At the ARRS 2025 Wellness Symposium, William Moore, MD shared an honest and often humorous account of his efforts to support remote radiologists. Using his chest section as a case study, Dr. Moore walked the audience through seven years of experience, highlighting strategies that succeeded, those that fell short, and some still in progress. His presentation emphasized the importance of thoughtful experimentation and continuous adaptation.
Several initiatives showed strong results. Tumor boards and interesting case conferences created opportunities for clinical engagement, particularly when scheduled at convenient times. Early morning meetings were difficult for West Coast radiologists, but midday sessions allowed more people to join. Peer learning meetings became a standout success. These sessions encouraged collaboration around missed or complex cases in a supportive, non-punitive environment, which fostered participation and trust.
Building social connection proved more complicated. Remote radiologists rarely attended virtual game nights or trivia events, but they did make an effort to join in-person departmental celebrations. These gatherings reinforced their role as valued team members. Continuing medical education (CME) events, especially those held in appealing locations and backed by institutional support, also helped foster a sense of inclusion and shared purpose.
Some decisions created trade-offs. Teaching responsibilities were removed from remote radiologists to enhance the in-person training experience for residents, which led to improved outcomes for trainees but contributed to feelings of separation among remote staff. Call coverage has also been a point of friction, with some disagreement over the division of responsibilities. To address this, the team recently formed a separate remote section with its own leadership, allowing for more focused oversight and clearer communication.
Dr. Moore concluded with a reminder that supporting remote radiologists requires ongoing effort. Reliable technology, responsive leadership, and regular opportunities for engagement all play a role. While the process is far from perfect, the lessons learned so far offer a valuable starting point. As he put it, “This is where we are for now, and it will keep evolving.”