http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20417116
What do family physicians know about interventional radiology? A survey of family physicians at a Large Canadian Annual Scientific Assembly.
Mok PS, Tan EY, Baerlocher MO, Athreya S.
Source
McMaster University, Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To quantify the level of background knowledge among family physicians with regard to interventional radiology (IR) procedures, duties, and clinical responsibilities and to develop recommendations on how to further educate family physicians in IR.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Paper surveys were administered to family physicians who attended the Ontario College of Family Physicians' Annual Scientific Assembly. Each survey consisted of 14 questions pertaining to IR procedures, clinical duties, collaboration, and education.
RESULTS:
A total of 213 of 229 (93%) attempted paper surveys were completed. Family physicians rated their knowledge of IR as poor (31%), adequate (53%), good (14%), or excellent (2%). A total of 98%, 71%, 47%, and 38% correctly identified that interventional radiologists performed image-guided biopsies, uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation of tumors, and vascular angioplasties, respectively. Only 7% correctly identified that interventional radiologists are currently not recognized as distinct subspecialists by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Approximately 71% would refer patients directly to an interventional radiologist. A total of 96% believed that future education about IR would be "very" or "somewhat" helpful. Approximately 43% selected presentations given by interventional radiologists at family medicine conferences as their preferred method of future education.
CONCLUSIONS:
The data quantify and demonstrate the knowledge gap that exists among family physicians in Canada regarding IR procedures, duties, and responsibilities. Family physicians strongly support future education and collaboration with interventional radiologists. Eight results-based recommendations are made to further educate family physicians about IR and promote increased collaboration.
Making the case for early medical student education in interventional radiology: a survey of 2nd-year students in a single U.S. institution.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20189831
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To examine perceptions of interventional radiology (IR) among a group of second-year medical students and support the case for early exposure to the field in order to increase visibility and, ultimately, recruitment to this specialty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Sixty-five members of the class of 2011 from a single U.S. institution were anonymously surveyed about their opinions on IR before and after a 1-hour case-based introductory lecture.
RESULTS:
Sixty-four students completed the survey in its entirety. Perception about what IR entails varied, with 52% of the students aware of IR involvement in major and potentially life-saving procedures; however, 34% believed that an interventional radiologist primarily performed "minor" procedures or "read films." Previous interaction with interventional radiologists was uncommon. Following the single, case-based introductory IR lecture, 74% of the class was eager to learn more about the specialty, with 22% interested in enrolling in a dedicated hands-on elective in IR. The perception and impression of what IR entails changed significantly for the better for 75% of the students. Before the lecture, 19% were considering IR as a career (first or second choice); this increased to 33% after the introductory lecture.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although medical students are aware of IR, their exposure and understanding is limited. They are keen to learn more when exposed to it. Reaching out to the medical students early in their career may help in recruiting talent and securing the specialty's growth.
I think these studies are pretty telling
In the first study...that 71% of FM docs in this study would refer directly to IRs and over 95% want to be further educated about IR. I think this is a really important statement in that by building strong relationships with referring docs (not VS and cards but directly going to primary care docs) and educating them on what IR is all about, you can really build your practice...again, ask new school attendings and they'll say that if you get your name out there, your practice will grow. For anyone reading this board, I would encourage anyone who is interested in patient care, procedures, surgery, and technology to take a hard look at IR. As the second study shows, whenever medical students are exposed to IR, they respond very favorably to it...As for those students and residents already committed to IR, given that clinical IR is newly emerging, I think those of use interested in becoming clinician IRs (and I hope this is the majority of IR applicants) should serve as ambassadors for our specialty...especially if we are in institutions that have yet to adopt the new model, otherwise, the only people talking about IR are those that think IR is still stuck in its old ways
As always, IR Rocks
What do family physicians know about interventional radiology? A survey of family physicians at a Large Canadian Annual Scientific Assembly.
Mok PS, Tan EY, Baerlocher MO, Athreya S.
Source
McMaster University, Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To quantify the level of background knowledge among family physicians with regard to interventional radiology (IR) procedures, duties, and clinical responsibilities and to develop recommendations on how to further educate family physicians in IR.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Paper surveys were administered to family physicians who attended the Ontario College of Family Physicians' Annual Scientific Assembly. Each survey consisted of 14 questions pertaining to IR procedures, clinical duties, collaboration, and education.
RESULTS:
A total of 213 of 229 (93%) attempted paper surveys were completed. Family physicians rated their knowledge of IR as poor (31%), adequate (53%), good (14%), or excellent (2%). A total of 98%, 71%, 47%, and 38% correctly identified that interventional radiologists performed image-guided biopsies, uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation of tumors, and vascular angioplasties, respectively. Only 7% correctly identified that interventional radiologists are currently not recognized as distinct subspecialists by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Approximately 71% would refer patients directly to an interventional radiologist. A total of 96% believed that future education about IR would be "very" or "somewhat" helpful. Approximately 43% selected presentations given by interventional radiologists at family medicine conferences as their preferred method of future education.
CONCLUSIONS:
The data quantify and demonstrate the knowledge gap that exists among family physicians in Canada regarding IR procedures, duties, and responsibilities. Family physicians strongly support future education and collaboration with interventional radiologists. Eight results-based recommendations are made to further educate family physicians about IR and promote increased collaboration.
Making the case for early medical student education in interventional radiology: a survey of 2nd-year students in a single U.S. institution.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20189831
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To examine perceptions of interventional radiology (IR) among a group of second-year medical students and support the case for early exposure to the field in order to increase visibility and, ultimately, recruitment to this specialty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Sixty-five members of the class of 2011 from a single U.S. institution were anonymously surveyed about their opinions on IR before and after a 1-hour case-based introductory lecture.
RESULTS:
Sixty-four students completed the survey in its entirety. Perception about what IR entails varied, with 52% of the students aware of IR involvement in major and potentially life-saving procedures; however, 34% believed that an interventional radiologist primarily performed "minor" procedures or "read films." Previous interaction with interventional radiologists was uncommon. Following the single, case-based introductory IR lecture, 74% of the class was eager to learn more about the specialty, with 22% interested in enrolling in a dedicated hands-on elective in IR. The perception and impression of what IR entails changed significantly for the better for 75% of the students. Before the lecture, 19% were considering IR as a career (first or second choice); this increased to 33% after the introductory lecture.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although medical students are aware of IR, their exposure and understanding is limited. They are keen to learn more when exposed to it. Reaching out to the medical students early in their career may help in recruiting talent and securing the specialty's growth.
I think these studies are pretty telling
In the first study...that 71% of FM docs in this study would refer directly to IRs and over 95% want to be further educated about IR. I think this is a really important statement in that by building strong relationships with referring docs (not VS and cards but directly going to primary care docs) and educating them on what IR is all about, you can really build your practice...again, ask new school attendings and they'll say that if you get your name out there, your practice will grow. For anyone reading this board, I would encourage anyone who is interested in patient care, procedures, surgery, and technology to take a hard look at IR. As the second study shows, whenever medical students are exposed to IR, they respond very favorably to it...As for those students and residents already committed to IR, given that clinical IR is newly emerging, I think those of use interested in becoming clinician IRs (and I hope this is the majority of IR applicants) should serve as ambassadors for our specialty...especially if we are in institutions that have yet to adopt the new model, otherwise, the only people talking about IR are those that think IR is still stuck in its old ways
As always, IR Rocks
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