Bridging the Gap: A Medical Student at the ACR Annual Meeting

At the end of this article, you'll find links to other informative pieces from ACR 2025 including reports on the Moreton Lecture, the Economics Forum, the Listen and Learn session on AI, and the President's Address.

I was thrilled to attend my first ACR conference in Washington, DC, in May. This opportunity was made possible through the Duane Mezwa, MD, Medical Student Scholarship from the Michigan Radiological Society, which supports students interested in attending or presenting at the ACR national meeting. My curiosity about ACR’s role as the primary advocacy organization (among other things) for diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists drove me to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in this unique experience.

Why I Attended

Medical school — especially the third year — has taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone, creating opportunities and seeking new perspectives. Before attending the ACR meeting, I had limited insight into how national policies in medicine are shaped. How do policy decisions get made? Who drives the conversations that ultimately affect our profession?

The five-day conference culminated with Hill Day, during which attendees advocated for radiology on Capitol Hill. The national ACR meeting is not just about continuing medical education and scientific sessions — it’s a platform for students, trainees and physicians in practice to engage in policymaking, legislative discussions and conversations that influence the future of radiology. More than networking, I wanted to understand how the field is evolving, what trends are emerging and how change is made at a national level. It was a rare opportunity to explore a side of medicine that goes unseen by medical students.

How I Prepared

Preparing for the conference began with a simple registration process — free for medical students, which was a huge plus. As a first-time attendee with a “Type A” mindset, I quickly turned to planning. The ACR website and conference app were invaluable, offering a detailed schedule, session highlights and easy-to-spot student-focused events like the program director Q&A panel and mentorship brunch.

To better understand the key issues, I attended a virtual RFS caucus session prior to the ACR annual meeting and found a podcast tailored for conference attendees. The podcast offered practical tips on a wide range of topics, like what to wear, making the most of each session and how to begin meaningful conversations in a large forum.

How I Connected

On Saturday, I joined sessions hosted by the RFS and Medical Student Section, surrounded by peers from across the country. The day began with “Leadership, Advocacy and Policy: The Radiologist’s Role Beyond the Reading Room,” where ACR leaders discussed radiologists’ broader roles in mentorship, business and advocacy at a community and national level. Next was “Preparation, Presentation and Perseverance,” a panel led by program directors.

 

The final medical student session, “Imaging the Future,” explored AI’s growing impact in radiology and emphasized the key role our generation will play in integrating these tools to improve efficiency and patient care. The last MSS event was the RFS and medical student networking brunch, where we connected with residents from programs across the country and gained valuable insight into their experiences, training and lessons learned throughout residency.

What I Observed

Throughout the conference, dedicated state and regional caucus sessions — as well as Council meetings — offered a behind-the-scenes look at ACR’s collaborative decision-making process. As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was eager to learn. Each caucus discussed current issues, legislative proposals and ongoing initiatives, with states sharing their successes, challenges and advocacy strategies. It was a powerful example of how the radiology community works together to drive progress.

The Council sessions were especially striking — held in a massive hall arranged by state chapters, with hours of structured discussion on new and existing proposals. Witnessing the democratic process firsthand gave me a deeper appreciation for the collaboration and advocacy required to shape policy. It also underscored the importance of individuals who are willing to speak up and champion emerging issues within national organizations.

Sunday evening was filled with celebrations during the Convocation ceremony — with emotional speeches, reflections on leadership and service and recognition of new ACR Fellows, Gold Medalists and Honorary Fellows.

For students who feel unsure or intimidated about attending a national forum, don’t let that hesitation hold you back. Reach out to your state radiological society — many offer scholarships and funding to support student attendance. Prepare by reviewing current resolutions and national issues and plan ahead using the conference schedule to prioritize student-focused events. Come with questions, stay curious and follow up with those you meet — these connections and experiences can shape your understanding of the field in ways that the classroom simply can’t.

By Tannoz Norouzi, BS, third-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine