Multidisciplinary Conferences for Radiology Teaching: Why Medical Students Should See the Significance of Imaging and Lifelong Learning

Abstract

Radiology interfaces with all medical disciplines. Whether medical students pursue a career in radiology or any other medical discipline, as future physicians they will always come across imaging at multidisciplinary conferences (MCs). Students at all departments are confronted with imaging in their studies. It is therefore important they recognize the role of radiology in patient care. With imaging being imperative for patient management, radiology is indispensable at MCs. Radiologists cooperate with all clinical departments, and are often final to be asked for decisions at MCs. Joining MCs can prepare students for image interpretation and demonstration in their future clinical practice. MCs can complement to teaching in busy clinical routine. MCs embody educational grounds of lifelong medical learning for radiologists and other physicians. As medical students are going to enter a profession of lifelong learning, MCs can likewise offer valuable educational opportunities. The article presents three reasons to seize MCs as potential teaching opportunities for medical students in radiology: 1. the significance of radiology for MCs; 2. preparation of medical students for MCs; and 3. exploration of MCs for lifelong learning.