As we enter 2026, I am confident we can keep our momentum from the previous year to take on the challenges that face radiology and implement our strategic priorities in the year ahead.
We will continue to strengthen community partnerships, prioritizing relationships with members, provincial societies, our six Affiliate Societies, and trainees across Canada. The Affiliate Societies continue to steadily grow their membership, and engagement with the Resident and Fellows Section (RFS) and Medical Student Network (MSN) has never been more enthusiastic. These partnerships are vital to addressing workforce and system challenges collectively.
There continues to be immense pressure on the radiology workforce that encompasses radiologists, technologists, and sonographers. Staff shortages persist, with international medical graduates offering a partial short-term solution but not long-term stability. The CAR shared our staffing strategies with federal officials last October, and we will continue to follow up on these priorities.
Patients are waiting longer than ever for medical imaging. Provincial investments have not kept pace with imaging demand, leading to increased out-of-pocket costs for care. The CAR has called for growing the country’s mammography fleet and suggested strategies like virtual supervision of CT and MR scanners to respond to the heightened demand.
The CAR is continually advocating for increased investment in nationwide clinical decision support systems, oversight of AI through the Health Artificial Intelligence Network (HAIVN), and strengthened health human resources. As AI models are increasingly targeting healthcare and integrating with medical records, concerns around safety, oversight, and the erosion of physician-led governance are growing. HAIVN is gaining momentum under the leadership of Dr. Jaron Chong (London, ON), Chair of the AI Standing Committee, to address these risks through post-market oversight. The CAR has engaged with the Minister of Health’s office and other key organizations, aligning with international efforts in the U.S. and Europe to establish safe, consensus-driven AI standards for healthcare.
After publishing a record number of clinical guidelines in 2025, the CAR aims to build on this leadership. These guidelines are central to the CAR’s mission of fostering collaboration, standardization, and evidence-based care. Our ongoing attention to knowledge translation ensure guidelines are accessible, actionable, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
I wish all our members a Happy New Year and share my gratitude for all the dedicated volunteer hours that members have put in to develop guidelines, advocate on behalf of radiologists and patients, and take on critical, lifesaving research projects. We truly appreciate your commitment to the CAR and would encourage you to renew your membership for 2026, if you have not done so already. I look forward to the year ahead and am exceptionally grateful for your continued support.
Dr. Alison Harris
President
Canadian Association of Radiologists