Dive into the ACR’s peer-reviewed journal for specialized articles, multimedia formats and opportunities to get involved in publishing early in your career.
In December, leaders from the ACR RFS tuned in to Zoom to discuss ways the JACR® can support members-in-training, pulling in early career panelists as well to reflect on their trajectory with the journal. “It’s a very pleasant surprise for a lot of radiology residents once they enter the community to find out just how supportive of a field it is,” noted Bart Rzepa, MD, RFS education liaison and trainee at Tufts Medical Center.
Panelists highlighted JACR’s most impactful articles for a trainee audience, ways to keep up with the JACR and opportunities to engage with the journal. “Looking back, I can’t believe how my career pivoted in certain ways, and I know it wouldn’t have without being involved in the journal,” said Amy K. Patel, MD, JACR associate editor for digital media, associate professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City, medical director of the Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital and partner at Alliance Radiology.
Make sure you’re taking advantage of your free JACR subscription during training. Just head to JACR.org and click “Log in” and then “ACR Login.” You’ll use your ACR login to unlock full-text articles and the latest releases from the JACR.
Now that the JACR is online only, it’s bringing more than just environmental sustainability perks. Articles include visual abstracts summarizing key takeaways. We’ve also got a podcast and an online journal club. Follow us on X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Bluesky (coming soon). A recently launched newsletter will also keep you up to date on all things JACR.
JACR focuses on nonclinical content, covering topics like data science, leadership, practice management, education and health services research and policy. Plus, trainee-focused articles appear in each of these categories. “A lot of the topics that are covered in the JACR are ones that residents and fellows, including myself, may not have been exposed to in training. I think that’s one of the things that makes the journal so unique. We cover a lot of nonclinical areas that help us become great radiologists in practice,” said Fatima Elahi, DO, MHA, ACR RFS chair, 2024 Hillman fellow and mammography/women’s imaging fellow at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
I got assigned a mentor from the JACR Editorial Board, which was very influential in my decision to later pursue the Hillman Fellowship.
Each year a small group of trainees signs on to learn about the ins and outs of scholarly publishing. Trainees participate in peer review with a mentor, attend small-group info sessions and work directly with journal editors. Applications open late fall each year.
“It gave me insight into the journal. I got to meet [the JACR Editors] Ruth C. Carlos, MD, MS, and Christoph I. Lee, MD, MS, that way. I got assigned a mentor from the JACR Editorial Board, which was very influential in my decision to later pursue the Hillman Fellowship,” said Madison K. Wulfeck, MD, MBA, CIIP , former JACR Trainee Editorial Board member, 2024 Hillman fellow and cardiothoracic radiologist at Radiology Partners.
Once you’re out of training, consider applying for the Hillman Fellowship in Scholarly Publishing. Fellows get a look behind the scenes at the JACR and complete a year-long project related to the journal. “I was just fascinated to see the backend of the process,” said 2022 Hillman Fellow Randy C. Miles, MD, JACR assistant editor and division chief of breast imaging and associate director of radiology research at Denver Health. “I’ve published articles before but really didn’t understand what happens when articles are submitted, how they’re processed and how decisions are made.”
The position also comes with a one-year appointment to the journal’s editorial board. Applications open at the RSNA annual meeting each year .
Whether you’re a medical student considering a career in imaging, a newly minted resident or a fellow finishing up training, the JACR has information you need and opportunities to get involved. Don’t miss out on your free online access as part of your ACR membership.
By Lyndsee S. Cordes, director of publications, and Abby Faulkner, digital media strategist, ACR Press
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