The 2026 PLF gave one radiology resident a broader perspective on what it means to build a career in radiology — not just as a diagnostician, but as a leader and advocate.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS
As a fifth-year diagnostic radiology resident, I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 ACR-RBMA Practice Leadership Forum in Dallas, held Jan. 30–Feb. 1, through a scholarship sponsored by the Missouri Radiological Society. Attending a conference like this while in residency training was an invaluable experience, and I want to share the key themes and takeaways that resonated with me most.
The Forum covered a wide range of topics critical to the future of radiology practice, including consolidation and artificial intelligence. What struck me was how much of the content extended beyond day-to-day practice management into personal well-being, leadership, business strategy and policy. Emphasis on these areas shapes our careers just as much as our diagnostic skills, and I left Dallas feeling far more prepared for what lies ahead.
The opening of the conference established that physician wellness is what makes a strong foundation for a radiology practice. Furthermore, lectures addressed burnout, job satisfaction and the emotional experience of practicing radiology day in and day out. Beyond simply identifying the problem, speakers explored what actually drives satisfaction and longevity in a radiology career.
Our interactions with colleagues and staff, the volume of work we manage and the degree of autonomy we maintain all contribute to our overall job satisfaction, which is directly tied to our personal well-being. For residents like me who are about to enter the work force, understanding these dynamics early is vital. It is not enough to find a job with reasonable pay — you have to find an environment where you can sustain a fulfilling career over decades after the demanding first few years.
Strong leadership was emphasized throughout the Forum as fundamental to a radiology practice’s success. It was another theme throughout the Forum that built directly on physician wellness and personal well-being. Rather than abstract discussions about theory, these practical leadership sessions addressed what it looks like to lead within a radiology practice, how to build a culture that retains talent and why leadership skills matter for every radiologist, not just those in formal administrative roles. For someone still in training, this perspective was eye-opening. It reinforced the idea that developing leadership skills early is one of the best investments a resident can make.
Rather than abstract discussions about theory, these practical leadership sessions addressed what it looks like to lead within a radiology practice.
Recruitment was another major topic, and one that hits close to home for residents approaching the job market. The sessions explored what radiologists are looking for when they evaluate potential employers and what practices need to do to attract and retain top talent. Some of the topics included how practices can position themselves competitively, which factors beyond compensation are important and how to create an environment where new physicians can maintain long-term success. As someone who will be entering the work force soon, it was valuable to hear the employer side of this equation and understand what makes a practice somewhere people want to stay.
The topic that generated the most discussion — and the most audience questions — was consolidation: the trend of hospitals and larger health systems acquiring independent physician groups and thus shifting the radiology landscape. The sessions examined what leverage looks like in these negotiations, how consolidation affects radiologists’ autonomy and career trajectories and what the long-term implications are for the profession. For residents entering a rapidly evolving job market, understanding the structural forces reshaping radiology practice will help us make more informed decisions about where and how we want to build our careers.
It became clear to me at this conference that staying informed about what is happening in the legislative arena is not optional for practicing radiologists. Whether we are drawn to policy or not, legislative decisions directly affect how we practice, our reimbursement and how our profession is positioned within the broader healthcare system. The Forum highlighted how important it is for radiologists at every career stage to stay engaged with and aware of these developments as well as the ACR’s advocacy efforts.
The topic of AI in radiology, frankly, can feel a little intimidating. It is not a domain that comes naturally to everyone, and the pace of change can feel overwhelming. That said, the conference sessions on AI reinforced that we are still in the early stages of what will be a long transformation. The key message was that AI is not coming to replace radiologists, but it is a tool that will inevitably become an integral part of radiology practice. Staying informed on new developments and being willing to grow and evolve with technological advancements is essential for any radiologist.
Finally, presenters highlighted several books along the themes of leadership, wellness and professional fulfillment. As a bookworm, I had to share them.
Attending the ACR-RBMA Practice Leadership Forum was one of the most valuable experiences of my residency. The conference gave me a broader perspective on what it means to build a career in radiology, not just as a diagnostician, but also as a leader, an advocate and a professional who takes ownership of their own well-being and career trajectory. I would strongly encourage any resident who has the opportunity to attend this conference. The earlier in your training that you are exposed to these ideas, the better positioned you will be to navigate the complexities of modern radiology practice.
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