Through the Looking Glass: Interpreting Chest Radiographs

Chest radiography remains one of the most frequently utilized diagnostic tools in clinical practice, and clinicians must be proficient in both systematic review and recognition of common and high-risk pathologies. This session, organized around a structured approach to CXR interpretation, will review normal anatomy, discuss radiographic signs of acute and chronic thoracic pathology, and highlight common pitfalls. Participants will work through multiple de-identified CXRs, including normal variants, acute cardiopulmonary disease, and critical findings, to build confidence in interpretation. Case-based discussion and faculty-guided review will allow learners to apply a consistent and reproducible framework to optimize diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Describe a systematic approach to interpreting a chest X-ray
• Explain the risks, benefits and limitations associated with chest radiographs
• Distinguish normal variants from clinically significant findings
• Identify common radiographic findings associated with acute and chronic thoracic pathology
• Properly describe visual findings and then correlate with specific diagnostic pathologies
• Recognize red-flag or life-threatening abnormalities requiring immediate intervention
• Communicate key imaging findings clearly and concisely in documentation and handoff

Goals/purpose

• The intended course outcomes for this session are to certify that participants:
• Have been present and actively engaged throughout the synchronous teaching
• Have interpreted multiple CXRs using a consistent, structured framework
• Demonstrated receptiveness to faculty feedback and made adjustments to their interpretation process
• Applied pattern recognition strategies through repetitive practice across varied cases

This session is aimed to develop a specific set of interpretive skills but is not intended to deem any participant “competent” in independent radiographic interpretation, which will be determined by supervisors or institutional protocols.

Course will be held on Friday 4/3/26 (time and location TBD).  Course director will send follow up email after registration.