Case competition sessions: a global education and academic engagement tool

Abstract

Background: Radiology virtual teaching sessions utilize live video conferencing to promote collaborative learning and engagement by discussing radiology cases. Because of its convenience and flexibility, this mode of education has gained popularity, particularly after the corona virus disease 2019 pandemic.

Objective: We describe our experience in organizing a series of "Global Health Imaging Case Competitions" for trainees in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These competitions provide the trainees with an opportunity to present unique radiology cases, network with radiologists, learn about various radiology topics, win prizes and potentially publish their case reports in a peer-reviewed journal.

Materials and methods: Planning and execution of the competition involves several steps. First, trainees are invited to participate and submit abstracts discussing unique cases. The organizing committee grades these abstracts; the authors of the 20 abstracts with the highest scores are asked to submit a video presentation of their cases to be presented during the live webinar. During this webinar, presentations are displayed and graded to select winners. Additionally, the audience votes to choose a participant as the people's favorite. We have completed four cycles (Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East and Asia) and will continue in the same order of rotation.

Results: Attendance totalled 2,510 participants from 50 countries. Pediatric cases represented the majority of cases among finalists. Feedback was positive; 26 out of 29 (90%) participants surveyed indicated that the webinar was "very good" to "excellent" with well-organized and challenging cases. Diversity of participating countries was noted. Limitations included technology barriers such as internet connectivity.

Conclusion: This innovative approach emphasizing audience participation engaged trainees from LMICs and fostered locoregional collegiality and mentoring.

Keywords: Case reports; Global health; Lower-middle-income countries; Medical education; Radiology.