APDR History 2003

Some of the key issues of the year regarded relationships with the AUR and other societies. The Association of Program Directors celebrated its tenth year of existence separate from the American University of Radiologists. There was lots of discussion about being “under the umbrella of the AUR”! The tenth year celebration provided an ideal time to highlight and review the APDR accomplishments. As a separate entity, the APDR members were able to focus on the educational needs of the program directors and tried to be inclusive of both large academic programs and small independent programs. There were many new issues related to the ACGME mandated core-competencies as they relate to resident education. We all struggled initially to name the core competencies, to think of ways of teaching them, and also evaluating them. At the annual meeting, there were individuals that spoke about the core competencies and success/non success of implementation. We designed a program for new Program Directors which was held on a Saturday so that many individuals could attend. The Association of Program Directors in radiology had many conjoint sessions with the Program Coordinators which facilitated the needed changes in residency education.

The tremendously deserving recipient of the Achievement Award of the Association of Program Directors in Radiology this year is Charles S. Resnik, MD. The extraordinary patience, perseverance against the odds, and diplomatic skill of my friend Chuck were crucial elements in making the fellowship application and match project successful. This year, the subtitle of the award should be "miracle worker" to describe the success of his fellowship committee when its mission seemed an "impossible dream."