Medical Student Attitudes Toward Inclusion of a Research Year within Diagnostic Radiology Residency:

Abstract 

Rationale and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to solicit medical student opinion regarding establishment of a research track within diagnostic radiology residency and to determine the method of implementation most favorable to candidates who self-identified as future researchers.

Materials and Methods

After the deadline for submitting rank lists (February 21, 2002), a questionnaire was mailed to 588 U.S.-resident medical students who applied to the authors' residency in the 2002 match. Returned questionnaires postmarked before match day (March 21, 2002) were included in the analysis. Students were asked to rate their level of interest in different residency curricula; to indicate whether they were most likely to pursue a position in private practice, clinical academics, or research academics; and to indicate their preferred time of choosing a training track, preferred duration of the residency to dedicate to research, and when they most wished to undertake research.

Results

A total of 161 students (27.4%) responded. Overall, students preferred institutions with both clinical and research tracks rather than a single track for all residents, to delay their choice of track for as long as possible, and to do research during postgraduate year 4. Students indicated greatest interest in 3–6 months of research. Among those who self-identified as future academic researchers, interest in a research residency track was greater than among those who indicated the greatest interest in private practice positions.

Conclusion

Many students are interested in performing research during their radiology residency. Interest in a research track is positively correlated with interest in a research academic career and negatively correlated with interest in private practice.

Keywords:  Eduction, radiology and radiologists, research