APPs in Radiology: From Training to Teamwork (2026)

Description

Join a radiologist-led fireside chat with a physician associate/assistant (PA) and a registered radiologist assistant (RRA) as they explore their educational pathways, clinical roles, and contributions across diagnostic and interventional radiology.

Using examples from fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and image-guided procedures, the panel will discuss patient care before, during, and after examinations and interventions. The conversation will address role clarity, specialty training, credentialing and privileging, and practical approaches to collaboration that support safe care, timely access, continuity, and effective workflows.

Participants will also explore how professional organizations can support education and practice development.

Course Director & Moderator

Kumaravel Manickam, MD

Manickam “Nicks” Kumaravel is based at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. At UTHealth, he is a Vice President, Professor of Radiology and Orthopedics, and Vice Chair of Diagnostic Radiology. He serves as the Chair of the RSNA Education Council. He holds the esteemed Memorial Hermann Chair. Nicks has been recognized as an Honored Fellow for his contributions to the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER). Nicks is a team doctor with the National Football League (NFL) Texans. He also cares for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Rockets and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tennis tournaments. Nicks is a keen educator and has lectured in many national and international conferences and teaching programs. Various organizations recognized him as a distinguished educator, including the RSNA and the University of Texas, which also awarded him the Reagents Award for Education. His research interests include traumatic hip injuries, the role of biologics in elite athlete injuries, imaging of cartilage, and the use of UTE (Ultrashort TE) sequences to assess ligament healing.

Faculty

Carrie Hayes DMSc, PA-C, RDMS, RVT

Carrie Hayes, DMSc, PA-C, RDMS, RVT, is an interventional radiology physician associate at Advanced Vascular Centers in Oregon, bringing more than 20 years of experience in radiology and ultrasound, including over a decade as a PA. She is co-founder and president-elect of the Physician Associates in Radiology (PAIR) Society, serves on the Inteleos Board of Directors, and is an ultrasound education consultant for the Pan American Health Organization. A past chair of the Society of Interventional Radiology’s NP/PA Section, she currently serves on its Small and Rural IR Practice Committee. Her work spans clinical practice, education, and advocacy, with a focus on advancing specialty training, strengthening physician–APP collaboration, and expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care.

Shellie Pike, MSRS, RRA, RT(R)(CT)

Shellie Pike (she/her) has been working in medical imaging for 26 years. She currently practices as a Radiologist Assistant with Radiology Consultants of Iowa in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She works closely with students and technologists in multiple modalities with the majority of her focus in the fluoroscopy suite, image and practice quality improvement and CT reconstruction.  Shellie has served the American Society of Radiologic Technologists in a variety of positions including currently serving as the President-Elect. Additionally, Shellie has served on committees for a variety of organizations including the American College of Radiology, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Society of Interventional Radiology, and currently serving as a member of the RSNA Advanced Practice Providers (APP) track within the Annual Meeting Program Planning Committee. When not working or volunteering, Shellie enjoys reading and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking and spending time with her husband, Ryan and her adult daughter, Val.

Course Overview

Participants will also explore how professional organizations can support education and practice development.

Content Areas (Codes):
The following Content Areas will be printed on the certificate for this course:

Other

Learning Objectives:

Compare the educational pathways, certifications, and clinical roles of PAs and RRAs, recognizing how professional preparation, state requirements, and institutional privileges shape practice.
Describe PA and RRA contributions across the patient-care continuum in diagnostic and interventional radiology.
Identify key elements of effective practice integration, including structured onboarding, competency assessment, role clarity, communication, and appropriate supervision or collaboration.
Discuss strategies and professional resources that support patient access, continuity, safety, and effective radiology teams.

This Live activity is estimated to take 1 hour to complete.

Start Date: 11/18/2026
Online Expiration Date: 2/16/2027

Faculty:

Kumaravel Manickam, MD
Carrie Hayes DMSc, PA-C, RDMS, RVT
Shellie Pike, MSRS, RRA, RT(R)(CT)

Accreditation and Designation Statements:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). The RSNA is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME has been approved. Approved credit hours are currently being calculated and will be posted once finalized.

Price:
Non-Member/Basic Member Rate: $0.00
Standard Member/Full Access Member Rate: $0.00

Refund / Exchange Policy:
RSNA will not issue any refunds or exchanges for online only versions of educational products or activities purchased online. Please review the entire product or activity description prior to purchase.

RSNA Disclaimer:
The opinions or views expressed in this activity are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, recommendations or endorsement of the RSNA. Participants should critically appraise the information presented and are encouraged to consult appropriate resources for information surrounding any product or device mentioned. Information presented, as well as publications, technologies, products and/or services discussed, are intended to inform the learner about the knowledge, techniques, and experiences of RSNA faculty who are willing to share such information with colleagues. The RSNA disclaims any and all liability for damages to any individual user for all claims which may result from the use of said information, publications, technologies, products and/or services, and events. Courses are best viewed on a desktop computer.

Summary

Availability:

Registration Required

Expires on Feb 16, 2027

Location:

Online Meeting

Date / Time:

Nov 18, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT

Cost:

FREE

Credit Offered:

No Credit Offered

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