ACR's virtual micro-courses offer radiologists new training options during the pandemic

The American College of Radiology today announced a new series of bite-sized virtual courses to help enhance providers’ imaging training during the ongoing pandemic.

Each micro-course, as they’re called, begins with one-week access to online, pre-recorded lectures and cases for rads to peruse at their own pace. Participants then complete a virtual two-hour group case review and an online Q&A with faculty, with two additional days to review all case content. 

Covering a variety of specialties, the courses offer the opportunity to earn both American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award (AMA PRA) Category 1 Credits and Self-Assessment Modules (SAMs) credits.

“The in-person courses at the ACR Education Center are the world’s best radiology simulator,” Mark Murphey, MD, a leading course director at the ACR’s center, said in a statement. “By adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding its offerings to include these virtual micro-courses, the ACR Education Center continues to offer high-quality radiology training in a new way that’s accessible to all and protects the health of these physicians and the patients they serve.”

According to the ACR’s website, it currently offers eight different micro-courses. These include abdominal imaging courses focused on different organs; musculoskeletal sessions focused on the meniscus and rotator cuff; and three neuroimaging options for brain tumors, stroke, and temporal bones.

For members-in-training, coursework costs $99. Members pay $199 and non-members $299. Registration is now open and additional specialties will be offered throughout the year, the ACR said.

“The hands-on learning and networking provided at the ACR Education Center is irreplaceable, and we look forward to welcoming participants back to Reston, VA, as soon as it’s safe to do so,” CEO William T. Thorwarth, MD, said Monday. “Until that happens, we’re proud to offer radiologists the opportunity to earn CME credit and hone their imaging technique in the comfort of their own homes with our new virtual micro-courses.”

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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

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