The Membership Committee Chair of the NYSRS shares her tips for cultivating a community where people feel seen, supported and inspired to contribute.
By Elizabeth P. Maltin, MD, FACR, FAAWR, Membership Committee Chair for the New York State Radiological Society, member of the ACR Council Steering Committee
Welcome to Chapter Connections. This new column provides a forum for ACR chapter leaders to share about the work in their chapters — and how it might translate to success in others. Future column topics will include legislative successes, successful membership recruitment, tips and tricks to run a successful chapter with representation from both small and larger chapters, and more.
Since fall 2023, I have had the privilege of serving as the membership committee chair for the New York State Radiological Society (NYSRS). With over 1,300 dues-paying members and close to 1,600 medical students, residents and fellows in our pipeline, I’ve spent the past few years thinking about one big question: How do we keep our chapter strong and growing?
I’ve learned that building membership is a little like tending a garden. It starts with seeds — our trainees — and thrives only with careful attention, consistent support and a community that welcomes them in. Over the last two years, our membership committee has brainstormed and come up with a few new ideas with our “engage early” thinking.
Medical students, residents and fellows are not just “future members” — they are the future of our society and our profession. They bring fresh energy, new ideas and a perspective that reminds us why organized medicine matters. If we engage them early and offer meaningful opportunities, they’re much more likely to stay involved for life.
Here are five strategies we use at NYSRS that can translate to any chapter:
Chapter membership also unlocks national opportunities: networking at the ACR Annual Meeting, educational resources like Case in Point and leadership training through the Radiology Leadership Institute®. Our NYSRS Career Center even posts job opportunities, helping members navigate their next step.
Growing membership isn’t about numbers alone — it’s about cultivating a community where people feel seen, supported and inspired to contribute. My hope is that these ideas spark something for your own chapter. With care, attention and a little creativity, we can all grow vibrant “gardens” of members who will strengthen our profession for years to come.
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