There is disclosed a method and system for managing teaching files in a medical imaging system. In an embodiment, the method includes allowing selection of an element from a medical imaging database, isolating predetermined data from the selected element, and allowing indication of a teaching file in which to place the selected element. The placement may include determining if the selected element is related to a previously placed element in the indicated teaching file. In dependence upon at least one use characteristic of the teaching file, predetermined data for the selected element may be isolated, such that access to data that may identify a patient as a specific individual may be controlled.