What’s Next After Radiology Residency?

Alyssa Cubbison, DO, American College of Radiology Young and Early Career Professional (ACR YPS) Communications Liaison, contributed this piece.

In this Voice of Radiology blog, we’re excited to explore a topic that’s top of mind for many residents and fellows approaching the next chapter of their careers.  To help guide us through this important phase, we’re joined by ACR YPS Communications Liaison Alyssa Cubbison, DO, to answer some of the most common questions about RFS members have about moving into YPS, and getting involved and building a meaningful professional path within the College.

Let’s dive in.

If you could give one piece of advice to today’s residents and fellows who are unsure about what comes next, what would it be — and why?

Get involved! Early involvement provides an opportunity for long-term engagement with other early career physicians and allows you to have a direct say in the policies affecting radiologists. Although we can’t always predict what comes next with our profession, it is a powerful thing to be a part of how the change is implemented. Whether that relates to AI best practices, reimbursement or scope of practice, you can directly affect what happens next. The most significant bills changing the scope of radiology practice are reviewed and edited by radiologists simply willing to dedicate their time. No political experience needed.  The only prerequisite is radiologists willing to dedicate their time to the betterment of our profession. 

Why is it important to stay engaged with organized radiology after residency? Can you share examples of how continued involvement has supported your early career?

The transition from training to early practice is one of the most pivotal periods in a radiologist’s career. Obtaining proper support is paramount for success and career longevity. Involvement with the ACR is a meaningful way to garner support by other YPS members and leadership alike. First, it introduces you to other early career physicians to foster a community outside your immediate workplace. It is enlightening to discuss early career issues with others experiencing the same things in different geographic or work type settings. Engagement in radiologic societies post-graduation is a way to have direct influence on radiologic policy and current issues. The ACR has a comprehensive format to foster engagement across vast areas of clinical and non-clinical focus- namely, education, leadership, policy, etc. Staying involved means interaction with leaders in these respective fields and learning how the processes work from the top down.  

It has immeasurably enhanced my practice to be involved with the ACR. My involvement began in my early career as an academic breast imaging radiologist without any previous experience. It had a profound impact on me to see the work related to impactful bills addressing our profession was being was done by radiologists willing to dedicate their time.  It was the dedicated radiologist that created this change. My involvement with the ACR was ignited from there. I began to see how bills I was involved in would directly affect patients in my own breast imaging practice. It has provided me with a community to address these issues with other like-minded radiologists. 

How does ACR YPS support advocacy, leadership and professional growth for early career radiologists?

ACR YPS disseminates content and encourages conversations related to radiologist reimbursement, scope of practice, negotiation and policies affecting practice. YPS members gain insight into legislative initiatives, including participation in the Annual Meeting and ACR Capitol Hill Day – a direct opportunity to educate lawmakers on the main issues facing our profession.  

Another unique offering of the ACR as it relates to leadership and professional growth is involvement in the ACR Radiology Leadership Institute (RLI). This is a flexible training program designed to promote leadership concepts along various career stages. Some examples of topics covered include AI, mentorship, personal finance, etc.

Additionally, involvement in the ACR naturally invites leadership opportunities at the college and at the state radiologic society levels. Many of the ACR YPS members are involved in their state societies to affect policy on a more local level. 

If someone who is transitioning out of residency wants to get involved with the ACR YPS but isn’t sure where to start, what simple first step would you recommend?

Apply for one of the YPS subcommittees. There are various roles within the YPS committee to allow anyone to get involved. This year’s Call for Nominations is currently closed but will reopen next fall. Another way is to attend the ACR 2026 in Washington D.C., which includes Capitol Hill Day. Conference registration is free for ACR members and is a great way to see the most relevant topics facing radiologists.  

Before we wrap up, do you have any final advice for residents and fellows preparing for this next chapter?

As you navigate the transition from training to early career practice, remember that you’re not doing it alone. ACR YPS is here to support, guide and empower you every step of the way. Learn more about ACR YPS, and renew or become a member today.