Increasing Exposure to Radiation (Education): Leveraging Medical Physics Expertise for Early Medical Student Education In Radiation Physics and Fluoroscopy Safety
Abstract
Purpose
Physicians are educated on radiation safety through fluoroscopy credentialing programs and during residency for select medical specialties. However, exposure to radiation, and the need for foundational safety knowledge, begins much earlier in training. The purpose of this study is to show how medical physicists can address a critical educational gap in early medical student instruction in radiation protection principles and fluoroscopy safety practices.
Methods
A didactic lecture was developed to educate medical students on principles of radiation physics and tenets of fluoroscopy safety with a focus on content needed for student experiences in medical school. Core topics of the curriculum included: types and biological effects of radiation, diagnostic imaging modalities, radiation safety principles, and methods to reduce exposure in a clinical fluoroscopy setting. A questionnaire which included knowledge assessment was given prior to and immediately following the didactic lecture to evaluate advancements in knowledge. Statistical analysis of pre- and post-lecture assessment scores was performed using a Mann–Whitney U test.
Results
Medical students responded that just 10% of them had previous formal didactic radiation safety instruction. The assessment median score improved from 4.5/9 to 9/9. Post-lesson scores were consistently higher than pre-lesson scores (U = 2, p < 0.001, r=0.96), with substantially reduced variance (σ2pre=7.8, σ2post=0.24). Educators were solicited to integrate the didactic lecture into future medical student curriculum at our institution.
Conclusion
This work demonstrates the value of early education on principles of radiation and fluoroscopy safety for medical students and the vital role that medical physicists play as experts in these domains. Incorporating these topics into medical student curriculum, with support from medical physicists, develops radiation safety practices during medical school and builds a strong foundation for future clinicians to lead and sustain a culture of safety.