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Title: Case-Based Radiology Modules to Enhance Imaging Literacy in Medical Education

Author: Miranda Le

Area of Concentration: Education

Specialty: Radiology

Keywords: radiology education, imaging literacy, case-based learning
 

Background:
Medical students often enter clinical clerkships with limited exposure to imaging decision-making. Despite the availability of resources such as the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, these tools are rarely integrated into clerkship learning. At UCLA DGSOM, no existing radiology curriculum is aligned with both core rotation objectives and boards preparation concurrently, representing a clear gap in the undergraduate medical education curriculum.

Objectives:
To develop an interactive, case-based radiology curriculum supplement for medical students across all eight core clerkships, improving imaging literacy and clinical reasoning.

Design:
Modules were developed over the 2025–2026 academic year at UCLA DGSOM as a supplement to the existing longitudinal radiology curriculum. The target population is second-year medical students completing their core clerkships. A standardized module framework was developed incorporating clinical vignettes, annotated CTs/MRIs/ultrasounds, and self-assessment questions with explanations on imaging decision-making rationale. Case selection was informed by outreach to core clerkship directors to identify high-yield imaging presentations relevant to each rotation: Internal Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN, Neurology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, and Family Medicine. Faculty contributors from diagnostic radiology subspecialties were recruited to ensure clinical accuracy. De-identified imaging was sourced from UCLA patient charts. Modules were built on Qualtrics with interactive features including decision trees, aligned with content tested on NBME Subject Examinations and the USMLE Step 2 Examination.

Impact:
A pilot set of case-based modules spanning all eight core clerkships was completed, with two cases developed per specialty (16 modules total). Each module covers a common clinical presentation with imaging decision points preparing students for board examinations. The modules are ready for pilot launch.

Lessons Learned:
Coordinating faculty contributors across subspecialties required clear communication, an organized timeline, and a standardized template to minimize variability and workload. Coordination with clerkship directors on high-yield imaging topics was essential for ensuring relevance to both rotation objectives and boards content.

Summary:
These 16 case-based radiology modules offer an engaging supplement to the existing curriculum at UCLA DGSOM. Future steps include piloting with clerkship students, collecting feedback, and expanding on content as imaging guidelines evolve. This project demonstrates a replicable model for integrating imaging education into clinical training that could be adapted at other institutions.