Last week, Patrick Couture and Erik Landman, first year radiology residents and recently elected Tennessee Radiologic Society (TRS) Resident-Fellow Section (RFS) leaders, attended the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
In an effort to benefit the RFS and Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s (VUMC) Department of Radiology, Couture and Landman identified ACR as an ideal opportunity to engage with leaders in radiology from institutions around the country.
While at ACR, they heard from individuals at the forefront of healthcare and education policy, and attended networking and educational sessions, including one for the RFS.
“It was an unforgettable experience,” said Couture. “The knowledge and professional relationships we built at ACR will be invaluable for residents at VUMC and across Tennessee as we prepare to practice as attending physicians.”
With ACR taking place in the nation’s capital, Couture and Landman were also able to participate in ACR’s Capitol Hill Day where they advocated on behalf of ACR and the “Voice of Radiology.”
“Being able to meet with our senators and congressmen and women on behalf of radiologists everywhere was not only insightful but also empowering,” said Landman. “The legislation that is passed by our elected officials can directly impact our daily practice. Being able to meet with them and educate them about the ripple effect that some legislation will have on our careers was an incredible process to be part of.”
Both Couture and Landman received sponsorships from the TRS and the Department of Radiology to attend this year’s meeting.
“ACR was an incredibly eye opening experience, and I am fortunate to have been able to attend,” added Landman.
Next year’s meeting is currently scheduled for May 21-25, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
