The CAR Journal (CARJ) continues to be an important educational pillar of the radiology community in Canada and internationally. The Journal brings together the best work and scientific activities from radiologists who engage with the field’s most challenging topics and earlier this year, reached an all-time high Impact Factor of 4.186.
Dr. Mona El Khoury, from Montreal, is an Associate Editor with the CARJ and believes the role of the journal is to offer answers to the immense challenges of daily practice, while keeping radiologists updated with current scientific knowledge, even as it constantly changes. “Unlike many other scientific journals, the CARJ equally addresses many educational issues, practical guidelines, and new innovations.”
“The CARJ owes its success to Canadian radiological community,” says Dr. Michael Patlas, Editor-in-Chief. “Many accomplished colleagues sent their incredible work to us and over 100 CAR members volunteered their time to review CARJ submissions.”
Associate Editor Dr. Alison Harris, from Vancouver, views the journal as an important platform for highlighting Canada’s radiology research that is having an indelible impact on the profession. “The CARJ provides a unique opportunity to feature research generated in Canada and highlight Canadian specific guidelines that can influence clinical practice and patient care.”
Our Editorial Board and Journal Standing Committee spent an extremely productive and energetic day planning the strategy, projects, and future directions for the Journal. Thanks to all who attended, it was wonderful to get together! @CARadiologists pic.twitter.com/h2GRwDDNWq
— Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal (@CanRadJournal) June 10, 2022
The strength and uniqueness of the CARJ derive from its comprehensiveness, says Dr. El Khoury. “All radiologists can find what they are searching for in the CARJ issues, from those in academic practice to those in community practice and radiologists-in-training.”
“The CARJ continues improving on its strengths. It is the premier Radiology publication in Canada, showcasing and publishing editorials on pertinent topics, ground-breaking research, and timely review articles,” says Dr. Harris.
Dr. Daria Manos, Associate Editor in Halifax, echoes this statement from her colleague and credits the journal’s leadership. “It is a pleasure to witness the improved quality of submissions to the CARJ from Canada and around the globe,” she said. “Dr. Patlas has shepherded an impressive increase in Impact Factor and has ensured that the hard work of submitting authors is respected by a fast-tracked review process.”
For these Editorial Board members, being involved with the CARJ has been a professionally enriching experience throughout their careers. “I have appreciated every level of my involvement with the CARJ,” says Dr. El Khoury. “As a radiologist born and trained outside Canada, being invited first as a reviewer then as a member of the editorial board means a lot to me and reflects widely on the high values and principles of equity and diversity respected by the CARJ, which are very dear to my heart.”
“Reviewing for the CARJ isn’t just about giving back,” says Dr. Manos. “Being a reviewer keeps my knowledge fresh and improves my own research by giving me a different perspective into what makes research publishable.”
There is plenty of optimism about the trajectory of the journal. “The CARJ is reinforcing itself as an educational and informative tool,” Dr. El Khoury says. “The quality of articles and usefulness in daily practice make it a beneficial tool for radiologists-in-training as well as those who are already settled.”
Dr. Harris expects the CARJ to continue to grow and evolve alongside of medical imaging in Canada and beyond. “There is broad scope to highlight excellent research and promote clinical guidelines with an equitable, diverse and inclusive lens to accommodate the different practice settings throughout Canada and globally.”
“I would encourage all CAR members to be actively involved with the CARJ,” she continued. “There are many opportunities to participate either by submitting papers or reviewing articles, being a reviewer or by regularly following the excellent content either online or in the print version of the journal. Even if you are a new CAR member, the CARJ offers a way to engage with it and the radiology community.”
Connect with the CARJ here if you are interested in getting involved.