Looking back on the year as your President, I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the dedication of our members in advancing issues that matter to radiologists and to the care of Canadian patients.
This year, we presented key recommendations to federal decision-makers during our annual Day on Parliament Hill in October. Our advocacy focused on investing in the radiology workforce, ensuring appropriate oversight and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, implementing Clinical Decision Support (CDS) within electronic medical records across Canada, and modernizing our country’s aging imaging equipment. These priorities along with the economic cost of waiting report from Deloitte, resonated strongly with both national media and policymakers, resulting in increased visibility and investments reflected in the most recent federal budget.
We also made important progress in advancing the Health AI Validation Network (HAIVN), the CAR’s clinician-led framework for the oversight and validation of AI tools in radiology. The federal government’s announcement of a $925.6 million investment in sovereign public AI infrastructure complements our proposal for a $50 million investment in HAIVN and reinforces the importance of safe, effective, and accountable AI integration into clinical practice.
Under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Dr. Michael Patlas, the CAR Journal (CARJ) reached several new milestones. The Journal’s Impact Factor rose significantly to 3.7, up from 2.9 in 2024, underscoring its growing influence within the academic community. We also saw a record number of submissions—363 in total. A special November issue focused on environmental sustainability in radiology and was guest-edited by Dr. Kate Hanneman. I look forward to the continued momentum and impact of the CARJ in the year ahead.
Our Affiliate Societies continued to expand, including the launch of a new subspecialty group dedicated to breast imaging. This year, the CAR proudly introduced the Breast Radiologists of Canada (BRC) and announced Dr. Carolyn Flegg as its inaugural President. The BRC brings together a committed community of radiologists with a shared mission to advance breast imaging through education, research, and collaboration.
We also modernized the CAR’s visual identity to reflect the evolution of radiology and the organization itself. The refreshed logo features a refined font and radio-wave design concept, building on the historic CAR emblem. These updated brand elements are now reflected across our newly redesigned website and Member Portal. Members can now enjoy streamlined navigation and convenient single sign-on access. The website also introduces the new CAR CPD learning platform, offering accredited, on-demand educational content with enhanced credit tracking and a refreshed user experience.
In 2025, the CAR hosted several successful in-person educational events, including an Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Workshop and a program on advanced breast imaging techniques. These events brought together subject-matter experts and participants ranging from trainees to experienced radiologists. Looking ahead to the new year, members can expect additional in-person programs, such as the Cardiac Imaging Forum on January 21, along with a new lineup of specialty webinars, including a two-part series on Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) on January 21 and February 18. Full details are available through the CAR Events Calendar.
We continued to demonstrate leadership in promoting safe and effective practice standards. Several important Practice Guidelines were reviewed and approved this year, including a three-part guideline on MASLD, guidance on contrast media hypersensitivity, and updated recommendations for bone mineral density reporting. In addition, new Referral Guidelines were approved, including those for Central Nervous System imaging and Cancer Diagnostic Imaging. Further guideline development is underway, and I encourage members to participate in upcoming consultation opportunities in the new year.
As we look ahead to 2026, I remain optimistic and energized by the strength of our community. I am sincerely thankful for the time, expertise, and commitment contributed by our members and volunteers—from Working Groups to advocacy initiatives and beyond. Our collective success is a direct reflection of this shared dedication.
On behalf of my family, I wish you and yours a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.
Dr. Alison Harris
President, Canadian Association of Radiologists