Teaching radiology in undergraduate programmes in medical schools in francophone sub-Saharan Africa : a multicenter survey

Background Harmonisation of radiology education for medical students is a current global topic, particularly in Africa. The main objective of this study was to assess radiology training programmes for medical students in francophone sub-Saharan African medical schools. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between May and June 2024, using a semi-structured survey. In this study, we included medical faculties training physicians in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa, where a radiology Department member provided informed consent to participate and completed the questionnaire. Results The study received responses from 11 faculty members representing medical schools in 9 Francophone sub-Saharan African countries. Theoretical teaching begins during the bachelor’s programme in 63.6% of faculties. A national syllabus similarity was reported in 42.9% of the cases. The average number of hours allocated to theoretical teaching was 59.7 ± 29.7 h and a median of 60 h. Medical imaging of pathological conditions was reported to be taught in all faculties (100%), followed by basic radiological semiology (72.7%). Lectures were used in all faculties (100%). Radiology internships were reported as mandatory in 90.9% of the faculties and begin during the master’s programme in 50%, with a total average duration of 6.5 ± 4.4 weeks and a median duration of 4 weeks. A written examination was reported to be mandatory in 90.9% of faculties, and internship validation was required in 81.8%. Conclusion It appears necessary to rethink radiology education in most medical schools and to harmonise objectives and programmes in francophone sub-Saharan Africa.