Benefits of RFS

Join the VRS-RFS!

The Virginia Radiological Society formed a Resident & Fellow Section (RFS) in the fall of 2016. The purpose of this section is to provide a forum for collaboration with residents and fellows across the state to promote communication, education, and professional development, including radiology economics and advocacy. Activities for the RFS will include a weekend board review course in the spring, RFS content at the state meeting, and social events.

The RFS serves as a means to disseminate information that is important to residents and fellows, both relevant to their future career and particular issues facing members in training. In addition, it serves as a means to communicate issues and experiences particular to our state RFS to the national RFS.

So many reasons to join...

Residents and Fellows can reap many benefits by being active participants in the RFS.

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Benefits to residents and fellows of a State Resident Fellow Section

Communication – The RFS serves as a means to disseminate information that is important to residents and fellows, both relevant to their future career and particular issues facing members in training. In addition, it serves as a means to communicate issues and experiences particular to the state RFS to the national RFS. Having a well organized state RFS keeps the communication lines open and established. This is particularly true for larger states that are unable to meet regularly due to geographic separation. In addition, the ACR RFS has regular communication distributed via email which that addresses issues specific to residents and fellows (monthly RFS E-News). Many state RFS also have regular publications (i.e. newsletters) or discussion forums online that permit regular communication between RFS members. Fellow members often may serve as excellent resources to find out “how things are done” at different institutions.
Socialization with Peers – Radiology, while being one of the larger medicine specialties, is still a relatively small community. The RFS gives the opportunity to meet and socialize with other members-in-training to share experiences and friendship outside of the training institution.
Involvement in organized medicine – Involvement in a state RFS is usually one of the first introductions to organized medicine within radiology for many state RFS members. It is comforting to realize that organizations such as the ACR are lobbying on behalf of radiologists and promoting the field of radiology.
Awareness of political, economic, and governmental issues – Often issues facing practicing radiologists are not recognized by members-in-training because of the “protected environment” of academic institutions and training centers. A state RFS allows exposure to issues that radiologists face in practice and that will ultimately shape the field of radiology for members in-training; this is particularly true of issues facing individual states, which may be different than those facing the ACR on a national level. In addition, it allows exposure to the policy making body of radiology, including how policies are created and implemented.
Education – Educational programs are often incorporated into state chapter meetings. Equally important are issues related to employment, business, and legalities of practicing radiology that are not taught in training programs. Understanding issues such as employment contracts, liability, and practice structure are vital to finding employment after training. Many state RFS programs offer educational opportunities to increase awareness for residents and fellows on these issues.
Contacts/Networking – Getting involved in the ACR at both the national and state levels fosters relationships with ACR members that may create opportunities in the future for employment, education, or friendship.

resident & fellow section (RFS)

Join the VRS-RFS!

So many reasons to join...

vrs resident & Fellow section in action

Benefits to residents and fellows of a State Resident Fellow Section