From the President: ABR Celebrates the Critical Role of Its Volunteers
By ABR President Cheri L. Canon, MD; ABR President-elect John A. Kaufman, MD, MS; and ABR External Relations Manager Kinsey SmithWright
June 2026;19(3):2
Volunteers are fundamental to the ABR’s ability to fulfill its mission of serving the public and advancing the professions it certifies. Through their expertise, commitment, and leadership, volunteers support every aspect of the organization’s work — from exam development and standard setting to governance and strategic planning. Their willingness to contribute significant time and energy ensures that ABR certification remains rigorous, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of the medical community.
The ABR is fortunate to have more than 1,300 volunteers engaged at any time across the four specialties it certifies. In recognition of volunteers’ essential contributions, the Board of Governors approved an initiative in 2021 to host appreciation receptions during national society meetings. These events were designed to provide ABR leadership with a dedicated opportunity to thank volunteers, foster collegial connections, and strengthen relationships.
The initial receptions were held in 2022 during the annual meetings of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), the Association of Academic Radiology (AAR), American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). Hosted in a variety of venues, including convention centers, society headquarters hotels, and nearby restaurants, these gatherings proved both accessible and welcoming. Events during these society meetings have been held annually since then.
In 2023, the ABR Volunteerism Committee conducted a survey of current volunteers to better understand motivations for volunteering, potential barriers to participation, and strategies to enhance engagement. Notably, many of the highest-rated strategies for enhancing volunteer engagement centered on recognition and connection, including increased acknowledgment of volunteers and opportunities to connect socially at national professional meetings. These insights highlighted the importance of the ABR’s volunteer appreciation initiatives.
Responses from volunteers who attended these social gatherings were overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the enjoyable atmosphere within the venues and how the receptions were a great way to meet up with old friends and network with colleagues with whom they might not otherwise have a chance to interact. Others valued the opportunity to engage informally with ABR Trustees, Governors, and staff, saying that these interactions helped foster a stronger sense of connection to the organization and its leadership.
The ABR will continue to host these receptions annually for the foreseeable future. In 2026, we added similar events during the annual meetings of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
Active participation as an ABR volunteer requires a substantial commitment of time and expertise. The Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors are deeply grateful to all who serve in these roles. Without the dedication of its volunteers, the ABR would not be able to carry out its mission effectively. The organization remains committed to recognizing this service and to continually enhancing the volunteer experience in meaningful ways.
