The RFS is thriving in times of adversity
The pandemic has significantly impacted radiology training across Canada. During these unprecedented times, the CAR Resident and Fellow Section has taken every new challenge as an opportunity. From a transition to virtual education, to changes in the usual workflow, our residents, fellows, and medical students have demonstrated exceptional resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Connecting with over 150 CAR Resident Members: Virtual meetings were held with Canadian radiology residents to encourage engagement in RFS activities.
- Radiology Learners and COVID-19: Now and After: A guide was created with the Canadian Heads of Academic Radiology (CHAR) to identify the changes in radiology training due to COVID-19 and propose actions to augment learners’ education.
- CARJ Mentorship Program: Residents were paired with the CAR Journal Editorial Board members to peer review scientific articles.
- Global Outreach in Radiology Network: The first of its kind in Canada, this network was created to help narrow the gap in access to medical imaging.
- Women in Radiology Mentorship Session: 100 participants attended our virtual panel on August 26, in collaboration with the Canadian Radiology Women (CRW).
- RAD Academy Trainee Section: Resources for trainees were grouped to facilitate learning, including the Royal College Examination Outline for radiology.
- Canadian Fellowship Database: All fellowship information was updated and uploaded into an online database on the CAR member portal.
Additional takeaways from our recent RFS Medical Student Network’s (MSN) activities include:
- Online Elective Mentorship Program: To bridge the difficulty of this year’s CaRMS applications, in the absence of away-electives, we collaborated with Program Directors and radiology residents to organize 16 virtual information sessions to help medical students learn about each radiology program. Over 300 medical students registered to participate in this initiative from October 11-24.
- Online Multidisciplinary Radiology Course: 590 medical students registered to attend our weekly live radiology teaching sessions. This activity took place from September 19 – October 17 in collaboration with the Academy of Online Radiology Education (ACORE) and medical student ambassadors.
- Medical Student Radiology Interest Groups: All radiology group leaders joined the MSN. A baseline assessment of their interest groups was performed.
In light of these accomplishments, I would like to thank our dedicated team for continuously finding innovative ways to stay engaged with radiology residents, fellows, and medical students. The future of the RFS is promising as we work towards developing new mentorship and wellness opportunities.
Dr. Aline D. Khatchikian
CAR RFS Chair, On behalf of the RFS Executive Committee, Resident Representatives, and Volunteers
