Enhancing Medical Student Engagement in Interventional Radiology Through A National Undergraduate Radiology Society Network

McGuire, L. , Stefan, A., Lehal, K., Haslam, C., O'Grady, A., Rao, M., Burke, N., Modi, S. and Mandal, I. (2023) Enhancing Medical Student Engagement in Interventional Radiology Through A National Undergraduate Radiology Society Network. CIRSE 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark, 9-13 September 2023. (doi: 10.1007/s00270-023-03543-6)

Abstract

Purpose: The UK has a 28% shortfall of Interventional Radiology (IR) consultants. Medical student (MS) awareness and engagement in the specialty can help to address this. Obstacles to MS engagement in IR include underrepresentation in the undergraduate curriculum and variability in regional services. Undergraduate Radiology Societies (URS) are a well-established means of remediating this. However, challenges faced by URS include lack of senior mentorship, unsustainable infrastructure due to committee turnover, and low membership. IR Juniors, a national MS and junior doctor community, has continued to address these challenges through maintaining and enhancing a national URS network. Materials and Methods: The IR Juniors Undergraduate Network was established in September 2021 and expanded in 2022 subsequent to easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Network affiliation provides URS a dedicated regional lead offering assistance in event planning and national advertising, and easily accessible senior guidance from IR trainees and consultants. It also facilitates collaboration to produce regional/national events and educational materials. Results: Fourteen URS affiliated with the network (70% of UK total). The network supported the establishment or revival of three URS. A collaborative pre-recorded national teaching series highlighting IR-related content of the novel Medical Licensing Assessment received contributions from 42.9% (n=6) of affiliated societies. Six regional conferences were organised by affiliated URS, previously only two existed. Conclusion: UK MS engagement in radiology/IR is continuing to advance through the activities of a URS network and has not yet reached saturation point. Future activities will further expand opportunities for MS education and involvement in IR.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McGuire, Dr Lucy
• Authors: McGuire, L., Stefan, A., Lehal, K., Haslam, C., O'Grady, A., Rao, M., Burke, N., Modi, S., and Mandal, I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) 2023
• ISSN: 1432-086X
• Published Online: 11 September 2023