RadClerk Case Study—Carina Yang MD, UChicago Medicine

Pioneering Radiology Education with RadClerk at UChicago Medicine

At the University of Chicago, where the frontiers of medicine are continuously redefined, Dr. Carina Yang emerges as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of radiology education. As an academic pediatric neuroradiologist and the recently appointed Faculty Director of Fellowship Accreditation with UChicago Medicine GME, Dr. Yang brings a wealth of experience and a diverse academic background to her role. Her journey, beginning with a focus on chemical engineering at MIT, has led her to the forefront of medical education. Now, she is spearheading the integration of RadClerk—a cutting-edge AI-driven virtual radiology clerkship—into the training of medical students and residents at the University of Chicago.

For Dr. Yang, the introduction of RadClerk is not merely an addition to the curriculum; it reflects her commitment to enhancing medical education through innovative technology. Her academic interests, which include both simulation-based radiology education and broader medical education strategies, have significantly influenced her vision for how radiology should be taught in the modern era. “RadClerk offers our students a unique opportunity to engage with radiology in a way that is both immersive and practical,” Dr. Yang explains. “It allows them to experience the complexities of imaging interpretation in a controlled, simulated environment, which is essential for building the confidence and skills they need.”

RadClerk offers our students a unique opportunity to engage with radiology in a way that is both immersive and practical

This approach is particularly timely given the evolving preferences of R1 radiology residents, who increasingly favor interactive digital experiences and video-based learning over traditional texts. RadClerk meets these preferences head-on, providing an interactive, AI-driven platform that enhances the learning experience. Moreover, the initial rollout of RadClerk at the University of Chicago is strategically focused on medical students entering all specialties and R1 residents in radiology, ensuring that a broad audience benefits from this innovative educational tool.

Dr. Yang’s enthusiasm for RadClerk is also deeply rooted in her own experiences as an educator and researcher. Her work in simulation-based education, including the guidance in modification of existing Immersive Touch platforms to better suit image-guided procedures such as  fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures, underscores the value of hands-on, interactive learning. “RadClerk aligns perfectly with the type of education I believe in,” she says. “It’s about giving students the tools they need to succeed in a format that is both accessible and effective.”

RadClerk aligns perfectly with the type of education I believe in. It’s about giving students the tools they need to succeed in a format that is both accessible and effective.

The impact of RadClerk extends beyond radiology residents. Fellows in critical care specialties like critical care medicine (CCM) and neurocritical care, who often need to make rapid, high-stakes decisions based on imaging, stand to benefit significantly from the platform. The ability to interpret images quickly and accurately can be the difference between life and death in these settings, and RadClerk provides the focused yet intensive training necessary to develop these critical skills.

The rollout of RadClerk at the University of Chicago is already garnering substantial interest from students. Medical students and R1 residents are engaging with a focused version of the platform’s 200-case curriculum, designed to replicate the intensity and depth of a first radiology rotation. Dr. Yang sees this as a critical step in preparing students for the realities of modern healthcare. “We want our students to leave their rotations not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical skills that they can apply in real-world situations,” she explains. “RadClerk is helping us achieve that goal by providing a comprehensive, AI-driven learning experience that is unmatched by traditional methods.”

RadClerk is helping us achieve that goal by providing a comprehensive, AI-driven learning experience that is unmatched by traditional methods.

Radiology education’s relevance to a broad medical student audience goes beyond mere imaging interpretation. Dr. Yang highlights the importance of understanding the strengths and limitations of different imaging modalities, which improves ordering practices and enhances collaboration with radiologists. Medical students who engage with RadClerk gain a visceral understanding of why specific views are ordered for different indications, how to provide more useful histories, and how to interpret radiology reports more accurately. This knowledge not only makes them more efficient clinicians but also fosters better collaboration with radiologists, ultimately improving patient care.

Dr. Yang also emphasizes that RadClerk helps to scale the unique role radiologists play in radiology education. While other specialties may focus on specific aspects of imaging results, radiologists are trained to take a comprehensive, systematic approach that is highly beneficial for general medical learners. This method ensures that medical students develop a broad understanding of imaging, which is essential for making informed clinical decisions across various specialties.

Looking ahead, Dr. Yang envisions RadClerk becoming an integral part of the educational framework at the University of Chicago, not just for radiology students, but for all medical trainees. Her leadership in this area is a testament to her broader commitment to educational excellence and innovation. “As we continue to refine and expand our use of RadClerk, I believe it will become a cornerstone of how we teach radiology—not just here at the University of Chicago, but across the field as a whole,” she says.

As we continue to refine and expand our use of RadClerk, I believe it will become a cornerstone of how we teach radiology—not just here at the University of Chicago, but across the field as a whole

In Dr. Yang’s vision, the future of radiology education is one where technology and human expertise work hand in hand to produce the next generation of medical leaders. RadClerk, with its blend of AI-driven simulations and practical, case-based learning, is a key part of that future—a future where every medical student has the opportunity to master the art and science of radiology, regardless of their chosen path.

RadClerk is the AI-powered virtual radiology clerkship. Learn more at radclerk.com, or email support@radclerk.com