Clinical Education Track

Exceptional clinical care, research, and education are at the core of residency training at Emory Radiology as we strive to cultivate future radiology leaders. In addition to abundant opportunities for research, our program also provides resources and support for those interested in medical education through the Emory Radiology Clinical Education Track (CET). The goal of the track is to produce dedicated and effective educators who will advance the future of radiology education and medical education as a whole.

The Emory Radiology Clinical Education Track is a longitudinally structured curriculum with graduated stages completed through the four years of radiology residency. The three main components are A) Small Group Series; B) practicum; and C) capstone project.

The first year of the program is dedicated to building on core concepts vital to becoming an effective educator.

The first year of the program also provides time to pick a suitable faculty mentor, set up and organize an appropriate practicum for the following years, and begin conceptualizing a capstone project.

The Small Group Series is a combination of didactic lectures, small group discussions, and skills sessions designed to develop skills vital to becoming an effective educator.

The following topics will be addressed, among others:

•         Adult learning theory;
•         Mentorship;
•         Development of high-quality lectures;
•         Facilitating small groups;
•         Formative assessment/feedback;
•         Qualitative and quantitative education research;
•         Preparing and reviewing manuscripts;
•         Quality improvement; and
•         Leadership skills development.

During the second year of the program, trainees continue to attend the SGS to reinforce and build on core concepts learned in the first year.

Each year, one radiology resident is typically nominated to participate in the RSNA/ARRS Introduction to Academic Radiology course. Residents in the Clinical Education Track will be given consideration for this nomination. Trainees are also encouraged to present to annual meetings of organized radiology and/or medical education.

Each trainee is also expected to perform a teaching-related practicum activity beginning his/her second year.

For example, trainees may provide lectures to and facilitate small groups with medical students, radiology technologists, midlevel providers, radiology residents, and residents from other specialties.

Each trainee, with CET committee assistance and approval, will set up their own practicum activities. 

To preserve the integrity of and emphasis on clinical education, CET activities will be more limited during the third year of residency. This concentration on clinical training will help the residents to maximize their clinical exposure and to prepare for the ABR core exam at the end of their third year.

As time allows, participants are encouraged to attend and facilitate SGS meetings and continue giving lectures as part of the practicum.

Trainees continue to attend and facilitate SGS meetings and continue practicum activities. Completion of a capstone project also is required by the end of this fourth year. 

At the end of the program, at least one deliverable (e.g. presentation, manuscript, lecture series, online teaching modules, etc.) is expected from each trainee. The project should focus on the resident’s educational research interest or teaching activities that stemmed from his/her time in the Clinical Education Track.

It should be emphasized that trainees' primary responsibility is their clinical training in diagnostic radiology. Each trainee is expected to demonstrate clinical competency each year with the diagnostic radiology curriculum in accordance with the guidelines established by the ABR and the ACGME.

During research/academic electives, residents are expected to continue to fulfill their call responsibilities and to participate in required clinical conferences. 

Successful completion of the Radiology Clinical Education Track program will require attending the Small Group Series, completing the practicum activity, and completing a capstone project as detailed above. Trainees also will be required to present at least one resident-level lecture. All activities will undergo peer and CET Committee review.

The CET Committee also will conduct an annual review with each trainee to provide feedback and to ensure appropriate progression through the program.

Application for the Clinical Education Track is open to first-year radiology residents. Up to three residents are selected per year. Residents will receive more information about the application process early in the first year of radiology residency.