ANATOMIADI: a national, image-based anatomy competition for residents in Italy to enhance postgraduate education through interactive learning.

BACKGROUND: For radiology residents, the steep learning curve of cross-sectional anatomy (especially in CT and MRI) demands more efficient and engaging educational tools. In recent years, game-based learning (GBL) and gamification have emerged as powerful strategies to enhance postgraduate education by leveraging 'active recall' and 'spaced repetition' within a competitive framework. Here we describe the context of ANATOMIADI and assess the perceived educational impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Image datasets were anonymized, archived, and manually labeled to highlight specific anatomical structures. Over 400 unique games were developed, categorized by anatomical system and tiered into three levels of difficulty. A structured feedback survey was designed and distributed to the participants after the event to capture data on different domains regarding the educational value, gamification and engagement, platform usability and team collaboration, technical workflow, logistics, scientific accuracy, fairness, and quality assessment. RESULTS: ANATOMIADI challenge registered an attendance of 141 participants representing 28 residency programs across Italy. The evaluation of the event's perceived value yielded a unanimous positive response; indeed, 100% of the participants recommended that the competition be repeated in future academic years. Based on the required level of knowledge, the event was recommended to residents in their 3rd (54/63 responses) and 4th year (48/63 responses) of postgraduate education. CONCLUSION: By integrating high-fidelity imaging with interactive game mechanics, the ANATOMIADI challenge not only fostered anatomical learning but also built the foundation for a more collaborative and technologically adept generation of radiologists. KEY POINTS: Question: In the era of high-resolution multidetector CT and advanced MRI, the volume of anatomical data that a resident in radiology must process is unprecedented. FINDINGS: We developed a context using image-based puzzle games to challenge different residency schools in radiology on imaging-based anatomical structures and rules. Critical relevance statement: ANATOMIADI is the first national competition based on radiological anatomy and dedicated to residents. By using an inclusive "twinning" framework among residency programs, it transforms dense theoretical study into a highly motivating, collaborative, and social learning experience.