Radiology advocacy exposure and engagement of U.S. medical students

Purpose: We assess the current state of radiology advocacy exposure for U.S. medical students and identify strategies to support earlier and sustained engagement.

Methods/Materials: A cross-sectional review was conducted of 52 geographical state chapters listed by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Only chapters with functioning websites (n = 31) were analyzed. These websites were evaluated for the presence of medical student sections (MSS), student–level advocacy programming, and advocacy-related mentorship opportunities. Additionally, websites of medical schools affiliated with 98 university-based diagnostic radiology (DR) residency programs listed in the American Medical Association (AMA) FREIDA were reviewed for radiology interest groups (RIGs); this corresponded to 94 unique medical school websites (n = 94).

Results: Among 31 ACR chapters reviewed, only four (12.9%) had a dedicated MSS, compared with 21 (67.7%) with a Resident–Fellow Section (RFS) (p < 0.001). In contrast, among medical schools with a home DR residency program, 96.8% had a RIG. RIGs primarily served as institution-level groups focused on broad radiology exposure and research. By comparison, MSS showed multi-institutional engagement and more frequently described exposure to advocacy-related topics and mentorship with radiologists who are active in advocacy. Overall, medical student advocacy exposure was limited and dependent on self-directed participation or involvement through national professional societies, including the ACR Pre–Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN).

Conclusions: Radiology advocacy exposure is limited during medical school. Expanding MSS within state radiology societies provides a structured framework to promote early advocacy engagement. Established MSS can facilitate exposure through guest speakers and mentorship with residents, fellows, and faculty active in organized medicine. Formal advocacy roles within RIGs (e.g., Advocacy Chair) with direct links to MSS leadership may improve dissemination of state-level opportunities across institutions. Providing non-voting student seats on state society advocacy committees may further increase awareness and early involvement in radiology advocacy.