Bringing medical imaging to life through practical learning in RADS 301

TitleBringing medical imaging to life through practical learning in RADS 301
Faculty/College/UnitMedicine
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2026
Project Summary

RADS 301 is the first undergraduate radiology course in Canada and has quickly grown to over 400 students in its third year since inception. While students enjoy learning about medical imaging, the course is currently lecture-based and most have never seen any scanners in person. This project aims to change that by introducing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with the Regional Medical Imaging Office (RMIO) at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). Students will take part in guided tours of hospital imaging department, observe how different imaging technologies work, visit the medical imaging simulation centre, and complete reflection-based assignments that connect real-world experience with classroom learning. To ensure accessibility, virtual tours and recorded demonstrations will be created for students who cannot attend in person. By integrating real clinical environments into the course, this project will deepen student learning, support career exploration, and make medical imaging education more engaging, equitable, and impactful.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2026/2027
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorLulu Liu
Year 1: Funded Amount42,219
Year 1: Team Members

Lulu Liu, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Radiology, Faculty of Medicine
Jonathon Leipsic, Professor / Head, Radiology, Faculty of Medicine
Savvas Nicolaou, Professor, Radiology, Faculty of Medicine / Head, Medical Imaging, Vancouver General Hospital
Erik Vanalainen, Resident (PGY5), Radiology, Faculty of Medicine
Cormac Dennehy, Educator, Clinical Education, Regional Medical Imaging Office, Vancouver Coastal Health
Susan Zhang, Graduate Student
Jane Andrews, Undergraduate Student