For more than 80 years, the CAR has been offering Canadian radiologists the opportunity to contribute towards excellence in healthcare via a national conduit. Our reciprocal association members are part of the history and future of radiology in Canada, ensuring the practice gains recognition, understanding and buy-in from key stakeholders. They are made up of the radiology associations/ societies of Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Their inclusion of a CAR membership allows the CAR to augment the national voice of radiology. Together, all members of the CAR impact patient care and the profession on provincial and national scales.
Our collective voice is being heard
In the fall of 2017, the CAR advocated on behalf of all members to the Standing Committee on Finance and during our November Day on the Hill. As radiology’s only national voice on Parliament Hill, CAR members approached the meetings knowing that every investment being requested meant a potential investment for each province. While the government did not allocate funding specific to the CAR’s asks, they did commit to investing in equipment through the Canada Foundation for Innovation to provide researchers with the tools that they need to succeed.
In our pre-budget submission, the CAR advocated for:
- An investment of $9M over three years to fund clinical decision support tools for diagnostic imaging;
- An investment of $612M over five years for medical imaging equipment;
- An investment of $10.5M over three years to guide the implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare;
- Reducing the burden on Canadian-controlled private corporation by limiting the impact of any tax changes.
The CAR will continue to advocate for radiologists in Canada through our work on Parliament Hill and parliamentary committees. We look forward to new opportunities for advocacy in 2018-19 in anticipation of the 2019 Budget in a federal election year.
Unified members create opportunities for patient care and education
In addition to advocating with governments and key stakeholders on the issues that matter, members lead radiology through their committed involvement in the CAR:
- Developing quality assurance initiatives (practice guidelines, referral guidelines, accreditation programs);
- Promoting the Value of Radiology – working to be seen, heard and understood nationally among decision and policy makers in our stakeholder community;
- Contributing to patient care and influencing CAR services and products through CAR working groups;
- Creating, accrediting and promoting opportunities for continuing medical education and research;
- Accessing academic resources and insights via the CARJ; and
- Participating in the Annual Scientific Meeting and gaining access to other CPD activities.
Together we create a compelling story
The CAR is a community. Each member forms part of the story of Canadian radiology innovation, resilience and endurance. There is a great deal of wisdom and leadership embodied in past presidents, award winners, board members and many other volunteers. Together we build an even more resilient organization and specialty. Because of you, we will successfully advocate for our patients and our profession. We will continue to be leaders in medicine for quality, safety and ultimately, patient care. As a CAR member, thank you for supporting the essential role of radiology in Canada’s healthcare ecosystem.