Goals and Objectives

During the third or fourth year of the MD Program curriculum, medical students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison will complete a two-week rotation in the Department of Radiology. Following are the clerkship's goals and objectives.

Overarching Goals

Upon completion of the Radiology Required Clerkship, students will:

1. Learn basic interpretation skills in evaluating images of the chest, breast, abdomen and musculoskeletal system, and appreciate the importance of history and clinical data in the proper interpretation of imaging exams.

2. Know how to use the radiographic findings to develop a differential diagnosis and outline subsequent diagnostic work-up for common medical problems such as:

• Bone trauma
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain
• Masses

3. Review appropriate ordering of imaging, and understand the limitations of imaging, as well as the indications, contraindications, clinical impact, and cost of imaging procedures.

4. Understand the principles of nuclear medicine, including the use of clinical positron emission tomography (PET).

5. Understand the basic principles of safety and radiation protection for patients and health care practitioners.

6. Learn about medical literacy in the practice of radiology.

Key Concepts and Objectives by Section

• Cardiothoracic
• Musculoskeletal
• Abdominal Imaging
• Breast Imaging
• Nuclear Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Literacy
• Pediatric Radiology
• Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound