Teaching and Courses
Anatomy Course
Anatomy is one of the cornerstones of radiology. Without a profound knowledge of radiological anatomy, a trainee will struggle to become a good radiologist. To this end, it is examined thoroughly in the FRCR part 1 anatomy exam.
We have moved in recent years from isolated anatomy teaching to a more integrated approach. In this, anatomy is integrated to other directly related clinical topics. It is easier to remember basic science when it is integrated to clinically relevant facts.
Hence, the first three months are focused on plain film anatomy, integrated with plain film radiography and plain film interpretation.
The second three months focus on cross sectional anatomy and anatomy pertaining to contrast studies, integrated to teaching about basic interpretation of those examinations.
To aid learning, there are in-house formative examinations to aid in preparation for the FRCR part 1 anatomy exam
The New FRCR Part 1 Anatomy Exam
This explains what is in the new exam and hence how to coordinate your teaching and learning to do it.
This examination only needs to be sat those attempting the exam for the first time. Those who have currently passed the previous FRCR part 1 consisting of the physics module do not need to sit the new format examination.
Format
The test of anatomical knowledge will consist of 20 radiological images. These will be standard static radiological images. Candidates will be asked 5 questions on each image. The questions will relate to labelled features on the images. The examination will last 75 minutes.
Principles
The first FRCR examination in anatomy will test radiological anatomy; not surgical anatomy, surface anatomy or cadaveric anatomy but applied anatomy that is relevant to radiology.
The examination will consist of material that is demonstrably important. Each question will test knowledge that underpins day-to-day practice of clinical radiology. The examination will test clinically important radiological anatomy, irrespective of its perceived difficulty.
Standards
The first FRCR part 1 may be sat after only six months of radiology training. Therefore the standard of anatomical knowledge expected will reflect the time available for training. Detailed knowledge of radiological anatomy that is only relevant to sub specialist radiology is not considered important for the FRCR part 1. After passing the exam, the trainee would have sufficient knowledge of radiological anatomy so as to allow the safe performance of both general radiology as well as on-call or emergency radiology.
There will be no fixed pass mark. The required standard for success will be determined at each sitting of the examination based on the difficulty of the questions selected.
Content
The exam will only include modern radiological anatomy. That is, anatomy demonstrated on studies that are performed in everyday modern radiological practice. Consequently trainees should make themselves aware of the range of modern radiological imaging techniques, as some may not necessarily be performed in their department.
Radiological anatomy that is demonstrated by conventional radiographs, certain contrast studies and cross sectional modalities will be emphasized over radiological investigations that are performed solely as elective procedures during normal working hours.
Radiological anatomy varies with the age of the patient. Hence, knowledge of developmental anatomy can be crucial. Knowledge of pertinent embryology, important normal variants and the changing aspects of normal organs through infancy and childhood are all important. Since the effects of ageing are varied, these will not be examined.
Year 1 Physics Course
From August 2010, the physics teaching will be focussed during the first four months of training, August to November. This is to prepare trainees for the FRCR part I physics exam in the following March.
The physics timetable is specifically planned to co-ordinate with the timetabled practical experience of the introductory three months. For example, the physics of computed tomography coincides quite deliberately with practical experience in CT.
The course is organised by Ms Liz Pitcher and Dr Claire Doody and runs on Monday and Thursday mornings. It consists of an extensive set of tutorials covering the whole FRCR part 1 syllabus, backed up with practical demonstrations, visits, revision sessions and mock exams.
Emergency Radiology Course
The first year STRs have a course in Emergency Radiology from April until July, following the completion of the FRCR Part I teaching and examination.
The course examines in some depth the kind of radiological issues that commonly arise during on-call scenarios, focusing on interpretation of emergency radiological studies but including directly relevant topics such as scan protocols, contrast issues, effect on patient management, professionalism, communication and time management
The course runs one session a week and finishes with a formal assessment.