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American College of Radiology (ACR) The mission of the American College of Radiology (ACR) is to improve the quality of radiological services to patients, advance the science of radiology, and promote improved and continuing medical education for radiologists, radiation oncologists, and allied health workers. ACR is a major national medical association with more than 32,000 members, including diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiology residents. The College has grown from a group of 20 physicians meeting for the first time in 1923 to a major national service association.

Dr. Albert Soiland founded the American College of Radiology in 1923. He had been active in several radiology groups, and he felt the need for a different kind of society. He envisioned a group of 100 distinguished radiologists. The first seven members, some of the most prominent radiologists of the day, were installed in 1924. By 1935, the participants realized that a group of 100 physicians, no matter how distinguished, could not adequately address the specialty’s problems in areas not covered by other scientific societies. Three years later, the College had transformed. There was a new structure, with membership open to any board-certified radiologist, and an elected Board of Chancellors. Today, the ACR is a democratically governed organization with representatives from 54 chapters who meet annually to discuss and develop policy for the organization. The College specializes in a wide variety of areas including government relations, education, legal services, public relations, and standards and accreditation.

The Quality and Safety Division accredits mammography facilities and diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology practices. This department also has accreditation programs in ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and biopsy, computed tomography, radiation therapy, and general radiography. The Government Relations Division represents radiologists on Capitol Hill and interacts with a variety of federal agencies. The Public Relations department is responsible for providing information and educational materials to the public and to ACR members. A joint website between the American College of Radiology and the Radiologic Society of North America provides answers to many frequently asked questions about mammography. These materials include videotapes, booklets, and brochures. While the larger ACR office is located in Reston, VA, the College also has staff in Philadelphia, PA, where considerable research in diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology is performed. One such research program is focused on a new technology in mammography, full-field digital mammography. To find out more about this trial go to http://www.dmist.org/.

Resources for NBCAM Program Planners

The American College of Radiology coordinates National Mammography Day, held the third Friday in October each year.

Publications of the American College of Radiology include the video Breast Cancer Treatment: Different People, Different Choices; the booklet Breast Care – Your Guide to Mammography, available in English or Spanish; and the brochure Breast Conserving Treatment...What You Should Know. For additional information about ACR and lists of accredited facilities, visit www.acr.org. For patient information, also visit www.radiologyinfo.org.

Contact

American College of Radiology 1891 Preston White Drive Reston, VA 20191 Phone:  (703) 648-8900 Fax:  (703) 264-5287 Contact:  Pamela Wilcox,  Assistant Executive Director Email:  pamw@acr.org Website:  http://www.acr.org  http://www.radiologyinfo.org