Introducing First-Year Radiology Residents to the ACR at the AMCLC from 2009 to 2013: Summary of Experiences and Five-Year First-Cohort Follow-Up

Purpose The aim of this report is to provide a five-year summary of the Minnesota Radiological Society's initiative to send first-year radiology residents to the ACR at the AMCLC. The authors provide an update of the survey data for the first five years (2009-2013) and a report of the ACR membership status of the original 2009 cohort (class of 2012) five years after their conference experience. Methods Participating residents from 2009 to 2013 completed pre- and postconference surveys assessing their knowledge of ACR-related topics, conference satisfaction, and intention to join the ACR. ACR membership status of the first cohort was determined using the ACR membership database and compared with both the previous five graduating classes and the national average for practicing radiologists. Results Seventy first-year Minnesota radiology residents attended the conference from 2009 to 2013. Knowledge of the ACR significantly increased after the conference. Most residents were highly satisfied or satisfied with their conference experience and highly likely or likely to join the ACR in the future. Two years after residency, 87% of the first cohort (13 of 15) were ACR members, compared with an average membership rate of 57% (63 of 110) for the previous five graduating classes. Conclusions Exposing radiology residents early to the ACR at the AMCLC leads to a significant increase in knowledge pertaining to the professional organization. This exposure likely leads to increased ACR membership when residents enter practice. This early engagement in radiology affairs can lead to a higher rate of ACR membership and to a better informed membership.