The American College of Radiology said Tuesday it would launch its own leadership academy next year. Dubbed the Radiology Leadership Institute, the multi-year, multi-level academy is designed to provide radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical physicists with management skills and business savvy.

The academy will feature a mix of face-to-face courses at different locations across the country and Web-based learning, with classes taught by instructors from prestigious schools offering MBA or MPH degrees. The course work is also open to residents and fellows.

"The ACR recognized the growing need for specialized leadership development in the increasingly dynamic healthcare environment," said Dr. Cynthia S. Sherry, chair of the ACR Commission on Leadership and Practice Development and medical director of the RLI, in a statement. "RLI will satisfy that need with a robust curriculum relevant and targeted to all levels of radiology experience."

The ACR said participants can earn CME credits, and also RLI credits, eventually gaining a Certificate of Proficiency in Leadership or a Certificate of Advanced Proficiency in Leadership. Participants also get a chance to pursue MBAs from top business schools.

The institute launches July 12, for a three-day event at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. The event features professors from the university's Kellogg School of Management, the RLI's first academic partner.

The inaugural event is invitation-only. If you're interested in attending, contact the ACR here: http://www.acr.org/RLI