Unlocking Digital Future of Education: A Global Review of AI and VR Education in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Postgraduate Training

Purpose: As artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) continue to expand in radiology, structured education is essential for preparing radiologists (Tejani et al., 2022). Despite calls for formal training, the extent to which these technologies are integrated into postgraduate curricula remains unclear. This study assessed the depth and scope of AI and VR education within official postgraduate radiology curricula. Methods: We analysed 11 official postgraduate radiology curricula from 16 countries across diverse economic and geographic contexts, including the UK, Malaysia, Nigeria, and shared frameworks such as the ESR curriculum (Austria, Switzerland, and others) and the RANZCR curriculum for Australia/New Zealand. Publicly available national training documents were reviewed. Data were extracted using a structured proforma that assessed AI and VR content by depth (0 = no mention, 1 = mention only, 2 = learning outcome, 3 = taught content, 4 = assessed) and scope (technical, clinical, ethical, research), as well as stated future intent. Interventional radiology (IR) curricula were reviewed separately. Results: AI was mentioned in 7/11 (64%) curricula; three (UK, Australia/New Zealand, and Ireland) reached Depth 3; others ranged between 1 and 2. All seven included technical content, four covered clinical applications, and only two addressed ethics. Only 2/11 (18%) stated future intent to expand AI teaching. VR was mentioned in 5/11 (46%) curricula, with only one reaching Depth 2. Six out of the 11 curricula we reviewed had a separate curriculum for IR. Out of those, only one (ESR curriculum) mentioned VR, and none mentioned AI. Conclusion: Formal inclusion of AI and VR in postgraduate radiology curricula varies significantly across countries, with notable differences in depth and scope. VR is even less embedded, with few clear expansion plans. Adjustments to the curriculum are essential to prepare radiologists for the ongoing demands of modern technologies.