A National Medical Student Diagnostic Radiology Competition Initiative: Survey and Outcomes of the RadiOlympics

Diagnostic radiology residents may participate in an annual diagnostic imaging tournament that enables residents to engage in friendly competition, network with peers, and practice for board examinations. Medical students would likely enjoy a similar activity, which could increase their interest and knowledge in radiology. Given the lack of initiatives designed to promote competition and learning in medical school radiology education, we designed and implemented the RadiOlympics, the first known national medical student radiology competition in the United States. A draft version of the competition was emailed to many medical schools in the United States. Medical students interested in assisting with implementation of the competition were invited to a meeting to refine the layout. Ultimately, the format of seven rounds of five questions each and a final round of ten questions all over four months was decided. Questions were written by students and approved by faculty. At the conclusion of the competition, surveys were sent out to gather feedback and gauge how this competition has influenced their interest in radiology. Out of 89 schools that were successfully contacted, 16 schools’ radiology clubs agreed to participate, which made up 187 medical students on average per round. At the conclusion of the competition, feedback from students was very positive. Students’ confidence in interpreting imaging studies increased after the competition (p < 0.001), although there was not an increased interest in radiology as a career (p = 0.77). The RadiOlympics is a national competition that can be successfully organized by medical students for medical students and is an engaging opportunity for medical students to be exposed to radiology.