AIRP Replaces AFIP as New Rad-Path Course by the ACR

AIRP Launches First Radiologic Pathology Course

Landmark ACR Effort Enables Resident Training to Move Forward Uninterrupted by AFIP Closure

Silver Spring, Md. — Nearly 300 attendees, including a significant number from overseas, took part in today’s launch of the first Radiologic-Pathology Correlation Course presented by the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP). Today’s launch marks the seamless transition from the now ended Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) course to the AIRP course, sponsored by the American College of Radiology. The four-week course, the first of five to be held at AIRP each year, satisfies all ACGME radiologic pathology requirements and allows radiology resident training to move forward uninterrupted by the closure of AFIP.



“The ACR, as the leading voice for the radiology community, has stepped up to ensure that this vital knowledge base was not lost to current and future radiologists and that radiology residents can continue their training without delay in what could have been an uncertain time regarding radiologic pathology training nationwide. This is yet another major example of how the College is there to serve and protect the radiology community and advance the science of radiology,” said John A. Patti, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors.

AIRP is located in a state-of-the-art education and cultural center in Silver Spring, Md., a suburb of Washington, DC, approximately two miles from former AFIP site. The four-week Radiologic Pathology Course is designed to aid residents in their endeavors to achieve excellence in the technologically advancing specialty of radiology by employing radiologic-pathologic correlation in the identification of disease. The Radiologic Pathology course is a comprehensive review of radiologic imaging with pathologic correlation providing more than 160 hours of didactic instruction and case seminars. The course is organized into eight separate sections: gastrointestinal radiology, genitourinary radiology, musculoskeletal radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology, cardiovascular radiology, breast imaging, and thoracic radiology, and is taught by eminent radiology faculty, and numerous distinguished visiting lecturers.

“AIRP was a substantial undertaking. To have the first course get underway on time allows uninterrupted training of radiology residents at a time when our nation needs more radiologists and other physicians as never before. The successful launch of the new AIRP course allows program directors and radiology administrators worldwide to continue to schedule vital radiologic pathology training as a key part of effective residency programs. This is a prime example of why ACR is so vitally important to the future of radiology and the continued high quality care that radiologists and radiation oncologists provide to patients,” said Harvey L. Neiman, MD, FACR, ACR Chief Executive Officer.

Previously, more than 90 percent of all post-MD radiology residents had attended AFIP at some point during their residency. The focus of the training, now provided by AIRP, is to emphasize the correlation between human pathology and the medical images interpreted by radiologists. The radiology community considers this training to be critical to the preparation of its physicians for advanced medical practice.

“I am extremely proud that the College was able to organize AIRP in time to ensure uninterrupted and enhanced training of tomorrow’s radiologists. The AIRP course is the latest in an extraordinary and expanding array of robust ACR radiology training programs. These educational offerings prepare residents for the challenges ahead and ultimately make them better physicians who provide the highest quality care to their patients. This is yet another sterling example of the important role that the College serves in the radiology world today and moving forward,” said Ronald E. Freedman, ACR Assistant Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of AIRP

For more information or to arrange an interview with an ACR spokesperson, contact ACR Director of Public Affairs Shawn Farley at 703-648-8936 or sfarley@acr.org.