The RSNA Editorial Fellows: Then and Now.

Abstract

Since its establishment in 1998, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Editorial Fellowship has been offering unique opportunities to radiologists from around the world who have a strong interest in radiologic journalism. For the past 16 years, the selected RSNA Editorial Fellows have learned essential processes involved in the production of Radiology and RadioGraphics by working closely with the editors, associate editors, and staff. The editorial fellowship for radiology attending physicians was renamed the RSNA William R. Eyler Editorial Fellowship, in honor of the founding editor of RadioGraphics, with the first Eyler fellow selected in 2005. Additionally, several years ago, a second fellowship was created for radiology trainees, which is now named the RSNA William W. Olmsted Editorial Fellowship for Trainees, in honor of the most recent emeritus editor of RadioGraphics. For the special centennial year of the journal Radiology, several former editorial fellows were interested in knowing what the previous fellows are up to presently and how their experience and learning from the fellowship influenced and contributed to their academic career development. The invitation to share their experience of the RSNA Editorial Fellowship was sent to 19 previous RSNA Editorial Fellows. We report the findings from 16 of these fellows who responded. We found that almost all previous RSNA Editorial Fellows (15 of 16, 94%) stayed in academic radiology, and each is currently leading a successful academic career. All of them are currently actively serving in one or more positions as an editor, associate editor, reviewer, and/or editorial board member of various radiology journals and clinical journals related to their area(s) of academic expertise. Among the 16 previous editorial fellows who responded, there are four chairs and six vice-chairs of their respective radiology departments. All of them reported that the experience and knowledge they gained from the RSNA Editorial Fellowship was crucial for their academic and professional development. Their views on the experience of being an RSNA Editorial Fellow, accomplishments achieved after the fellowship, and current activities are included here.