Program Description
The Medical Student Radiology Triage Program (MSRTP) began in September 2010. MSRTP students work with the on-call radiology resident triaging imaging study requests and answering pages from requesting providers. Geisel students who have completed their pre-clinical years (MD and MD/PhD students in the third year and above) are eligible to participate. Student duties include:
- Answering calls from clinicians and other hospital personnel
- Establishing the nature and urgency of imaging requests or inquiries
- Gathering pertinent patient medical information (e.g. brief medical history, labs, prior imaging & workup)
- Triaging all imaging requests and coordinating the approval, scheduling and protocoling of requests
- Doing basic CT protocoling
- Communicating results with the appropriate clinicians or clinical services
Benefits
BOTH radiology and non-radiology residency applicants alike have noted several benefits from participating in the program. These benefits include:
- Obtaining early, in-depth, hands-on exposure to the field of radiology in a dynamic, high-volume setting
- Having the opportunity to network within the DHMC Department of Radiology and learn about life as a radiology resident
- Developing "consultant" skills useful when working with clinicians dealing with high-acuity patients
- Acquiring knowledge of the appropriate indications for various imaging studies in order to prepare for a future career outside of radiology
- Participating in an extracurricular activity which serves as an asset on CVs and as a point of conversation during residency interviews
- Receiving financial compensation for a clinically educational experience
Logistics
Triage students are fully supported by the house staff and faculty when on call. New members are provided a triage manual with detailed guidelines for managing commonly encountered requests and are required to shadow a current MSRTP student before working shifts independently. Students are compensated at a rate of $10/ hour and are considered employees of Dartmouth College. Each student is asked to sign up for a minimum of 5 shifts per year. Shift hours are:
- 5 PM- 10 or 11 PM Monday-Friday
- 2 PM- 9 PM Saturday-Sunday and on some holidays
Please contact Khushboo Jhala, DMS, if interested in participating or for additional information.
For New Members
- Getting Started with MSRTP
- MSRTP Training Checklist
- MSRTP Agreement
- MSRTP Scheduling Policies
- Getting Paid for MSRTP