A month-long case-based bootcamp improves subjective and objective radiology knowledge for first-year radiology residents

Purpose: First-year radiology residents enter residency with varying degrees of prior knowledge regarding radiology, which can be difficult for both trainees and physician educators looking to provide instruction. Recognizing this dilemma, we propose the adoption of a blended learning model PGY-2 radiology bootcamp at the start of training to give a structured foundation of imaging concepts.

Methods: 20 total PGY-2 radiology residents spanning two cohorts of 10, one from 2022 and another from 2023, were included in a 4-week blended learning-style bootcamp at the beginning of their training. Effectiveness of the implementation was assessed using subjective Likert-scale surveys and an objective knowledge-based examination.

Results: Subjective confidence in basic radiology skills significantly improved for all modalities in the combined 2022-2023 results. Objective performance on the knowledge-based examination significantly improved in both cohorts, with no significant discrepancies in baseline scores between 2022 and 2023.

Conclusions: We recommend the implementation of a flipped-classroom, blended learning-style bootcamp for PGY-2 radiology residents. Our results demonstrated both subjective and objective improvement in radiology resident confidence and clinical knowledge, in addition to an early introduction to the institutional PACS.