It is with considerable excitement that I embark on my new role as CAR President. After having served on the CAR Board of Directors for many years as a director, treasurer and vice-president, I am ready to take over the reins from Dr. Emil Lee.
I would like to acknowledge Emil and all the accomplishments he has achieved during his term. I will continue to lean on him and seek his counsel and advice.
With only being in in my new role for a couple of weeks, I already have a vision for the CAR to build on the foundation set and put our members at the center of what we do.
Education is an important area of focus. One of the CAR’s goals is to help make radiologists more successful in their practices. By offering quality continuing professional development through the CAR’s RAD Academy and at the annual CAR Meeting, we can build on existing knowledge and make radiologists stronger.
It is important that we continue to have a strong national voice and are recognized as subject matter experts in the medical community. We have come a long way in raising awareness for our profession and the importance that radiologists play in the medical continuum. We need to demonstrate our value even further. Now more than ever, there needs to be a better understanding of the value of diagnostic imaging for the future of healthcare in Canada.
During my term I intend to focus on advocating for the best interests of patients, reducing national wait times for medical imaging and encouraging greater public investments in capital equipment for imaging. Building on the initial Value of Radiology Report published by the Conference Board of Canada in 2017, we have committed to working with the Conference Board on a second study. The Value of Radiology 2.0 will help to support our national priorities and provide evidence for the federal government to invest in medical imaging equipment and solutions.
We cannot go forward without your support. The CAR will continue to engage with members and seek advice, leadership and expertise from our member working groups. I encourage you to become involved and add your voice to the 250 plus CAR volunteers from across the country.
Our specialty certainly faces challenges, but I believe working together we are stronger. I thank you for your confidence and I am humbled by all the support that I have received as I transition into this new role.
Dr. Michael Barry,
CAR President
To read Dr. Barry’s biography, click here.