Starting Small, Thinking Big

When I first got involved with the Pennsylvania Radiological Society (PRS), I was mainly looking for community. I didn’t expect that, within a year, I’d help to launch their first Medical Student Section, organize a mentorship program and co-lead a virtual symposium with speakers from all over the state. At the time, my school didn’t have a home radiology department, but I knew I was interested in the field and just wanted to find a way in. That initial curiosity turned into something much bigger.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to wait until residency to start contributing. Just show up, stay curious and keep building. Through your ACR® state chapter, you can influence national ACR policies and guidelines, participate in local meetings, connect with fellow radiologists and advocate for radiology at the grassroots level.

For me, it all started with my involvement in the ACR Medical Student Section. I’d been active in leadership and regularly attended meetings, which gave me the chance to connect with residents involved in the ACR Resident and Fellow Section — including several from Pennsylvania.

When PRS decided to launch a Medical Student Section, the same residents involved with the ACR MSS asked if I’d be interested in serving as the inaugural Chair. As a familiar face and someone they’d already seen show up and contribute, I was a natural choice to help build something new. Fortunately, after I applied, the PRS notified me that I’d been selected, and not long after, they invited me to the annual PRS board meeting.

At the meeting, I listened to discussions on reimbursement challenges, rural access to radiology and how to support the next generation of radiologists. I also got the chance to briefly speak about mentorship from a student perspective. What stood out most was the atmosphere of the meeting. It wasn't just a professional meeting; it was a reunion of friends who deeply cared about the specialty. Conversations were casual but meaningful, and it was clear this was a community worth my time!

The new PRS MSS officially kicked off in February 2024 with a simple mission: Create a space for medical students in Pennsylvania interested in radiology. One of our first major efforts was the Mentorship Initiative. We paired students with residents and attendings who shared similar interests: AI, advocacy, global health and more. We started with 76 pairings, which grew to more than 100 by the next year. We heard again and again from mentors that they really valued the chance to “pay it forward.”

For students, having mentors — especially those just a few years ahead — made a huge difference. They offered practical advice on how to approach applications, what to look for in a residency program and even how to find research opportunities. That kind of guidance helps demystify the process and makes the field feel more accessible.

In April 2025, we hosted the inaugural PRS Virtual Medical Student Symposium, drawing 90 registrants and nearly 50 live participants. We brought together an amazing group of faculty to cover topics including global radiology, advocacy and AI. The program director panel was a favorite among students, and the day wrapped up with a Pennsylvania-themed trivia game and raffle to keep things fun.

Planning events, leading mentorship efforts and speaking at PRS board meetings gave me a broader understanding of radiology and what it means to be part of a professional community. As I transition into residency, I’m excited to see the next wave of MSS leaders step up.

Will it be you?

Bryant Chang, MD, a Transitional Year resident at Capital Health in Trenton, New Jersey, contributed this article. Dr. Chang looks forward to starting radiology residency at The Pennsylvania State University in 2026.