ACR Military Radiology Network

  • 1.  The Long Game: Building a Career That Lasts

    Posted 01-12-2026 08:00

    One of the most common questions I hear from residents and new staff is: "How do I stay clinically sharp while meeting the demands of a military career?" We all know the "dual-track" struggle—balancing your administrative leadership roles with the need to remain a high-volume, high-accuracy diagnostician.

    The reality is that military radiology offers a unique "Leadership Residency" that our civilian counterparts rarely experience. Whether you are managing a department, overseeing a multi-million dollar equipment procurement, or leading a clinical task force, these aren't just "distractions" from the reading room—they are the skills that will eventually make you a Chief of Service or a practice leader in the civilian world.

    This network is here to help you navigate that balance. We have members who have successfully transitioned from line-officer roles back into sub-specialty fellowships, and others who have leveraged their military leadership into major roles within the ACR and private practice. You don't have to choose between being a great officer and a great radiologist; you can be both.

    For our new members, let’s share some "career intelligence":

    1. Professional Development: What is one ACR resource or fellowship opportunity you’ve found that works well with a military schedule?

    2. Maintaining the Edge: How do you keep your clinical skills sharp during a non-clinical or leadership-heavy assignment?

    3. The Road Ahead: If you could sit down for coffee with someone 10 years senior to you in your branch, what is the one thing you’d ask about their career path?

    Feel free to comment on any of these topics.



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    Anand Singh, MD
    Chair, ACR Military Committee
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  • 2.  RE: The Long Game: Building a Career That Lasts

    Posted 01-13-2026 14:59

    Thank you for the great post Anand.  It highlights a unique challenge of military radiology, but also points out that it can be a long-term strength. 

    Maintaining your clinical skills can definitely be difficult to balance with an administrative/leadership heavy assignment and becomes harder as one progresses in their career.  By consciously carving out time, though, it is entirely possible.  Just look at the recent Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs: despite running all of the military health care system, he still keeps an active clinical practice!  Talk about staying connected with the boots on the ground!



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    John R. Dryden, M.D.
    Vascular & Interventional Radiologist
    Bethesda, MD
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  • 3.  RE: The Long Game: Building a Career That Lasts

    Posted 01-14-2026 13:19

    Thank you for your post, Anand. 

    As you point out, the practice of military radiology, given its plethora of "non-clinical" demands, is certainly different than civilian practice.  Trying as these demands may have been at the time, looking back at my experiences and knowledge gained in the Navy, I see these as being foundational to my later success in private practice.

    Most leadership roles, such as section chief, department head, or program director, impart valuable skills that will likely prove useful in future endeavors.  These should be considered strengths, and not weaknesses. 

    Can you also stay current clinically?  Absolutely, but it's up to you!



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    Michael Puckett MD,FACR
    Poway CA
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