From April 26-29, the radiologists from across Canada headed to Montreal for the CAR 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting. The theme Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: Present and Future was a great success and drew people to the meeting in record numbers. There were more than 560 participants, including a significant increase in the number of trainees who were able to attend.
A focus on artificial intelligence
The meeting kicked off with an opening reception, followed by a plenary lecture delivered by Dr. Ron Summers on The Impact of Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence on Radiology. Dr. Summers stressed that radiologists should not be intimidated or fearful of AI. Instead, radiologists should see current AI applications as enhancements to their workflows, while remaining cognizant of the gap between rhetoric about what AI can do and the reality of what it is currently capable of doing. On Friday morning, Dr. Jim Min delivered his lecture What Defines Better? Machine Learning in Medical Imaging, and captivated the delegates with his knowledge, style, and an analogy about Pac-Man. He emphasized regardless of how strong machine learning may appear, radiologists will continue to add value by their ability to see nuances and to provide actual care to patients.
Image reading face-off at the Saturday film panel
On Saturday afternoon, conference delegates were witness to a boisterous and good-natured competition between two teams of radiologists, hosted by Dr. Bruce Forster. With bragging rights at stake, the two teams competed to interpret complicated cases from a variety of modalities and body systems, interspersed with pop culture trivia. A wonderful time was had by all, especially the audience, who gamely chimed in with helpful suggestions and the answers when the opportunity presented itself.
Lively social events
The second annual 5K Fun Run on Friday morning brought together eager runners for an early trek around Old Montreal. Led by CAR President Dr. Emil Lee, the run was a was a great way to start the Friday scientific program off on an active, invigorated footing.
By Friday evening, delegates came together for a cocktail with vendors, sponsored by eRad. The Radiologist-in-Training Reception sponsored by AGFA on Friday evening drew a record number of radiology trainees together, and the entire group was treated to a fabulous view of Montreal on the 37th floor of Le Centre Sheraton.
On Saturday evening, the Awards Ceremony sponsored by Bracco was a highlight of the CAR 2018 meeting. Awards for the scientific research projects were given to truly outstanding teams and authors – it was a banner year for the breadth and scope of radiology research presented at the meeting. The Awards Ceremony also gave the CAR the opportunity to recognize our volunteers, without whom neither the meeting nor any of the other work that we do would be possible. Three outstanding CAR members were honoured with awards: Dr. Jacob Jaremko (Young Investigator Award), Dr. Mayank Goyal (Distinguished Career Achievement Award), and Dr. Larry Stein, who received a standing ovation while accepting his Gold Medal for his work on behalf of the CAR and for radiology in Canada over his long and fruitful career. The Awards Ceremony also saw the inaugural class of Fellowship of the CAR recipients being recognized by their peers, in a capstone to the ceremony that was a very fitting end to an evening of celebration and recognition of clinical excellence and statesmanship on behalf of radiology.
CAR 2018 was a rousing success, and we can’t wait to see you next year in Montreal!