Navigating a Radiology Conference: A Comprehensive Guide for Trainees

Purpose: While national radiology conferences allow trainees, both medical students and residents, an opportunity to expand their education and network, trainees often lack the guidance necessary to optimally navigate these meetings. To our knowledge, there is no literature that focuses on informing trainees’ radiology conference experience. We aim to share a comprehensive guide for trainees detailing considerations for before, during, and after a radiology conference.

Methods/Materials: N/A

Results: With dozens of radiology conferences occurring annually, trainees must carefully consider the scope and specialty focus when selecting one. For example, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting offers sessions in all subspecialties of radiology and may be ideal for trainees looking to explore the breadth of radiology. Additional considerations include travel cost, research stipends, abstract submissions, registration, and lodging. Before attending, trainees must plan their agenda using the programming listed on the website or app. Trainees should reach out in advance to their personal network to organize times to meet or support colleagues in their presentations. During a conference, it is important to take advantage of both formal and informal networking opportunities, including meet and greets, receptions, and socials. Scientific/poster sessions and the exhibit hall are also opportunities to meet others while broadening scientific awareness. Many conferences, including RSNA and the American College of Radiology Annual Meeting, offer trainee-focused sessions. Finally, trainees should leverage social media during the conference, as there is a vast radiology community on platforms such as X. After the conference, trainees should stay in touch with new contacts, consider membership in radiology societies and national trainee-focused committees, and start planning for the next conference.

Conclusions: Overall, trainees should prepare for a radiology conference in advance to optimize time during a conference. The art of navigating a conference can expand a trainee’s network, radiology education, open doors to mentorship, research experiences, and future collaborations, among numerous other benefits.