Development of the AMSER Standardized Examinations in Radiology for Medical Students

Rationale and Objectives: The variability in medical imaging evaluation across US medical schools inspired leading radiology student educators to develop the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology (AMSER) Standardized Exam (SE). This examination tests the understanding of essential material and concepts which are endorsed by the AMSER National Medical Student Curriculum in Radiology. Materials and Methods: The AMSER Electronics Committee developed and deployed the AMSER SE using Radiology Exam Web (REW), a previously-developed databank of imaging questions. The Committee created an examination blueprint that placed emphasis on effective use of medical imaging and less emphasis on image interpretation. Question items correlating to the blueprint were used from the REW databank to draft AMSER SE version 1, which was piloted in early 2012. Item performance was then analyzed, and the exam was revised. After national deployment, a subsequent revision was performed 1 year later. AMSER SE version 2, developed in a similar manner, was released in early 2013 and will go through a similar process of revision. A 20-question Practice Exam was also developed. Results: Since national deployment, more than 1400 students, in over 22 institutions, have taken the AMSER SEs. Conclusions: The collaborative project of the AMSER Electronics Committee has resulted in the successful national deployment of two examinations using questions that have been validated and based on the AMSER peer-reviewed national curriculum. We hope that this assessment tool will help drive a more uniform approach to curriculum development, promoting more effective and safe use of medical imaging. This step should also help promote the value radiologists bring to the patient care arena.