The Value of Using a Formal Listening Process to Gather Insights from Key Stakeholders Before Embarking on Change

In 2023, the American Board of Radiology announced plans to replace the current computer-based diagnostic radiology certifying examination with a new oral examination, to be administered remotely, beginning in 2028. This presentation details the extensive stakeholder listening process that led to those changes. In keeping with its commitment to continuous improvement, the ABR gathered stakeholder input regarding the DR initial certification process via three mechanisms: engagement with key stakeholder organizations, open call for stakeholder organization comment, and open solicitation of individual input. Radiology organizations representing residents, program directors, academic practice, as well as community and private practice were contacted and invited to participate in feedback sessions. These organizations included the Association of Program Directors in Radiology (APDR), the American College of Radiology (ACR), the Radiology Residency Review Committee (RRC) of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the Alliance of Directors and Vice Chairs of Education in Radiology (ADVICER), the Association of Program Directors in Interventional Radiology (APDIR), the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments, and the American Alliance of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology (A³CR² ). Jennings, a healthcare marketing and audience engagement firm, facilitated interactive sessions with these organizations’ executive leadership who were encouraged to seek input from their constituents, loosely guided by a set of planned questions for the group. After these sessions were completed, the ABR asked each organization to provide a written synopsis of their feedback.