State of the Field: Radiology Residency Clinician Educator Tracks.

Abstract

Objective: Radiology resident clinician educator tracks (CETs) are designed to prepare residents for a career in academia. The number and structure of US radiology CETs is unknown. This study sought to describe the current state of the field of US diagnostic radiology CETs.

Methods: This multimethod observational cross-sectional study involved an online survey and virtual semistructured interviews. AMA Freida website search was performed in February 2024 to identify programs with radiology CETs. All identified tracks were sent the online survey, and three programs with a known track or track in creation not listed in AMA Freida were also surveyed. Half of the surveyed CETs were randomly invited to interview.

Results: A total of 23 active or potentially active radiology CETs were identified, reflecting 11.6% of all US diagnostic radiology residencies, of which 18 programs responded (78% response rate). CET length and structure varied. A slight majority of tracks are resident-led (9 of 17, 53%). Most faculty track leaders do not receive protected academic time for their role (15 of 17, 88%), and only half of the CETs reported sufficient institutional support. The most common key components of radiology CETs are lectures, track meetings, mentorship, and capstone projects. All CETs directly observe resident teaching. Four of 9 invited programs (44%) completed semistructured interviews and described the importance of, and challenges with, faculty engagement and resident project completion.

Discussion: This study describes the state of radiology CETs, including their keys to success, challenges, and recommendations for others creating a track. Future research should investigate CET outcomes and further explore resident experiences.