SAR has different membership categories available with specific requirements. Information on each type of membership, as well as the online application form, can be accessed at https://abdominalradiology.org/sar-subpages/membership/.

SAR sends a call for volunteers by email each year in the summer. All members are encouraged to apply. The current committees can be found on the SAR website: https://abdominalradiology.org/2020-202 1-sar-committees/

SAR emails a call for fellow nominations (you can self nominate) each year in the summer/fall. The bylaws govern who can become a fellow and this information is found here: https://abdominalradiology.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/sar_society_bylaws-march2020.pdf

SAR emails a call for abstract submission in late July and also puts this announcement on their website. The categories, criteria and instructions are included in the announcement. The submission deadline is in September or October for all abstracts except for the Power Science session, which is in early December.

The SAR puts out a call for workshop submissions in the spring, with submissions due in early summer. So, start thinking about what you might like to submit ahead of time by looking for gaps in the current annual meeting programming and thinking about interesting ways to share your areas of interest in abdominal imaging, abdominal intervention, leadership, diversity, finances, quality improvement – you name it! Also, if you are part of a DFP, work with other members of your group to come up with topics to share your expertise at the meeting.

You are welcome to reach out to anyone with shared interest to invite them to put together a workshop concept. If you do not have someone in mind, you may submit a workshop concept solo and you will be paired with another speaker with similar content by the SAR workshop coordinators. Workshops typically have two lecturers, who split the time equally.

Plenary sessions are organized by the incoming SAR President-Elect with input from the Annual Meeting Council Educational Program Committee. Plenary speakers are usually experts on a topic through their scholarly work and committee involvment. If you have a great idea for a plenary, you can reach out to a member on the education committee and pitch it! To find out who are members of the Educational Program Committee, go to the SAR website, under “About SAR”.

Volunteering to become a mentor or seeking a mentor can done through the RFS mentorship program. You can also connect with mentors by connecting with them at events such as the annual SAR meeting.

It is easy to get involved with many different rewarding opportunities including: (1) joining the early career committee to meet others active in SAR and in the same career stage, (2) joining a DFP/ETC to further common areas of interest, (3) write a proposal for a SAR annual meeting workshop, (4) submit a research or educational abstract, (5) volunteer for a committee.

There are three major grant opportunities available through SAR: 1) the Wylie J. Dodds Research Award for projects relevant to GI radiology; 2) the Morton A Bosniak Research Award intended for projects in GU; and 3) the Howard S. Stern Research Grant intended for innovative pilot projects in emerging areas that may not be suitable for traditional grant funding. Each of the three listed opportunities are open to any SAR member at any stage of their career (medical students, trainees or faculty). Applicants are asked to indicated a primary area of focus and submit a detailed proposal and budget. Annual deadlines for these opportunities are in December the year prior to funding. As there are many components to the application process, be sure to check the hyperlink well in advance of the deadline.

SAR leadership is open to your feedback! After each meeting you have the opportunity to evaluate the courses. This feedback is reviewed and incorporated to continually improve the society.

1. Become a member. 2. Participate in the meetings. 3. Network/get to know people. SAR leadership is incredibly friendly and approachable. 4. Volunteer for committees and actively participate in committee projects and events. 5. Become a fellow. 6. Express your interest in contributing and assuming leadership positions.

Make sure that you are getting the SAR informational emails. If you are uncertain, please contact admin@abdominalradiology.org. Make sure that they are on your “safe sender” list and not going to junk mail.

You can follow SAR on social media via Twitter @SocAbdRadiology and instagram https://www.instagram.com/SocietyAbdRad/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SocietyAbdRad/ .

Publish or present in your area of expertise so that you have a national reputation. Review the SAR website to review current list of active panels to contact active members or Panel Chairs to express interest in participating. Also, if an area of interest is not represented in a current DFP, contact the DFP Oversight Committee to propose a new DFP to address unmet needs in Abdominal Imaging.

The best way to meet other SAR members is by going to the annual SAR meeting. The other great way to meet our members is through social media!