May 26, 2003
From the desk of the MRS RFS President:

The purpose of the Residents and Fellows Section (RFS) is simple. The RFS of the Massachusetts Radiological Society (MRS) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) is our most effective way to address important issues that affect radiology and radiation oncology residents. Through early involvement in the RFS, the American College of Radiology and its state chapters, of which MRS is one, hope to create life long active members. This membership should be fun and rewarding.

The RFS of the MRS is this state’s branch of the national ACR RFS. The RFS is the only significant forum for radiology and radiation oncology residents to address issues that affect their education, work environment and future as practicing physicians. Recent issues that the RFS has addressed both locally and nationally include the timing of the radiology oral boards, MRI training, and the new work hour restrictions. At the annual ACR meeting in May 2003 we heard arguments for and responded to the creation of the Radiologist Assistant position. We also lobbied our federal Massachusetts legislators for improvements in mammography, increasing the number of federally funded radiology residents, and tort reform. This year in Massachusetts our agenda is largely open to our active membership and we encourage as many residents to get involved as possible.

The MRS and ACR have gone to great lengths to increase resident involvement such as funding two residents from each state to attend the national meeting. In 2003, the ACR placed residents in important roles at the nation meeting such as on reference committees. Also, at this year’s meeting the ACR passed a graduated dues schedule so that physicians just out of training can afford to say members during this time of transition. The MRS and ACR hope that by getting residents involved early, they will stay active members of the ACR and its state chapters during their careers.

I would like to thank our MRS mentors Peter Gordon and Sarwat Hussain for the time and energy they have devoted to this section. I would also like to thank our immediate past MRS RFS president, Erik Nelson, as well as Christoph Wald, who is stepping down as the national ACR RFS president. I have found that getting involved with the RFS is rewarding and fun. The local and national meetings are an eye opening experience, great source of information and a wonderful way of meeting local and national residents. I urge as many people to get involved as possible. If you have questions our would like to get put on our mailing list for our meetings drop me a line at the address below.

Seth M. Hardy
seth.hardy@lahey.org

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