Radiology for kids: Benefits of early education and workplace volunteerism

Objective

Physician shortages are predicted to affect all fields of health care by 2036. One potential approach to address this shortage is through outreach. We describe how a radiology department developed and hosted a volunteer-driven, immersive educational event for children.

Methods

Staff volunteers were recruited though a department-wide email. Two radiologists organized the program and arranged to obtain imaging equipment for demonstrations. Other volunteers were tasked with overseeing audiovisual equipment use, facilitating workshops, ordering food, and reserving rooms. One staff member was paid to support event logistics. Before and after the event, student participants were asked to complete optional, anonymous surveys that assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward radiology.

Results

The half-day radiology educational event consisted of 2 hours of didactic lectures, followed by hands-on experiences in quality improvement, point-of-care ultrasonography, interventional radiology, and interventional oncology. Thirty-two students attended the event (median age, 14 [range, 8-17] years); 21 (66%) were children of allied health employees, and 11 (35%) were children of physicians. The pre-event survey response rate was 94%; the postevent response rate was 63%. The postevent survey showed significant increases in the proportion of students who said they “[understood] what a radiologist does” (from 23% to 55%; P=.01) and “[could] name at least 3 different modalities” (from 33% to 70%; P=.02). Students and their parents gave enthusiastic feedback after the event.

Conclusion

A radiology department–sponsored educational program for young learners was well received and provided multiple volunteer and socialization opportunities for employees.

Summary sentence

Department-sponsored volunteer events, such as an educational event, can meaningfully contribute to student growth and employee engagement and well-being.