Radiology Interest Groups: A Recipe For Success

OBJECTIVES: 1. Highlight the importance of interest groups in undergraduate medical education. 2. Identify key components of a Radiology Interest Group (RIG) using specific examples from our institution. 3. Discuss how to optimize available resources to increase student engagement in radiology. BACKGROUND: Interest groups that offer opportunities for early mentorship, clinical exposure, and career planning are a valuable complement to the undergraduate medical curriculum. We consider our local Radiology Interest Group (RIG) successful based on local awards, high attendance and formal anonymous feedback. Given our recent institutional success, we evaluate event outcomes utilizing thematic analysis and review the following key considerations: --Leadership: faculty, resident, and student representatives --Communication: social media, advertising, feedback --Collaboration: involving other organizations --Innovation: interactivity, competition --Mentorship: networking, research CONCLUSION: An engaging RIG enhances pre-clinical medical education, fosters understanding and appreciation of the radiologist, and is a forum for the recruitment of talented trainees. In this way, our RIG promotes the future of the radiology profession and serves as a practical model for other similar organizations