Lessons from the Pandemic & Future Priorities
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) took swift action to assess the impact of the crisis on medical imaging. In response, we convened the Radiology Resilience Task Force, bringing together radiology leaders to develop strategies for reducing medical imaging wait times and ensuring the long-term sustainability of radiology services in Canada.
Radiology Resilience Now and Beyond Report
On October 5, 2020, the CAR published the Radiology Resilience Now and Beyond Report, a comprehensive resource outlining key recommendations for improving access to medical imaging during and after the pandemic. The report was widely distributed among government officials, healthcare stakeholders, and radiology professionals, reinforcing the need for strategic investments in medical imaging infrastructure, equipment, and workforce development.
Impact & Ongoing Advocacy
The findings of the Radiology Resilience Report continue to shape our advocacy work today. The CAR has built a strong case for increased federal investment in medical imaging, contributing to major policy discussions and decision-making at the national level.
Our efforts have included:
✅ Pre-Budget Submissions advocating for sustainable funding in medical imaging
✅ Value of Radiology Reports I & II
✅ Engagement with Health Canada & CADTH to support radiology capacity-building
✅ Invitations to present to federal committees on health, finance, and privacy
✅ The 2019 election pledge for $1.5 billion in medical imaging investments
Looking Ahead
The challenges highlighted in the Radiology Resilience Report remain urgent today. While medical imaging technology continues to advance, Canadian patients are not consistently benefiting from these innovations due to aging equipment and insufficient IT infrastructure. At the same time, long wait times, increasing demand for imaging, and an aging population are placing additional strain on the healthcare system. Addressing these challenges requires a dedicated federal effort to modernize imaging services and ensure equitable access to high-quality diagnostics. The CAR remains committed to advocating for federal support in:
- Expanding the radiology workforce to meet growing demand
- Integrating AI and clinical decision support systems for efficient imaging referrals
- Upgrading aging medical imaging equipment to enhance diagnostic capabilities
📢 Join Our Advocacy Efforts – For more information or to get involved, contact [email protected].
The report has been enthusiastically received by radiologists and the public. To complement the report, the CAR developed a series of videos in English and in French that address our national priorities featuring Drs. Heidi Schmidt, Ania Kielar and Gilles Soulez.