SPECIAL EDITION

By Jane Lowers

In dedicating an entire issue to the topic of building a better radiologist, editors at Diagnostic Imaging made a number of assumptions. The first was that there is a need for future radiologists to in some way outperform their present-day peers. This isn't a hard case to make. A shortage of radiologists and rising volume alone provide a compelling need for radiologists who can work more productively. The radiologists of the future need to be faster, smarter, and more flexible.

The editors also assumed that the most fundamental core of radiology has three parts: clinical skill, leadership, and research. The first is a given. The second and third are sometimes less tangible. Not all radiologists will be leaders, nor will all of them pursue research. For radiology to succeed, however, at the individual, department, and specialty levels, some radiologists must become leaders and some must perform the research that advances the field.

These assumptions were proven correct, more or less. Clinical skills certainly make up the bulk of training for both residency and continuing medical education. With some urgency, a number of teaching centers are setting up programs to foster young researchers and build the ranks of career academics.

With that foundation in place, many other pieces contribute to building a better radiologist. Among them are business acumen, interpersonal communication, negotiation, and collaboration. As the heart of the hospital, radiology has never been autonomous; today the ability to respond to other specialties' needs and forge partnerships is critical. Equally important is the ability to carve out a position of financial and political security.

This last point is brought home poignantly by Dr. William G. Bradley, who on page 60 makes a strong case that leadership begins with an interest in self-preservation and the ability to recognize and respond to threats collectively.

Throughout this issue, you will find in-depth looks at the evolution of radiology education for residents and veterans alike. You will find innovative programs that are teaching the leading edge of research, informatics, management, and clinical skills. You will find profiles of radiology educators who have influenced a generation of imagers and are developing innovations in how the next generation learns. You will find resources to help you make the most of your own education and career.

We hope you will learn and enjoy.