January 13, 2021

RO Corner: RSNA for the Radiation Oncologist

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By Edina Wang, MD, radiation oncology resident at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and ACR-RFS RO Representative

Photo of the back of women sitting at desk looking at computer

In 2020, we had the exciting and unique opportunity to experience the 106th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of RSNA through an all-virtual format. This year’s theme was on Human Insight/Visionary Medicine and featured plenary speakers like Kristen DeStigter, MD, who delivered an opening session lecture and journalist Shankar Vedantam, who presented the New Horizons Lecture. Bhavya Rehani, MD, gave the Annual Oration in Diagnostic Radiology, and Beth Erickson, MD, delivered the Annual Oration in Radiation Oncology. Thomas Grist, MD, and Charles Mistretta, PhD, delivered the RSNA/AAPM Symposium.

There are several opportunities for radiation oncologists and trainees to participate and learn at RSNA’s seven-day program. For member-in-training, students, RSNA, and AAPM members, this year’s meeting was free. During Dr. Erickson’s lecture, she discussed the relationship of diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology since their evolution from a single specialty. The annual meeting program included many interesting presentations specifically related to radiation oncology, as well as presentations relevant to both radiation oncology and radiology. In the Radiation Oncology and Radiobiology session, there were scientific presentations related to AI in Oncology (RC309) and Liver Cancer Interventions (RC214). There were also many presentations on review of anatomy in the educational sessions and physics tutorial sessions.

RSNA had multiple useful and pertinent programming, in addition to their scientific sessions. The programming included sessions that focused on wellness, professionalism, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some examples of wellness sessions included “Creating a Culture of Well-being in Education (RC104), Resilience, Social, and Emotional Intelligence to Mitigate Burnout” (RC732), and a series of videos focusing on wellness-related topics like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. Health equity was also a topic of focus in courses such as, “A Call to Action in Health Equity: An Interactive Session on Health Disparities and Health Equity in Radiology,” (SPSI24) and “Hot Topic Session: AI and Implications for Health Equity: Will AI Improve Equity or Increase Disparities” (SPSH40). There were sessions related to diversity and inclusion, such as “Gender-Based Harassment and Microaggressions” (RC716) and “Exposing Our Blindside and Overcoming Unconscious Bias” (SPS123). There was also programming on using social media. Some examples included “Medicine and Media in the Digital Age: Social Media’s Impact on our Profession, Our Practice, and Ourselves” (RC516) and “Building a Social Media and Web Brand” (RCC13).

In summary, there were multiple scientific presentations, educational programs, scientific posters, education exhibits, and special programming of interest to the radiation oncology community. Access to the virtual meeting access is available through April 30, 2021. To learn more, visit RSNA 2020.