A prominent CAR member is stepping into another major leadership position in his career. The CAR is proud to congratulate Dr. Michael Patlas on his recent appointment as Chair of the Department of Medical Imaging at the University of Toronto. He will begin his 5-year term on July 1, 2023.
Dr. Patlas makes the move to the University of Toronto (U of T) from McMaster University where he served as Professor and the inaugural Director of the Division of Emergency/Trauma Radiology in the Department of Radiology. He says he is thrilled to join his new colleagues.
“I am tremendously excited to lead an academic department at U of T because of its inclusive atmosphere and international leadership in science and education. I bring to the position two decades of experience at different academic medical centres and have a multi-faceted leadership background as editor, clinician, educator, and scientist. I started my journey in Canada as a clinical fellow at the U of T in 2002 and I am delighted to come back to lead this iconic department.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Patlas has consistently pursued leadership positions like his recent appointment and has since become a renowned radiologist and researcher in Canada and internationally. Other leadership positions to which he dedicates himself include Editor-in-Chief of the CAR Journal (CARJ) and President of the Canadian Emergency, Trauma, and Acute Care Radiology Society (CETARS), one of the CAR’s Affiliate Societies. Looking back to the early days of his career, it was a prominent CAR member who encouraged him to come to Toronto and begin his journey towards the leadership positions he holds today.
“When I was a resident, I used an ultrasound textbook edited by Dr. Stephanie Wilson, former CAR President, and visionary radiologist. I wrote to Dr. Wilson and explained that I was interested in ultrasound and research, and she invited me to apply to fellowship at the University of Toronto. It can be overwhelming to start working in a new country, especially at one of top 10 radiology departments in the world. I had to quickly learn about new entities which I didn’t encounter during my prior training, but I have fond memories of my fellowship, in particular camaraderie with other fellows and staff radiologists.”
Dr. Patlas credits his colleagues for their cooperation and influence on his career along the way.
“I was fortunate to collaborate with the CAR for almost 20 years and my involvement with the CETARS allowed me to establish a wide academic network. I am indebted to colleagues across Canada who helped me publish five books in last five years as Editor-in-Chief and to those who collaborated with me on numerous scientific and educational endeavours. I acquired in-depth knowledge of the Canadian academic community and radiology landscape. This knowledge empowered me to transition into leadership positions during my career.”
Coming into his new position, Dr. Patlas says he has a vision focused on the health and wellbeing of radiologists and medical imaging staff.
“Colleagues at the CAR encouraged me to tackle the topics of wellness and burnout in radiology and helped my team publish seminal Canadian papers on etiology and the prevalence of burnout. As incoming Chair, I see my colleagues and trainees as the most important assets of the department and plan to position wellness in the centre of everything we do.”
For the next generation of Canada’s radiology community, Dr. Patlas encourages actively building a strong professional network.
“My advice to younger colleagues: collaboration is key. Attend and present at conferences to establish your personal network. The CAR Annual Scientific Meeting is your unique opportunity to meet colleagues from across the country including your potential future employers.”
Congratulations once again to Dr. Patlas on his recent appointment and continued pursuit of leadership in radiology!