Evaluation of Radiology Syllabi in Medical Colleges in Sudan

Abstract

This research proves the critical role of radiology in diagnosis of diseases and in studying anatomy, physiology and pathology. Hence, and due to little attention paid to this proper teaching of this branch of science by some universities , as today’s student is future’s doctor, it is necessary to gain all the necessary relevant information. As such, the students have to have a good deal of during the undergraduate studies. However; we find that some medical doctors don’t have good knowledge of this subject, especially protection from the hazards of irradiation. So the researcher fined that some doctors fear excessively from radiology departments, due to lack of knowledge of radiation protection. Also the factor that contributes mostly to waste of efforts of cadres and time in radiology departments is the non-compliance in optimum filling of the diagnosis request form. In addition to this, there is lack of radiology specialists in public hospitals in comparison to other specialties. From the above mentioned points this research was initiated, so that medical students have to be acquainted with the basic information about radiation protection, safe diagnostic doses for patients and skills in radiology to diagnose diseases; aiming at changing their behavior in regard to radiology departments, and to have the desire to choose radiology as a discipline. In order to investigate this, the researcher conducted this study in some hospitals and universities of Khartoum State. A questionnaire was distributed to house-officers in some teaching hospitals, consists of two sections, Section One includes opinion about radiology; Section Two includes knowledge about radiological sciences. As well, the researcher conducted a personal interview with the academic secretaries of some universities Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software. Results showed the absence of clear curricula for radiology that comprises training hours, practical training, academic qualifications and number of teachers in comparison to the number of students, approved by Higher Education authorities, as same as other subjects under study by medical students; nevertheless, each university develops its own curriculum by the teaching staff. Moreover, information is not gradual from basic to diagnostic. It was clear from the interviews the absence of separate department for radiology sciences, and the absence of in these universities for practical training. Furthermore, evaluation of the student does not affect the score of students in some universities. the researcher conclude from this study by recommending an integrated scientific syllabus including theoretical and practical sides, to be applied in all public and private Sudanese universities, where teaching is conducted by qualified staff specialized in radiology sciences. Also to establish separate department for teaching radiology sciences and sections for practical training peculiar to universities.