Medical Student Integrated Science Courses

Imaging is an essential component of the diagnosis and treatment of disease across all fields of medicine. Every physician interacts with medical imaging both in emergent and non-emergent settings. Therefore, each student requires knowledge of the utility, indications, acquisition, interpretation, limitations, and risks of medical imaging. Furthermore, it is crucial that physicians understand how imaging affects patient care and management and how it fits into the larger healthcare delivery system. This course will strengthen and expand upon prior learning in anatomy, embryology, pathophysiology, neuroscience, and pathology and introduce students to radiobiology and radiation effects, imaging physics, imaging ethics, radiologic pharmacology, and biostatistics.  The course will consist of a two week “general” portion for all students and a two week “selective” portion in one of the following: neurologic imaging, cardiothoracic imaging, body imaging, or musculoskeletal imaging (limited space for each selective). Self-paced didactic podcasts and case series as well as live lectures, small group discussions, and student presentations will accompany clinical exposure to medical imaging in diagnostic, interventional, therapeutic, and operative settings. Additionally, students will participate in anatomy and pathology labs and will learn and be evaluated in basic ultrasound scanning technique. After this course, students will feel confident with key anatomy, be able to make several “do-not-miss” imaging diagnoses, and will be able to use imaging more safely and appropriately.

Prerequisite: None

Course Directors: Will Laxton, MD

Sections: 1, 3, 9, 10 and 11

Maximum Class Size: 9

Minimum Class Size: 4