Awareness of interventional radiology among final-year medical students and medical interns at a university in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness of interventional radiology (IR) among final-year medical students and medical interns at a Saudi University. Analysis of such awareness could help to improve the future of IR in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on anonymous surveys administered over a one month period (1st - 31st December 2012). One hundred and nineteen medical students and interns of King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia were included. Forty-two (35.3%) replies were received. The survey consisted of 25 questions covering perception, knowledge, and interest of interventional radiology.

RESULTS: The majority of the respondents (52%) felt their knowledge in IR is poor. Only 40% of the respondents either completed or plan to complete an elective rotation in radiology. Thirty-eight percent of respondents were willing to consider a career in IR. The most common reason (43%) for not considering a career in IR was lack of knowledge. Only 33% correctly identified the route of training of interventional radiologist. The majority of respondents thought that interventional radiologists performed cardiac angioplasty (81%), and femoral popliteal bypass (74%).

CONCLUSION: Exposure to IR among medical students and interns was poor. This can be addressed by dedicated undergraduate teaching of IR by interventional radiologists with emphasis on the clinical practice.