2024 ACR RLI Summit: Tackling the Unprecedented Workforce Shortage

In early September, leaders in radiology from across the country gathered in the Boston Seaport Waterfront district for the annual Radiology Leadership Institute® (RLI) Summit. The big focus this year? Addressing the significant workforce shortage while demands for imaging continue to skyrocket. I had the honor of attending as an RLI Emerging Leader Scholarship recipient — truly an unforgettable experience!

Nationally recognized radiology leaders and top business faculty from Babson College delivered the extended weekend’s engaging curriculum. Spearheading the program were Geoffrey Rubin, MD, MBA, FACR, Chair of Radiology at University of Arizona, and Alia Crocker, PhD, Associate Professor of Strategy at Babson College.

The Summit kicked off with a special evening session dedicated to residents and young physician leaders. The focus was navigating the challenges of rising imaging volumes and a shrinking workforce — in particular, how these factors impact radiology education.

Mary Scanlon, MD, FACR, Radiology Residency Program Director from the University of Pennsylvania, shared some interesting approaches, such as incorporating physician extenders into diagnostic imaging practice, launching a mandatory artificial intelligence curriculum and reshaping the R4 year with integrated fellowship models.

Another standout session, led by Richard Duszak Jr., MD, FACR, Chair of Radiology at the University of Mississippi, offered valuable insights on mastering a job search. His advice? Be honest with yourself on non-negotiables and recognize that every career has its pros and cons. You might also visit the ACR® Career Center.

The program also featured immersive workshops, led by Babson’s expert business faculty (Dwight Gertz, MBA, Wiljeana Glover, PhD, and Wendy Murphy, PhD). These sessions focused on optimizing operations for labor shortages, making strategic decisions and leading with an eye toward nurturing connections and culture. Dana Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR (new CEO of the ACR) and Dr. Duszak presented fascinating case studies that touched on health system mergers, radiology practice acquisitions and complex interpersonal workplace dynamics.

I found the conference a fantastic opportunity to meet brilliant and passionate radiologists from diverse practice settings. These interactive, hands-on workshops created a rare space to naturally form connections — whether with a managing partner of a private practice, a top academic leader or a chief resident. I felt truly fortunate to learn from and problem solve with this dynamic group.

What really sets the RLI Summit apart? The sense of community. By the end of the weekend, I felt genuinely connected with many of the attendees and greatly look forward to seeing them again in the future. The next RLI Summit, Sept. 26–28, 2025, is preceded by a pre-conference leadership workshop for residents and young physicians, Sept. 25.

Conversations flowed easily, and it was inspiring to talk with people who share a passion of tackling the big challenges facing our field. I left energized with a fresh perspective on how to make sustainable changes to manage the growing imaging demand with a limited workforce.

Together, we are better!