Letters to a Young Radiologist

The transition from trainee to independent radiologist represents a pivotal time full of opportunities and challenges. In our experience, navigating this transition is often simultaneously exciting and intimidating. Although many of the associated opportunities and challenges are common to both private and academic practice, others may be unique to one’s specific practice environment.

For example, after training, it is important that all radiologists be able to perform high-quality clinical work autonomously and efficiently. Additionally, building trust and earning the respect of referring physicians is advantageous for all radiologists desiring to become a “go-to” imager for challenging cases and difficult clinical problems. However, newly minted academic radiologists are often also interested in developing educational content and research programs, whereas new private practice radiologists may choose to focus on honing their business acumen.  

In our experience, most residents and fellows receive outstanding clinical radiology education; however, their non-clinical professional education is commonly more variable. As such, many trainees and junior attending radiologists stand to benefit from educational programming dedicated to the development of important non-clinical professional skills and from the opportunity to interact with and ask questions of knowledgeable experts that may not otherwise be easily accessible. Fortunately, radiology is replete with experts who are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience to help others, particularly for the benefit of young professionals.

For these reasons, we presented “Early Career Advice: What I Wish I Knew Earlier” as a Sunday Featured Session at the ARRS Annual Meeting.

This course featured a diverse group of highly successful radiologists representing perspectives from the private and academic practice settings. These radiologists shared practical knowledge and lived experience related to professional challenges frequently encountered by young radiologists that are less frequently covered by traditional residency and fellowship didactic curricula. The selected topics are particularly relevant for young professional radiologists (e.g., residents, fellows, junior academic faculty, and junior private practice associates) preparing for or currently navigating the transition from trainee to independent radiologist, regardless of private or academic practice setting. Faculty emphasized practical pearls they wish they had learned earlier.

More specifically, didactic presentations covered:

1. the benefits of active participation in radiology societies, like ARRS, for early career success,
2. critical aspects of personal and practice-related finances,
3. the importance of and successful strategies for building advantageous professional relationships,
4. the value of branding for individual and practice success, as well as practical tips for effectively developing and professionally promoting one’s individual and group practice brands