ISC: Medical Imaging and Anatomy

School of Medicine

Imaging is an essential component of the diagnosis and treatment of disease across all fields of medicine. Every physician interacts with medical imaging both in emergent and non-emergent settings. Therefore, this course is built on the premise that each physician-in-training requires knowledge of the utility, indications, acquisition, interpretation, limitations, and risks of medical imaging. Physicians must understand how imaging affects patient care and management and how these diagnostic and interventional tools fit into the more extensive healthcare delivery system. This course will strengthen and expand upon prior learning in anatomy, embryology, pathophysiology, endocrinology, neuroscience, and pathology and introduce students to radiobiology and radiation effects, imaging physics, imaging ethics, radiologic and pharmacology. This course will focus on inpatient and outpatient services provided by a hospital-based radiology department. Students are expected to emerge from this course with a) an expanded hands-on knowledge of generalized and specialized anatomy helpful in interpreting medical imaging, b) a more thorough understanding of appropriate ordering using national guidelines and the limitations of imaging, c) a working knowledge of introductory radiation physics and safety, d) hands-on experience with basic sonographic skills, and e) improved competency in communicating imaging-related information to patients. Upon completing the course, learners will be well-prepared to pursue advanced clinical electives specializing in body-specific diagnostics or interventional radiology.