Updating the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Diagnostic Radiology Resident Physics Curriculum: Strategies, Content, and Dissemination

Rationale and Objectives: The Diagnostic Radiology Resident Physics Curriculum (DRRPC), initiated in 2007 by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and last updated in 2018, is an essential educational resource for those teaching physics to radiology residents. Regular updates are crucial to ensure the curriculum aligns with evolving technologies and clinical practices, maintaining its relevance and effectiveness in educating the next generation of radiologists. The paper aims to describe the update strategies of the DRRPC, focusing on the current iteration, its structure, and the newest updates. Materials and Methods: The update process, led by the Diagnostic Radiology Resident Physics Curriculum Working Group, commenced with a comprehensive survey targeting AAPM members who contribute to radiology physics teaching. The survey was conducted to assess the curriculum's current applicability and gather feedback for improvements. Subsequent updates were based on extensive stakeholder consultations and detailed analysis of survey data. Results: The revision process has led to significant enhancements in the curriculum, emphasizing practical clinical applications and the integration of cutting-edge technology. New modules on advanced image processing, artificial intelligence, informatics, and radiopharmaceutical therapy were developed, responding to the evolving needs of radiological education and practice. Conclusion: The updated DRRPC supports educators in providing a dynamic and relevant training experience.