ACR Military Radiology Network

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.

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.