The CAR Resident and Fellow Section will be under new leadership in the upcoming academic year. Dr. Kiana Lebel is set to take over as RFS Chair for 2022-23, a role previously occupied by the departing RFS Chair Dr. Jessica Dobson.
Dr. Lebel, currently a resident radiologist at the Université de Montréal, has dedicated much of her education and career to working with vulnerable and marginalized populations in Canada. She published the first ever literary review on diversity in Canadian radiology titled The Status of Diversity in Canadian Radiology—Where We Stand and What Can We Do About It?, which was a catalyst in the creation of the CAR’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group.
Dr. Lebel is looking forward to taking on this new role. “I am excited and very grateful for the opportunity to represent radiologists-in-training within the CAR. I decided to apply for the position of the RFS chair to develop my leadership skills and collaborate with radiologists, fellows, residents, and medical students who are passionate about radiology and motivated to improve our community,” said Dr. Lebel.
Mentorship has also been a major priority in Dr. Lebel’s career. Prior to becoming RFS Chair, Dr. Lebel led the Medical Student Network (MSN) as Coordinator and worked with Canadian students from across the 17 faculties of medicine, developing the first mentorship network in radiology which involves 60 residents and 60 medical students.
“The position of MSN coordinator has allowed me to collaborate with motivated students on projects to increase medical students’ exposure to radiology. This experience has given me the tools to develop my leadership and project management skills. Also, this year, the MSN will become independent from the RFS. This is an exciting opportunity, and I will be able to ensure a smooth transition,” says Dr. Lebel. She is embarking on her term as RFS Chair with the aim of increasing involvement and leadership opportunities for Canadian residents and fellows.
“I hope to increase the involvement of residents and fellows within the CAR. Therefore, one of the initiatives I am recommending includes the creation of a I leadership training Bootcamp for the RFS representatives and the Executive Board. Also, I am hoping to offer a 4-session leadership series for radiologists-in-training, hosted by influential Canadian radiologists. Finally, I would love to organize an interactive and high-quality Equity, Diversity and inclusion (EDI) training for radiologists-in-training,” shares Dr. Lebel.
With her experience in leadership, mentoring, and EDI initiatives, she will undoubtedly be a success as RFS Chair. A tremendous thank you to Dr. Jessica Dobson for her leadership this past year as RFS Chair. Her dedication to the position resulted in many successful initiatives for radiologists in training in 2021/22.
Congratulations to Dr. Lebel!