RSNA R3 Program Keeps Training Members in the Know
Residents act as liaison between RSNA and other trainees at their institutions.
Radiology residency is a busy time with lots of competing priorities. In order to help residents take full advantage of RSNA resources, the RSNA Resident and Fellow Committee (RFC) developed the RSNA Resident Representative (R3) program.
Designed to facilitate communication with all radiology residents, even those who may not currently be members of RSNA, radiology residency programs around the world select a resident who will begin their second year of residency in July to serve as the R3 representative.
Each R3 dispenses RSNA information to the other residents at their institution, including a monthly resident-focused RSNA e-newsletter with exclusive events and opportunities. The representative also serves as a resource for fellow trainees with questions about RSNA.
Participation in R3 helps residents learn about the useful resources RSNA offers to residents and fellows.
“I came to realize how important RSNA can be for both the trainee and the practicing radiologist from both an educational and career perspective,” said Jordan Burner, MD, radiology resident and R3 participant from Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, NC.
This past academic year, Bashiar Thejeel BMSc, MD, a diagnostic radiology resident at the University of Alberta was an R3 representative and agrees that participation has been a great way to experience all RSNA has to offer residents.
“RSNA has always played an important part in our residency program with residents encouraged to attend meetings and submit research and audit projects,” Dr. Thejeel said. “In addition, residents have relied on RSNA publications including Radiology and RadioGraphics for up to date complete learning resources.”
R3 participants also are encouraged to attend the annual meeting, where they can network at a lunch with members of the RFC and RSNA leadership. Their names are also showcased in the Residents Lounge during the annual meeting.
“I had the opportunity to attend the RSNA 2018 meeting and I was so impressed with the resident-specific and oriented sessions and events that were organized by RSNA,” Dr. Thejeel said. “Several resident-specific events gave me direct access to a variety of radiologists from diverse practices and the resident reception allowed me to connect with residents from across the world.”
Participating in the R3 program also fosters a desire among residents to join RSNA committees as they complete their training.
“Being involved as the RSNA Resident Representative has only increased my desire in participating in RSNA committees,” Dr. Thejeel said. “Once my training is completed I will certainly continue to be an active member of RSNA.”
Dr. Burner echoes the benefits of participating in R3 and learning more about RSNA and the specialty.
“I really enjoyed my time as an R3,” Dr. Burner said. “Being able to represent my residency, learning about how radiology is growing and evolving, and sharing what I learned about radiology and RSNA with my colleagues was very rewarding.”
For more information about participating in the program, email customerservice@rsna.org.