The ACR is committed to fostering a radiology community that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences across all levels of training, practice, and leadership.
Commission on Outreach and Professional Opportunities
Vision
To cultivate a radiological profession that values a wide range of perspectives where all individuals have access to opportunity across all stages of training, practice, and leadership.
Mission
The Commission for Outreach and Professional Opportunities is committed to fostering a culture of accessibility, fairness, and innovation within the radiological professions. By expanding outreach to broaden awareness of radiology careers, supporting professional growth and leadership across all career stages, and cultivating collaborative environments where all voices are respected, the Commission aims to strengthen the radiology workforce and enhance patient care. These efforts support the continued excellence and impact of the American College of Radiology® and the broader healthcare community.
Commission Goals
- Broaden Awareness: Increase visibility and understanding of careers in radiology and radiation oncology through outreach that connects individuals across a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds.
- Promote Opportunity: Expand access to professional development, mentorship, and leadership pathways across all stages of radiology careers.
- Foster Engagement: Encourage meaningful participation in the radiology community by cultivating collaborative environments built on respect, inclusion, and shared purpose.
- Support Workforce Excellence: Strengthen the radiology profession by embracing a variety of perspectives and skillsets that drive innovation and elevate standards of care.
- Empower for Impact: Equip radiology professionals to lead efforts that improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and advance access to radiological care and quality for all patients and communities.
- Advance Organizational Alignment: Ensure Commission initiatives reflect and support the strategic mission of the ACR, and facilitate relationships with other professional societies, thus contributing to the sustained growth and relevance of the profession.
Leadership & Staff
Explore how ACR is working to shape an imaging workforce that best serves our communities.
Strengthening Radiology Through Holistic Recruitment
PIER Internship
Rising second-year medical students can apply for the Pipeline Initiative for the Enrichment of Radiology (PIER) internship, a program offered across the U.S. that helps talented medical students who have historically not pursued careers in imaging to explore radiology.
Applications for the PIER Internship will reopen in fall 2025.
Announcement: Welcome the 2025 PIER Internship Class!
We are proud to welcome the newest members of the Pipeline Initiative for the Enrichment of Radiology (PIER) Class of 2025! This talented group of first-year medical students from institutions across the country will spend the summer exploring the fields of radiology and radiation oncology through hands-on research, expert-led lectures, and engaging professional development.
Kicking off in June 2025, this eight-week program offers participants an inside look at the many paths and possibilities within radiology. We’re excited to support their journey as they grow their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and build lasting connections in the field.
Stay tuned as we spotlight their work and progress throughout the summer!
Serve as a Preceptorto a PIER Student
Supervise a student intern for six weeks and help them complete a research project and provide valuable mentorship to them throughout their medical school career.
Twelve Approaches to Outreach
By Johnson B. Lightfoote, MD, MBA, FACR
- Expand the Pipeline – Inspire future talent by speaking to students from a wide variety of backgrounds—middle schoolers love seeing bone images too!
- Listen to the Community – Host a focus group with patients to understand their experiences with imaging and care.
- Mentorship Matters – Mentor someone in your practice who might benefit from support and encouragement—whether a student, technologist, or early-career radiologist.
- Improve Communication – Identify one community or culture your practice frequently serves and develop better ways to connect with them.
- Refocus the Mission – Consider whether your organization’s mission includes a clear commitment to inclusion and whether your strategic goals reflect this.
- Lead with Intention – Model inclusive behaviors and champion equitable practices among colleagues and referring providers.
- Empathy Exercise – Reflect on interpersonal dynamics in your workplace—how might things feel from someone else’s point of view?
- Community Outreach – Visit local organizations or civic groups and share both your technology and your team’s commitment to access and excellence.
- Identify Gaps – Look for imbalances in care delivery or representation within your practice and use data to inform improvement strategies.
- Assess Your Culture – Engage your team regularly to learn how they feel about the workplace environment and inclusion efforts.
- Support Career Growth – Make leadership and development opportunities available to everyone, with intentional outreach to those who may be underrepresented.
- Leverage Unique Strengths – Embrace different work styles, specialties, and contributions. Flexibility can lead to innovation and improve outcomes for both patients and staff.