Meeting on 09/25/01
MMS headquarters in Waltham
In attendance:
- Christoph Wald, MD PhD: Lahey
Wayne Monsky, MD PhD: BID, presiding
Peter Gordon, MD: President, MRS
Erik Nelson, MD: BU
Roderick Williams, MD: Baystate
Zubin Irani, MD: Baystate
Haroon Afridi, MD: Baystate
Items:
- Summary of MRS/RFS activities, Wayne Monsky
- Feedback from recent ACR annual meeting
- Communication with members
- Fall Forum, 2001
- Winter Social
- Private practice exposure opportunities
- AFIP status
1. Summary of MRS/RFS activites.
Wayne discussed the history, mission, and structure of the organization. The role of the RFS within MRS and the ACR was outlined, with specific examples and comparisons to sections in other states. Click here to view his presentation.
2. ACR Meeting Feedback.
Wayne, Christoph, and Dr.Gordon reported on their experiences at the recent ACR annual meeting in San Francisco. The full minutes have been made available on the MRS/RFS web page (www.bbf.1fb.myftpupload.com/rfs/minutes/01acrmeeting.html); highlights include discussion of neuroradiology’s recent move to a match format for fellowship applications.
Trends of implementing a match system for fellowships in other specialties, “resifellows” being recruited from residency applicants, and moving fellowship applications to the 4th year of residency were also described. During the annual meeting, Christoph was elected to the position of Vice Chair/Chair Elect of the resident physician section of the American College of Radiology.
3. Communication with members.
With a new group of 1st-year residents and the departure of many graduated 4th-years, the MRS/RFS contact information will again need to be updated. The importance of current e-mail addresses for the residents in all Massachusetts programs was undrescored, and representatives in attendance were instructed to provided updated lists. Online membership application forms are also available on the web site in a printable format, and it is hoped that many more 1st-years and fellows will be encouraged to join.
Christoph agreed to research the possibility of a protected e-mail distribution list, to lessen the chance of virus contamination. Wayne presented the idea of a questionnaire allowing residents to voice their thoughts on MRS/RFS and what they would like to see the section accomplish. It was agreed to keep the survey fairly open-ended.
4. Fall Forum 2001.
Potential topics for this year’s fall forum were discussed. It was tentatively agreed to feature a forum on fellowships, touching on: whether one should do a fellowship, how to successfully navigate the application process, the move toward a match format/4th year applications, and the role of resident representation to the ACR in dictating these changes. Tentative date is the second week of November, 2001; location likely Beth Israel-Deaconess.
5. Winter Social.
Previous socials from this and other years reviewed. The Rack remains a popular choice based on past success. Tentative date February, 2002. Sponsorship by manufacturer reps deemed successful for Spring 2001 schedule and will be sought again.
6. Private practice electives.
The number of groups offering to host residents for an informal exposure to their private practices continues to increase; the full list with updated contact numbers is posted on the web page. Any resident taking advantage of this opportunity is encouraged to provide feedback to MRS/RFS on the experience.
7. AFIP status.
In the wake of the events of September 11, the latest session of AFIP has been postponed “indefinitely.” It is unclear when, and even if, normal sessions will be reimplemented. Alternatives were discussed should a prolonged or permanent interruption come to pass, such as a New England-based rad-path correlative course.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Erik Nelson, MD
Secretary, MRS RFS