Siddhartha Gaddamanugu, M.D., a radiologist and academic leader at UAB, is making notable strides in medical education through his work with Aquifer, a non-profit organization providing interactive, online learning resources to students in over 320 health professions programs across North America. Gaddamanugu serves as the Assessment Lead for Aquifer’s Radiology course, a role that allows him to shape and enhance medical curriculum that reaches hundreds of students and educators.
As a member of the Aquifer Consortium, Gaddamanugu has played an instrumental role in developing Aquifer’s Radiology course, which uses virtual patient cases to deliver the national curriculum in radiology to medical students. For the 2024 academic year, 222 programs have subscribed to this course, benefiting from its evidence-based, interactive format that is designed to meet the evolving educational needs of health professions students.
In his capacity as Assessment Lead, Gaddamanugu is responsible for aligning assessment content with course and learning objectives set by the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology (AMSER). He oversees peer reviews of Aquifer assessments conducted by medical educators and assessment specialists, ensuring quality standards are met and adapting content as needed. Additionally, he represents the Radiology course on Aquifer’s Assessment Committee, contributing to broader initiatives across Aquifer’s platform.
“Aquifer has allowed me to engage with learners in innovative ways,” said Gaddamanugu. “It’s been a privilege to contribute to a mission that aligns so well with my passion for teaching. Developing curriculum that is relevant for such a wide range of learners—from medical students to physician assistants and nurse practitioners—has deepened my understanding of education’s evolving landscape.”
Gaddamanugu was selected as Assessment Lead by academic peers, recognized nationally for his innovative contributions to medical education. His dedication exemplifies the commitment of Aquifer’s educators, who volunteer their time to enhance student learning across various disciplines.
“As an academic radiologist, I’ve always enjoyed the interactive nature of teaching, whether in view box sessions or delivering lectures,” Gaddamanugu shared. “But working on this curriculum, and collaborating with educators and clinicians nationwide, has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. This role has truly shaped me as an educator and has given me invaluable opportunities to help bridge theory and practice in medical education.”
Through Gaddamanugu’s efforts, UAB’s commitment to advancing healthcare education is evident, as he continues to inspire future medical professionals across the country.