The Radiology Lecture Exchange (RALEX): A Virtual Visiting Professorship Platform for All

Abstract

Visiting Professorships (VPs) have significant benefits for both the guest lecturer and host institution. Such opportunities increase knowledge dissemination, research collaboration, opportunities for junior faculty members, and educational material that shores up perceived weaknesses in the host institution's training program. While VPs provide these benefits, such invitations are often costly due to travel and accommodation expenses, which can be challenging for host institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic - with the forced social and work distancing - has mandated that radiologists rethink how they interact and collaborate within their department and also within the larger medical and radiology communities. Virtual platforms have become critical for communication and education, and in this altered academic environment have provided an opportunity for us to redesign how VPs are designed. The virtual VP removes many of the cost and time burdens associated with travel and even enables greater communication where it might not have been economically or time-feasible. We present a virtual Microsoft Teams (Redmond, WA) based platform for facilitating VPs in all subspecialties and for all ranks called the Radiology Lecture Exchange.