The American College of Radiology (ACR) is once again offering its Pipeline Initiative for the Enrichment of Radiology (PIER) internship to help first-year medical students connect with practicing radiologists. The internships, first launched in 2016, go to students who identify as women or underrepresented minorities (URMs).
“The ACR’s Commission for Women and Diversity is committed to ensuring that the diversity of the radiology community continues to reflect the increasing diversity of the U.S. population and the patients we serve,” Johnson Lightfoote, MD, MBA, chair of the ACR Commission for Women and Diversity, said in a prepared statement. “The PIER internship attracts young talent that not only diversifies our physician workforce, but also increases effective communication, improves patient compliance and enhances quality of care.”
Five applicants will be selected to work closely with experienced radiologists. The internships begin in June 2020.
“By participating in the PIER program, I was guided through multiple MRIs and CT scans, observed two internal radiation therapy treatments, reviewed chest x-rays with radiologists and even shadowed a neurosurgeon who also practices interventional radiology,” Kirsten Schofield, who received the PIER internship in 2018, said in the prepared statement.
Individuals interested in applying for the internships or working with internship recipients can locate more information here.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.