Radiologic anatomy--a credit course for first-year medical students.

Diagnostic radiology should assume a more prominent role in medical student education. We have developed a 4-year plan for radiologic education at the University of Florida. The initial step in this plan is a required credit course in radiologic anatomy given in the first semester. Designed to introduce students to various imaging modalities while teaching anatomic recognition, the course combines a lecture series with systematized self-study film packets and self-test packets. These are reinforced by a videotape series and other written materials. Examinations are in practical format utilizing radiographs on viewbox stations. The course provides a foundation for subsequent coursework in diagnostic radiology, including radiologic pathology and clinical radiology. These courses stress how to workup patients and how to use the radiologist as a consultant in patient care. The response to the radiologic anatomy course has been highly favorable.