The Next Chapter of Professional Improvement

The ACR Continuous Professional Improvement (CPI) program is a resource for members to earn CME through expert-created self-assessment modules. The format allows participants to work on these assessments in their free time, allowing for a schedule-friendly process to further their careers. Harris L. Cohen, MD, FACR, FSRU, FAIUM, FSPR, is now in an editor-in-chief emeritus role, supporting Jennifer L. Pierce, MD, in her new role as CPI editor-in-chief. The Bulletin spoke with Pierce to learn more about what she hopes to accomplish with CPI.

How did you decide to pursue a career in radiology?

I didn’t really experience radiology until I was a fourth-year medical student. I enjoyed how radiologists had relationships with other doctors, and I learned that a radiologist could have such a vital role in patient care as well. So, I felt drawn to that expert knowledge that the radiologist provides. We are the “doctor’s doctor” and an essential part of the healthcare team. Over the years, I think that is still the highlight of my day — I love interacting with clinicians and helping patients.

How did you get involved with the CPI program?

It all started when I was a second-year resident and my attending said, “There are these great textbooks in a series called the ACR Syllabus. They give you a really good foundation and up-to-date material. You should read them.” I appreciated how this series took a very foundational approach and made it a complete, comprehensive review of radiology. I used it to study for my boards. I thought it was a great way to learn and get information as a new radiologist. Eventually, I couldn’t find the ACR Syllabus materials anywhere because the series turned into CPI. I was so excited when I found it again because this material really helped me in my training. I wanted to get involved, give back and share how impactful these modules are. I know with busy schedules, everyone wants “five-minute posts,” but in a complex field like radiology, CPI offers a comprehensive, in-depth resource, from the review of basic knowledge all the way to new concepts. It is organized in a case-based question-and-answer format that’s very directed to what radiologists desire to learn. That’s what I think is the value of CPI — its comprehensiveness.

 

What do you think makes CPI stand out from other programs like it?

We joke about the short attention spans we all have nowadays. In situations where bite-sized education or a quick read isn’t enough, CPI stands out. CPI can fill in the gaps by providing the foundation of a topic along with all the details. The CPI modules are written by subspecialty experts and allow the reader to truly master a topic. My goal is to keep this standard of providing comprehensive, detailed reviews of our subspecialty fields in radiology. I think learning radiology in the full detail that the CPI modules provide really enlightened me to see how radiology is incorporated in all of healthcare.

You will be following Dr. Harris Cohen as the new editor-in-chief. How has Dr. Cohen helped you prepare for this new role?

Dr. Cohen has led the ACR Syllabus and CPI programs for decades. He has been pivotal in the program’s success. I appreciate his passion for education and service to ACR. Having him remain in the editor-in-chief emeritus role will help me sustain the mission of the CPI modules to offer valuable materials for life-long learning. I am grateful for his mentorship.

What does it mean to you to move into this editor-in-chief role?

It’s important for me to maintain the high standards of the CPI modules. I hope that the modules provide the whole spectrum of radiology knowledge to our readers, whether they’re in training or they’ve been practicing for years. I want to ensure CPI modules are an effective way for radiologists to get that in-depth, complete review. I’m excited to give back and serve the ACR community as the editor-in-chief.

Interview by Alexander Utano, associate editor, ACR Press