Stephanie Jankovic, MD, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Resident at Oregon Health & Science University, contributed this piece.
The ACR Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP®) training programs advance the science of radiology for residents, fellows, practicing radiologists and other physicians through a pathophysiologic understanding of disease as the basis for radiologic interpretation. AIRP offers four-week courses, categorical courses and even international courses.
I attended the most recent AIRP Radiologic Pathology Correlation Course in Silver Spring, MD in March 2023. I chose to attend the course given its longstanding reputation for providing education in strong foundational knowledge of the pathologic understanding of radiologically diagnosed diseases. While the course has been offered virtually since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I specifically chose to attend in person, as there is simply no substitute for face-to-face learning from experts while sitting alongside peer learners.
It is clear that the curriculum and lectures are carefully curated, with a palpable dedication, passion and commitment exhibited by each section chief and lecturer. The crowning glory of the course is its vast array of pathology-rich cases in its archives that allow for beautiful representation of radiologically encountered diseases that are sure to remain vivid in the minds of attendees once returning to the workstation.
Developing a deep understanding of the pathophysiologic basis of diseases allows radiologists to truly understand, rather than memorize, their imaging presentations and thus more astutely make accurate diagnoses and recommendations, especially in unusual or uncommon presentations of disease. This also allows for meaningful discussion with colleagues in interdisciplinary conferences and consultations.
The in-person course also allows for abundant opportunities to interact with both these world-renowned experts in the field, who travel near and far to teach in person, as well as the attendees who hail from all over the world. Ample social activities outside of the lectures quickly led to forming new friendships that will last a lifetime.
I am grateful for my time spent on the course and have already found the information gained to be useful in my day-to-day work. I encourage all residents to attend the AIRP course, especially in person, for continuing education courses on radiologic pathology. The valuable knowledge shared by dedicated expert faculty undoubtedly will strengthen interpretation skills for years to come.
