Elective Clerkship

The Department of Radiology of the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine offers one-month elective clerkships in general radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology and interventional radiology.

The general clerkship consists of rotations in radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology. The primary goal stresses the use and integration of these imaging modalities in the diagnosis and management of patients. This includes basic knowledge of the imaging modalities, their risks and cost, and their use in patients with commonly encountered problems. The clerkship offers an opportunity to develop an approach to interpreting studies, but more importantly allows the student to gain knowledge of each modality by direct observation and learn what the patients need to be able to do in order to obtain optimal examinations. More than 20 lectures with varying formats are given by radiology attending and residents during the month, and students are scheduled to shadow a radiology attending, resident and a resident during early evening call. Students considering a radiology residency will be able to observe the professional life of radiologists.

The Core Competencies: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism and Systems-Based Practice are addressed within the clerkship. Radiology specialty clerkships allow more in-depth exposure in the specialty but also have latitude including attendance at lectures.

Student evaluation is based on evaluation during rotations, two multiple-choice tests and a PowerPoint presentation on a subject chosen by the student and given at the end of the clerkship.