ACR 2022, which took place April 24–26 at the Washington Hilton, provided several opportunities for members to catch up with colleagues they hadn’t seen in the past two years. According to Speaker Amy L. Kotsenas, MD, FACR, “To say that we were excited to see each other in person in April, for the first time since ACR 2019, is an understatement. One of the best parts of the ACR annual meeting is the chance to catch up and connect with colleagues in the ACR community.”

At the start of the meeting, the College announced the launch of a Blue-Ribbon Panel on Population Health to collect, assess, create, and distribute resources to empower radiologists to lead efforts to advance population health improvements. Co-chaired by Marta E. Heilbrun, MD, MS, and James V. Rawson, MD, FACR, the new panel will build on previous efforts of the ACR Commission on Patient- and Family-Centered Care, focus existing efforts, and provide access to resources to help radiologists drive population health initiatives.

While virtual participation was possible for the ACR 2022 meeting, in-person attendance was required to receive Council credentials to vote in ACR elections and on Council business. However, off-site attendees were able to participate in the Reference Committee Open Hearings and question and answer sessions that accompanied the Economics Forum and Moreton Lecture (see pages 10 and 11). Participants were able to raise their hand, just like they would in person, to provide testimony at the open hearings or ask questions following programming during the Council meeting.

ACR 2022 also featured a variety of educational sessions that attendees could participate in, virtually or in person. Organized by the ACR Government Relations team, the session “Building Advocacy in
Your State” focused on how physician-led advocacy can make a huge difference in moving the needle. Amy K. Patel, MD, the new Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN) chair, spoke about her advocacy journey and why it is important to start early on in one’s professional career. Patel shared the importance of relationship-building with elected officials and how physician-led advocacy can make a major impact on issues affecting patients and the future of radiology.

Tilden “Ty” Childs III, MD, FACR, who received the RAN Advocate of the Year award at the annual meeting (see page 13), shared what led him to become a radiologist advocate leader in Texas. He also spoke about the advocacy accomplishments of the Texas Radiological Society (TRS) and gave tips about how radiologists can get involved in their respective states. Childs, who served as TRS president in 2014, advised attendees to “just show up, because you can be sure the opposition will."