Academic Courses > DOS 511
DOS 511 - Advanced Radiologic Imaging
Course Description
This course reviewed production of medical images through film and digital radiography, fluoroscopy, simulation, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear medicine including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and ultrasound (US). The different processes for creating and recording each type of image were compared and contrasted, and we reviewed the clinical application and utility of each modality.
Assessment
Grading was based on participation in a discussion forum and on a series of topic-specific quizzes. Writing prompts for our initial posts were provided each week, and we were expected to provide commentary on other students' posts by adding relevant additional material from the readings, from independent research, and from life experience. From my past experience at MIM Software, I had quite a bit of exposure to the intricacies of display and analysis of CT, PET, MRI, and SPECT, but learning more about the physics behind the image acquisition was quite a treat.
Discussions
Reflections
At the conclusion of each course, students are asked to reflect on what they have learned about the material and about themselves. The reflection is guided by five questions:
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
I was already familiar with some of the capabilities of MR imaging and the way that it is complementary to CT as an anatomic modality that provides fine soft tissue detail, but I had never been exposed to the actual physics that explains how the magnetic fields are manipulated to sample the magnetic resonance of a subject in three dimensions. It was a lot to take in, but I was pleased to have access to that level of detail in the readings. Ultrasound was new for me. I could never figure out how the echoes could be resolved into an image without signals from every direction interfering with each other, and it had never occurred to me that the solution is as simple as scanning back and forth rapidly and only measuring a single direction at a time. Simulation was also new, because I have only been exposed to clinics where all simulation is CT-based, and the idea of being able to plan without volumetric datasets was foreign to me. I also got to see quite a bit more behind-the-scenes detail of how CT, PET, and SPECT are acquired.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me by...
Now that I understand more about what T1 and T2 actually mean with regard to MR, I will be able to look at MR imaging with a new appreciation for what I am actually seeing and why some tissues are more enhanced than others. I had heard the phrase "MR sequences" before, but actually seeing traces of what happens to the net magnetic dipole moment when each pulse is applied makes it much more real for me. The multitude of different sequences available will make much more sense, and I will have a better idea of which sequence to look at if I am trying to see something specific. The exposure to traditional simulation will be useful for the certification exam, because I somewhat doubt I will have much exposure to it during my clinical internship.
I struggle with...
I still have very little exposure to ultrasound imaging and technique. I hope I can learn more about it during my internship.
I feel pretty good about...
I feel that the research I did for my discussion post on PET and SPECT imaging, and my follow-ups to several other students has really helped me to understand those technologies at a deeper level. I am a tech geek at heart, so it is a good feeling for this technology to no longer be indistinguishable from magic.
Other reflective thoughts...
In our reading, the material that covered the physics with the most detail was also the most out of date with regard to the capabilities of computer technology. At the other end of the spectrum, the reading material that was the most up to date was also the shakiest on getting the physics right or with enough detail. I was happy to have exposure to both perspectives so that I could get a more complete picture, but I wish I could have both detailed physics and up to date technolgy in the same book. Compiling corrections made me realize what a monumental effort it is to put together a book or a course and get everything right. It is very difficult to be good at everything simultaneously, so collaboration is key.
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
I was already familiar with some of the capabilities of MR imaging and the way that it is complementary to CT as an anatomic modality that provides fine soft tissue detail, but I had never been exposed to the actual physics that explains how the magnetic fields are manipulated to sample the magnetic resonance of a subject in three dimensions. It was a lot to take in, but I was pleased to have access to that level of detail in the readings. Ultrasound was new for me. I could never figure out how the echoes could be resolved into an image without signals from every direction interfering with each other, and it had never occurred to me that the solution is as simple as scanning back and forth rapidly and only measuring a single direction at a time. Simulation was also new, because I have only been exposed to clinics where all simulation is CT-based, and the idea of being able to plan without volumetric datasets was foreign to me. I also got to see quite a bit more behind-the-scenes detail of how CT, PET, and SPECT are acquired.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me by...
Now that I understand more about what T1 and T2 actually mean with regard to MR, I will be able to look at MR imaging with a new appreciation for what I am actually seeing and why some tissues are more enhanced than others. I had heard the phrase "MR sequences" before, but actually seeing traces of what happens to the net magnetic dipole moment when each pulse is applied makes it much more real for me. The multitude of different sequences available will make much more sense, and I will have a better idea of which sequence to look at if I am trying to see something specific. The exposure to traditional simulation will be useful for the certification exam, because I somewhat doubt I will have much exposure to it during my clinical internship.
I struggle with...
I still have very little exposure to ultrasound imaging and technique. I hope I can learn more about it during my internship.
I feel pretty good about...
I feel that the research I did for my discussion post on PET and SPECT imaging, and my follow-ups to several other students has really helped me to understand those technologies at a deeper level. I am a tech geek at heart, so it is a good feeling for this technology to no longer be indistinguishable from magic.
Other reflective thoughts...
In our reading, the material that covered the physics with the most detail was also the most out of date with regard to the capabilities of computer technology. At the other end of the spectrum, the reading material that was the most up to date was also the shakiest on getting the physics right or with enough detail. I was happy to have exposure to both perspectives so that I could get a more complete picture, but I wish I could have both detailed physics and up to date technolgy in the same book. Compiling corrections made me realize what a monumental effort it is to put together a book or a course and get everything right. It is very difficult to be good at everything simultaneously, so collaboration is key.
Academic Courses > DOS 511
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Published November 23, 2014
First Semester, Pre-Internship Updated December 2, 2014 |