Integrating Radiology and Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training in Internal Medicine Residency: A Modern Imperative for Patient-Centered Care.

The rising complexity of patient care, together with growing imaging dependency, requires internal medicine residents to develop essential radiologic competencies. The majority of internal medicine (IM) programs lack sufficient structured education about imaging interpretation and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training. The paper advocates for IM residency training to include a formal radiology and POCUS curriculum because it enhances diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, and patient-centered outcomes. The contemporary clinical practice has seen physical examination skills fade away while healthcare providers increasingly rely on diagnostic imaging. The limited formal training IM residents receive for interpreting imaging studies leads to both underutilization and misinterpretation of these studies. The diagnostic tool POCUS provides an efficient, accessible, and cost-effective method to enhance clinical evaluation. The implementation of structured education programs that combine didactics with bedside application and faculty mentorship will connect traditional clinical competencies to modern diagnostic requirements. The integration of radiology and POCUS training into IM residency programs serves as an essential addition to patient care instead of replacing the physical examination. A structured curriculum enables residents to make safer and more informed decisions, especially when they work in high-acuity and resource-limited settings.