In conjunction with a successful CAR 2019 annual scientific meeting (ASM), the CAR Board of Directors — made up of members from across the country — met together for a meeting. The board is committed and engaged. Here are a few highlights from the April 11 and 13th board meeting in Montreal.
Advocacy – Federal Election 2019: the cost of waiting for medical imaging and AI’s potential
The Board worked on honing messages for the next Day on the Hill on April 30th. The focus will be on the cost of waiting for imaging and the need for a federal diagnostic imaging equipment fund. Putting into action the CAR’s second white paper on the ethical and legal issues related to AI in Radiology, the CAR will bring forward the urgency for the federal government to act sooner than later on improved patient data governance.
Patient Safety – further investments in accreditation
The CAR Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP) is going digital. Further investment in software ensures the new electronic accreditation system will be in place later this summer. This also allows the CAR to explore the potential of expanding accreditation into other modalities. The CAR also heard more feedback on the change in the minimum number of mammography reads. This follows a well-attended webinar on March 14th as well as the FAQ on the website. The CAR is commits to working through this change with the community.
Member Value – Drs Lee and Flegg bringing good news from members on the road
From our e-newsletters to the recent road-show tour of the programs at McMaster, Western, Toronto, Queens and McGill, we know that membership is engaged. RAD Academy, STATdx and BMS insurance are all benefits members are taking advantage of. Past-President, Dr. Emil Lee and CAR Board of Directors Chair, Dr. Carolyn Flegg, were warmly welcomed. They heard constructive feedback too. As a result, the CAR will expand RAD Academy offerings and continue releasing guidelines. The Board was inspired by the roadshow initiative and will continue to do this tour on an annual basis to make sure that your voice is being heard and that we can enhance membership value.
The CAR AGM was held on Saturday, April 13 in Montreal. CAR Past-President, Dr. Emil Lee, provided an update on the strategic plan and presented the audited financials. Rest assured, the audited financials were unanimously reviewed and approved by the members in attendance. This was Dr. Lee’s final presentation as President at the AGM. Dr. Lee put his whole heart and mind into serving the CAR. Please join me in thanking him for his exemplary service to the radiology community in Canada. Congratulations to Dr. Michael Barry, who was inaugurated as CAR President the same day.
The CAR also has a new Board of Directors, including the newly inaugurated CAR President, Dr. Michael Barry. Click here to read up on their accomplished careers.