert in teleradiology and speaks regularly about using this technology to enhance patient care when radiologists are not available on site to read imaging studies. Working with this preceptor will allow you to see how images are obtained in a remote location, viewed and interpreted, and results are communicated to the clinical team. 

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Preceptor # 2​

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Preceptor # 2 has been practicing radiology for over three decades. After a residency in diagnostic radiology, he pursued further training by completing a fellowship in head and neck radiology. All of his residency and fellowship training took place in Illinois. Prior to devoting himself fully to teleradiology, he worked in different hospitals and imaging centers throughout the Chicago area. 

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With both preceptors, you will read and interpret images from 6 PM to 3 AM Monday through Sunday. Initially, you will be exposed to the basics with a focus on understanding human anatomy and pathology through imaging. You will gain a deeper knowledge of different imaging modalities (x-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, mammogram, nuclear medicine, etc.), and the appropriate use of these modalities in specific clinical situations. You will be expected to solidify what you see and learn by focused reading.

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With  increased knowledge and confidence, you may be in position to take on increasing responsibility for image interpretation, especially of basic studies. You will be asked to keep case logs of imaging studies you have encountered and submit these on a regular basis to ensure that you are making progress in your learning. Case logs will include type of study, body part, history, findings, and impression.

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Students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the cases. That means that you can ask questions but you should take care to ask questions at the appropriate time. 

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​​IMGs will also have the opportunity to present a topic at the end of the rotation to the entire group. IMGs will have the opportunity to choose potential topics based on their interest but the topic must be approved by the physician preceptor. Once the topic has been chosen, the IMG will work to research the topic, identify content for inclusion in the presentation, and develop the 30-minute PowerPoint presentation. Instructions will be given to the student on what should be included in these presentations. 

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​Please note that to gain as much as possible from this experience, it is helpful (although not required) to have multiple devices from which you can log into Zoom during each 6 PM to 3 AM time period. This will allow you to access multiple Zoom sessions that are taking place concurrently (you will receive up to five Zoom links each).

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Access to Zoom and WhatsApp are required in order to participate in this rotation and the appropriate software or apps must be installed prior to Day # 1. 

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Who should consider this rotation: International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking clinical experience in radiology. Although ideal for those interested in pursuing radiology as a career, this is a rotation that has benefit for all specialties since imaging plays such a vital role in the evaluation and management of patients. 

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How to obtain a letter of recommendation: The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft. 

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​During the rotation: Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation.

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Read Dr. Desai's Interview with Dr. Vicki Marx (Program Director of the Radiology Residency Program at USC Keck School of Medicine) about How to Match Successfully in Radiology

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Wondering how to do well during your radiology rotation? Read Dr. Desai's article - How to Succeed in Your Radiology Rotation