The Global Impact of Continuing Education in Radiology
The Global Impact of Continuing Education in Radiology: Insights from Roy Khodr – President Medical Professionals
In an episode of “The Skeleton Crew Podcast”, host Jen Callahan sits down with Roy, the president of Medical Professionals, to delve into the critical topic of continuing education for radiology technologists (RTs). This engaging conversation offers insights into the importance of lifelong learning in the medical field and the innovative solutions provided by Medical Professionals to ensure RTs stay at the forefront of their profession. It also highlights the challenges radiologic technologists face, particularly time constraints and accessibility. Traditional in-person courses often clash with the demanding schedules of these professionals. However, the rise of online platforms and on-demand content has revolutionized continuing education. These digital solutions provide the flexibility needed for technologists to pursue further education without compromising their work commitments.
The Necessity of Lifelong Learning in Radiology
Radiology is a rapidly advancing field, with new technologies and techniques continually emerging. In the United States, RTs must complete continuing education (CE) credits every two years to maintain their certifications. Roy emphasizes that these educational requirements are not merely bureaucratic hurdles but essential practices that ensure RTs can effectively and safely use advanced medical equipment. Proper training directly impacts patient care by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. Success stories from continuing education programs are abundant. Radiologic technologists who engage in these programs report not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also a boost in confidence in their clinical practice.
Medical Professionals: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Medical Professionals, founded in 2002 by Hisham Al-Azem, aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge medical equipment and its optimal use. Al-Azem, who spent 21 years with GE Healthcare, noticed that many users did not fully utilize advanced medical machinery, prompting the creation of Medical Professionals. The company initially focused on clinical applications and has since expanded to offer a comprehensive library of CE courses, all designed to ensure RTs can maximize their equipment’s potential.
Innovative Educational Offerings
Medical Professionals provides a variety of educational tools tailored to meet the diverse needs of RTs:
- Live webinars and online CE courses: These courses are essential for RTs to fulfill their certification requirements. Approved by the ASRT® and accepted by ARRT®, the courses ensure high standards and quality. The online courses are available in video, PDF, and interactive formats, these courses cater to different modalities, ensuring accessibility and engagement
- 3D Animated Positioning Guide: These guides offer a complete reference with detailed visual aids for X-Ray positions, making complex concepts more practical for RTs
A Rigorous Development Process
Creating these courses involves a meticulous process. Roy explains that each course undergoes extensive validation, with input from clinical experts and designers to ensure the content is both educational and engaging. This thorough approach guarantees that RTs receive high-quality, practical education that can be directly applied in their work.
Staying Current with Rapid Advancements
Keeping pace with technological advancements in radiology is a constant challenge. Medical Professionals addresses this by:
- Training their application specialists directly with equipment manufacturers
- Participating in major international radiology conferences
- Integrating a scientific committee of independent expert Rad Techs within the development process of its courses
Looking Forward: Continuous Improvement
Medical Professionals is committed to ongoing innovation and improvement. The company plans its courses and tools development a year in advance, ensuring a steady stream of new and updated content. This proactive approach ensures that RTs have access to the most current and comprehensive educational resources available. And on top of that, Medical Professionals went the extra mile to film real radiology procedures in a didactic manner and provides this content along with many other resources free of charge on its YouTube channel Rad Tech Hub.
In a nutshell
The conversation between Jen Callahan and Roy highlights the indispensable role of continuing education in radiology. For RTs dedicated to staying at the cutting edge of their profession, Medical Professionals offers an invaluable resource. By providing top-tier educational tools and staying ahead of technological trends, Medical Professionals ensures that RTs are well-equipped to provide the best possible patient care.
Here below, you will find the full interview that Roy Khodr, President of Medical Professionals, underwent with Skeleton Crew by X-Ray Tech.
A glimpse on Skeleton Crew by X-Ray Tech Podcast
Hosted by X-Ray Tech Jennifer Callahan, ARRT, Skeleton Crew is the show for current and prospective techs in radiography and related modalities, exploring career options, life as a practicing tech, and the future of the practice. Each week, Jen interviews practicing rad techs, educators, business and industry leaders who are shaping radiology now and in the future.