Radiology residents, especially, are under the gun to complete their work efficiently. I mean, to learn what you need to know for the boards you have to read through umpteen books and a gazillion films, right? So, who has the time to go through the motions of a bland long-winded study routine to get you through all the material? That would take way too long. Therefore, I want to give you some suggestions to guide you efficiently through all the subjects you need for radiology residency. So, here are some the basics you need to get through residency with minimal effort and maximal gain!
Targeted Reading
I can’t remember the number of times that I have talked about targeted reading in my posts. But, I will repeat it for the ten thousandth time. It’s that important. Every resident should read radiology books differently from other subjects. Remember. Pictures first, then captions, and then text. If you start from the text and go to the images, much less information will stick. So, please do yourselves a favor and do this the right way.
And, just as critically, make sure to emphasize case review series in your review process. Radiology without cases is like peanut butter without the jam (sorry for those of you that are allergic to peanut butter!). It just does not feel right!
Reinforced Reading
How do you get information to stick around in your brain? Well, you need to look at the same item from different angles. What do I mean by that? If you find a meningioma on a CT scan at work, first of all, make sure to look it up that night. Then, look at the same case on multiple imaging modalities. Perhaps, check it out on an MRI, a contrast-enhanced CT scan, or even a skull series if available. The more ways that you look at the same findings, the more likely you will recall the case when you need it!
Lots Of Questions
Don’t let the texts that you are reading become merely a bunch of random words. Just like any other time that you had to study for tests, make sure to phrase the text into the form of questions. And, I have some great ideas to help you along your way. My residents reported using several test question bank companies for study, especially around board time. But, it may not be a bad idea to use these question banks at any time during your studies to emphasize the materials.
The two companies that I hear assist the residents with fairly comprehensive question banks are as follows: Board Vitals and Quevlar. Both of these companies give you some great questions for the Core Examination. Now, you need to make sure to have learned the basics before. But, both Board Vitals and Quevlar will enable to get through the material that much quicker to get you where you need to be before the boards.
Group Learning
You certainly need to read a lot independently to learn the material that you need to know. However, you should also utilize your colleagues to maximize your knowledge. Going over questions or cases in groups with your fellow residents adds new perspectives on the same information. And, by golly, here you have another neural pathway to maximize what you retain!
Board Review Courses
I believe in learning from numerous different angles. And, therefore, I need to put a pitch in for Board Review Courses. Not all program directors believe in this approach. However, sometimes, it helps to step out of your familiar residency conference world and to get a fresh perspective. Different instructors and different points of view create distinct neural pathways for information recall. That is the reason I believe a board review course can work. I think it’s not a bad idea to attend one or two.
Minimal Effort And Maximal Gain
Don’t get me wrong. To be a great radiologist, you need to put in the hours. However, make sure that you utilize your time as effectively as possible. Why spend time that you don’t have? So, follow this approach to get through the material logically and efficiently. Who doesn’t like minimal effort for maximal gain?
