Introducing first-year radiology residents to the ACR at the AMCLC: the effect on future ACR and state radiologic society membership and participation.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that exposing first-year radiology residents to the ACR and the Minnesota Radiological Society (MRS) at the ACR AMCLC would increase the residents' knowledge about issues facing radiology and their future membership rates and participation in the ACR and state radiologic societies.

Methods: All first-year diagnostic radiology residents from Minnesota's two residency programs, those of the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic, were invited to attend the 2009 AMCLC. Donations from local radiologic and radiation oncologic practices provided funding for all lodging and travel costs. Fifteen of 24 residents participated. Preconference and postconference questionnaires assessed the residents' perceptions of the experience and knowledge gained during the conference. Long-term 5-year and 10-year follow-up will be performed to evaluate membership rates in the ACR and state radiologic societies in this cohort.

Results: The average knowledge assessment scores increased overall after the conference. Participants were also able to identify more key issues facing radiology after the conference. All participants indicated a positive experience, and the vast majority were "highly likely" or "likely" to join the ACR and MRS.

Conclusions: Early results indicate a positive experience for the residents and that they learned about the field of radiology, the ACR, and the MRS. Participants' responses suggest that the future membership rate among this cohort in organized radiologic societies will be higher than the current national average. Five-year and 10-year follow-up of actual membership rates are pending.