Interventional radiology and Brazilian medical students

a survey of knowledge and interests in a public university

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge of medical students and the interest in interventional radiology as a specialty and to analyze if there is interest that this subject or specialty be inserted in the academic curriculum. Materials and Methods: Participants were invited to respond a questionnaire with different questions related to interventional radiology, which addressed questions related to the level of knowledge of the specialty, medical training required, procedures performed and the need to insert this specialty in the curriculum of academic training. Results: One hundred and eighty-seven academics answered the survey (57 (30.48%) of the 1st or 2nd period, 110 (58.82%) 3rd or 4th and 20 (10.7%) 5th or 6th years). Most students said they knew terms related to interventional radiology. Regarding the intervention area of radiology, 109 (58.29%) signaled the diagnosis and treatment. Eighty-three participants (44.39%) stated that the procedures use all imaging methods and 70 (37.43%) did not know what methods interventional radiology uses. Less than 50% of participants recognize the procedures that can be performed by the specialty. The vast majority (95.19%) of the students agreed that the insertion of more information about the area during the graduation would be of great value in the academic formation. Conclusion: Medical students have poor knowledge about interventional radiology, however they are extremely positive in their desire to have this subject inserted in the curriculum of medical school.