Medical Students’ Career Perceptions of Radiology

Authors

  • Natasha Vatcher Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
  • Dr. Connie Hapgood Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective:

Understanding and identifying the factors that influence third- and fourth-year medical students’ perceptions of radiology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador aims to inform future initiatives in medical education and workforce strategies.

Methods:

Third- and fourth-year medical students at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador participated in a voluntary and anonymous online survey consisting of 17 questions. The survey was distributed through the Office of Learner Well-Being and Success at the Faculty of Medicine and remained open for three months. It included a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions, with responses to closed-ended questions provided on a slider scale. The aim of the survey was to gather insights into students' perceptions of radiology within the medical school curriculum. Data analysis was conducted using the Qualtrics online survey platform and statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel.

Results/Discussion:

Of the 160 medical students surveyed, 25 responded (15.6%). Sixteen percent of the respondents expressed an interest in pursuing radiology. The majority (56.00%) found the exposure to radiology from pre-clerkship to clerkship to be inadequate. According to the slider scale data, on average, respondents ranked "quality of family life" highest (8.52) in influencing their perception of clinical radiology as a career, followed by "amount of patient contact" (7.83) and "suitability to skills/aptitude" (7.33). Students recommended interactive radiological lectures and shadowing opportunities to enhance their learning experience.

Conclusion:

This survey reveals that factors influencing medical students' views on a career in radiology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador are multifactorial. The majority's perception of inadequate exposure to radiology could impact efforts to refine the medical school curriculum and develop broader workforce strategies aimed at attracting more students to the field.

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Published

2025-01-17

How to Cite

Vatcher, N., & Hapgood, C. (2025). Medical Students’ Career Perceptions of Radiology. Lithos - The Memorial University Medical Journal, 2(2), 34–40. Retrieved from https://journals.library.mun.ca/index.php/MUNMJ/article/view/2832

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2024): Vol. 2 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Original Research

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