The Pipeline Initiative for the Enrichment of Radiology (PIER) is a nationally recognized program designed to introduce talented medical students to the field of radiology and radiation oncology early in their training. 

• PIER offers rising second-year medical students a comprehensive six to eight-week summer experience that includes: 
• Expert-led lectures and seminars by leading radiologists and guest speakers 
• One-on-one mentorship from dedicated preceptors 
• Hands-on exposure to radiographic imaging across various modalities 
• In-depth case discussions with faculty and peers 
• Development of a Case-in-Point submission and presentation  

Throughout the program, students also engage in academic research and collaborate with their preceptors to prepare a Case-in-Point submission and an oral presentation to be presented at the National Medical Association (NMA) Annual Meeting.  

This immersive experience helps participants build core skills in medical imaging, intervention and treatment, critical thinking, and patient communication. PIER has proven instrumental in preparing students for residency programs in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and radiation oncology, with many alumni successfully matching into competitive programs across the country. 

The internship is open to first-year medical students at institutions across the U.S. seeking an opportunity to explore the radiology specialty and engage in research.

The PIER internship is open to first-year medical students in the U.S. Application requirements include:

• a letter of good standing
• resume/curriculum vitae
• two letters of recommendation
• ACR membership (medical students join free)

The internship culminates with a presentation of the students’ research of their Case in Point projects to the Radiology/Radiation Oncology Section at the annual meeting of the National Medical Association. The PIER Program provides a stipend for selected scholars during their Summer Internship, as well as continued mentorship and support throughout the years leading to your radiology residency application.

Since 2020, PIER has been offered as a fully virtual program, enabling broader participation and greater accessibility for students nationwide. What began as a five-student, in-person pilot has grown significantly to accommodate up to 40 students each year. This growth reflects the increasing interest in radiology among medical students and the success of the program in delivering a high-quality, engaging, and impactful experience. As the only radiology medical student summer internship developed by the American College of Radiology, ACR PIER offers premier training in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Radiation Oncology as well as medical physics and non-interpretive skills and tips to prepare you for a successful application for residency.   

By offering early exposure and structured support, PIER plays a key role in building a strong, well-prepared radiology workforce and promoting excellence in patient care. 

• American College of Radiology. The Power of PIER: The Importance of Support in the Radiology Pipeline. ACR Bulletin. Available at: https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Publications-and-Research/ACR-Bulletin/power-of-pier-support 

• Hernandez E, Chan P, Johnson G, Wang J, Hawkins CM. Student Perspective of Pipeline Programs: An Essential Tool in Diversifying Radiology. J Am Coll Radiol. 2022;19(2):205–207. Available at: https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(21)00751-1/fulltext 

Medical students in a U.S. or Canadian approved program and who have an interest in becoming a diagnostic radiologist, interventional radiologist, radiation oncologist or nuclear medicine physician are eligible to apply.

Application requirements include:

• ACR Membership (medical students join free).
• Students must be in their first, second, or third year of medical school, or in a research year, and not yet matched into a residency program. They may only receive the scholarship once.
• Resume/curriculum vitae.
• Awardees must register for the meeting and attend pre-determined activities, including MSS sessions, Council meetings and the RFS meetings with a required attendance of a minimum of three days. Awardees will also participate in the meeting mentor program, complete pre- and post-conference surveys and provide a post-meeting write-up on their experience. This may be used in ACR publications and marketing materials.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled in a CAMPEP-accredited graduate program. Students may only receive the scholarship once.
• Become an ACR Member-in-Training.
• Complete pre- and post-conference surveys.
• Provide a post-meeting write-up on their experience (content from post-meeting write-ups may be used in ACR publications and marketing materials).
• Submit a W-9 form for expense reimbursement.
• We recommend having a professional portrait available so that the selected candidate(s) may be featured in ACR social media posts without unnecessary delay.

Applicants are required to provide an audio file .wav, .mp3, or .m4 explaining why they want to attend the meeting in two minutes or less, as well as summarize their graduate research in 500 words or less. The summary should be easily understood by readers with no background knowledge; submissions will be judged on both content and comprehensibility. Top submissions may be featured in the ACR Bulletin.

One medical school hosting a one-day event or 10–40 students anticipated in attendance. Valued at $150.

ACR provides:

• Postcards/giveaways for up to 40 students.
• Prizes valued up to $50.
• Event promotion through ACR social media.
• Access to existing online ACR content and presentations upon request.

School provides to ACR:

• List of registrants with contact information.
• Agenda/program schedule.
• Marketing and promotional information.

Two to three medical schools partnering for a one-day event or 40–75 students anticipated in attendance. Valued at $500.

ACR provides:

• Postcards/giveaways for up to 75 students.
• Prizes valued up to $100.
• Event promotion through ACR social media.
• Food and beverage allowance ($275).
• Access to existing online ACR content and presentations upon request.

School provides to ACR:

• List of registrants with contact information.
• Agenda/program schedule.
• 30-minute ACR spotlight session (based on member volunteer availability).
• Marketing and promotional information.

Four or more medical schools partnering for a one-day event or 75–150 students anticipated in attendance. Valued at $750.

ACR provides:

• Postcards/giveaways for up to 150 students.
• Prizes valued up to $100.
• Event promotion through ACR social media.
• Food and beverage allowance ($575).
• Access to existing online ACR content and presentations upon request.

School provides to ACR:

• List of registrants with contact information.
• Agenda/program schedule.
• 30-minute ACR spotlight session (based on member volunteer availability).
• Marketing and promotional information.