Five Ways Trainees Can Get Involved with the Society of Breast Imaging
By Kinsey Lano, MD
When I began residency, I knew breast imaging was a field I wanted to explore, but I was not sure how to become involved beyond my clinical rotations. After joining the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), I discovered a wide range of opportunities for trainees to connect with mentors, contribute to educational initiatives, pursue scholarly activities, and become engaged in the broader breast imaging community.
Getting involved in a national organization can feel intimidating at first. Where do you start? How can you contribute? Fortunately, SBI offers opportunities for trainees at every stage of training. Whether your interests are education, research, leadership, or networking, SBI offers multiple ways for medical students, residents and fellows to become engaged.
Here are five ways trainees can get involved with SBI.
1. Become an SBI Member
One of the easiest ways to get involved with the SBI is to become a member. As a medical student, resident, or fellow, SBI membership is complimentary throughout your training, and membership automatically includes participation in the Resident & Fellow Section.
Membership provides access to perks like a multitude of educational resources, networking opportunities, updates about abstracts, volunteer opportunities, leadership initiatives, and access to the Journal of Breast Imaging. If you are exploring breast imaging as a career or already know it is your passion, complimentary SBI membership is an easy way to stay connected and make the most of your training.
2. Submit an Educational Exhibit or Scientific Abstract
Finding time for research as a trainee can often feel challenging. However, remember that an interesting case from your breast imaging rotation has the potential to become an educational exhibit. You can also query faculty about interesting cases that they have saved, and volunteer to write one up! Before you know it, you have a research project and a growing relationship with a faculty member.
Submitting to the SBI Annual Symposium allows trainees to showcase their academic interests while developing skills in scientific writing, presentation design, and collaboration. These experiences can also serve as a foundation for future research projects and publications. The next annual symposium is in Pittsburgh on May 20-23,2027, and the call for abstracts opens in September!
If you have a project idea, but are unsure where to begin, try reaching out to a faculty mentor or someone with prior submission experience for advice!
3. Explore Opportunities with the Journal of Breast Imaging
The Journal of Breast Imaging (JBI) provides another avenue for trainees to contribute academically. Trainees can consider submitting educational reviews, case-based articles, original research and more.
For many trainees, the publication process can seem intimidating. However, developing a manuscript with guidance from faculty mentors is an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge with the breast imaging community.
Try keeping an eye out for interesting cases, research projects, or educational topics that could eventually be developed into a manuscript.
4. Engage Through Social Media and the SBI Blog
Following SBI online is a great way to learn about upcoming opportunities, educational resources, research highlights, and member accomplishments. Trainees can also contribute by sharing perspectives, attending educational events, writing blog posts, or highlighting topics relevant to the next generation of breast imagers.
As I am learning through this very blog post, sometimes the best way to get involved is simply to start. (A very good reminder that you do not have to wait until you feel like an expert before sharing your perspective!) Trainees bring a unique viewpoint to the field, and those experiences can help educate and inspire others.
Engagement does not always begin with a major commitment; sometimes it starts by following, sharing, and participating in conversations.
5. Volunteer and Build Your Professional Network
Professional societies are built by members who are willing to contribute their time, ideas, and enthusiasm. SBI offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for trainees, including committee involvement, educational initiatives, mentorship activities, and collaboration projects. A list of available volunteer opportunities is present on the SBI website!
Volunteering provides an opportunity to meet colleagues from across the country and develop relationships that can continue throughout your career. Often, the first step is expressing interest and being willing to participate.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are in your training, there are opportunities to become involved with SBI. Whether you join a committee, submit an abstract, pursue a publication, contribute to educational content, or volunteer your time, every step helps you build connections and strengthen the breast imaging community.
Explore the opportunities available through SBI and find the avenue that best aligns with your interests! There is a place for every trainee who wants to get involved.
Kinsey Lano, MD