Faculty members, fellows, and residents from the UW Department of Radiology travelled to Puerto Rico to participate in the 2024 Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) annual meeting. Donna Blankenbaker, MD served as president of the society for the past two years and played a pivotal role in the annual meeting.
Dr. Blankenbaker highlighted the society’s emphasis on participation of residents and fellows through both scholarships and opportunities to present abstracts at the annual meeting. The number of engaged trainees from the department at this year’s meeting made her proud.
Fellows Karla Wetley, MD; Monica Cooley, MD; Peter Cormier, MD; and resident Vyshnavi Reddy, MD presented abstracts. Resident Jessica Perry, MD was selected as a 2024 SSR Scholar, and joined 11 of her peers in the merit-based program and scholarship that exposes junior residents to various aspects of musculoskeletal radiology.
The department hosted its annual alumni reunion dinner at the conference and had a turnout of over 40 individuals. Dr. Blankenbaker shared that connecting with alumni is one of the things she most looks forward to every year.
“It is so wonderful to meet up with all our alumni to hear what each and every one of them is doing and to share in their lives, successes, and hardships.” Dr. Blankenbaker works closely with trainees every year and looks forward to seeing where their career takes them. “All these individuals are our UW extended family, and I am so proud of everyone and what they have gone on to accomplish both personally and professionally.”
Reflecting on her time as president, Dr. Blankenbaker found the interpersonal connections to be one of the most rewarding aspects of serving in a leadership role. She worked closely with the chairs of the SSR committees to support new initiatives within the society. This included the formation of a new DEI committee, implementing the ‘SSR Connect Platform’ to engage members and foster collaboration, and developing a Strategic Advancement Committee to provide outreach to medical students and undergraduates. The department’s Jade Anderson, MD co-chairs the SSR’s Strategic Advancement Committee.
This is far from the first leadership role that Dr. Blankenbaker has taken on. She has served in leadership positions for the American Roentgen Ray Society, International Skeletal Society, and American Board of Radiology.
When asked what she would tell individuals who want to get involved with leadership, Dr. Blankenbaker spoke of the importance of being an active and enthusiastic participant, especially for individuals early in their careers. “Get involved. Apply for committee positions, interact with members of the society and executive committee members, and share your ideas and excitement for the society. Submit abstracts for meetings and say ‘yes’ when asked to get involved or speak at the meeting.”
During the SSR meeting, the society celebrated Dr. Blankenbaker’s accomplishments before she introduced Jon Jacobson, MD, the incoming president.
