CAR - Canadian Association of Radiologists
The Canadian Association of Radiologists is the national specialty association for radiologists, dedicated to medical imaging excellence in patient care
By Dr. Michael Patlas, CAR Journal Editor-in-Chief
The Editorial Board of the CAR Journal (CARJ) is thrilled to announce that the journal’s impact factor has increased to an all-time high of 1.726. I would like to extend a special thank you to my predecessor Dr. Peter Munk for advancing the journal. The growth of impact factor was driven by strong publications related to artificial intelligence, contrast material, and practice guidelines.
What a busy year it has been! The CSTR would like to let you know what we’ve been up to this past year and what is coming up next. [Read more…] about Spring Update from the Canadian Society of Thoracic Imaging
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. [Read more…] about Shared vision among CAR members amplifies the voice for all radiologists
As the national specialty society for radiologists in Canada, the CAR has made education a strategic priority; our emphasis on supporting the learning and development of our membership and the Canadian radiology community at large is a key pillar of success.
Learn more about the CAR’s CME/CPD Program, our offerings and more.
Learn how you can accredit your upcoming program or activity.
Discover activities and resources designed, developed and curated to meet your specific education requirements.
As the national specialty society for radiologists in Canada, the CAR has made education a strategic priority; our emphasis on supporting the learning and development of our membership and the Canadian radiology community at large is a key pillar of success.
CAR is committed to promoting lifelong learning and research that helps radiologists contribute to the very best health care for patients. Through our educational programming, we strive to develop, deliver, and promote continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities that help radiologists stay at the leading edge of medical imaging healthcare.
To empower radiologists across Canada with evidence-based research, cutting-edge education, innovative techniques, and advanced skills to ensure the highest standards of patient care and diagnostic accuracy.
Guided by our member-centred ‘Pillars of Success’, advocacy, education, patient care, research and innovation and engagement, our education program aims to achieve the following key objectives:
The program is dedicated to providing radiologists with the latest advancements in medical imaging and diagnostics, equipping them with the resources and tools needed to make accurate and timely clinical decisions. We strive to cultivate a community of radiology professionals who are well-versed in the latest advancements in medical imaging, diagnostic techniques, and patient-centered care. The spectrum of our CME-CPD program is designed to instill a deep understanding of radiological principles, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills.
Radiology is ever evolving, with new technologies shaping the way diagnoses are made and treatments are planned. Our program places a strong emphasis on staying at the forefront of technological advancements, preparing radiologists and radiologists-in-training to leverage cutting-edge tools to provide accurate and timely diagnoses. We embrace innovation as the cornerstone of progress in radiology. Through our programs, we aim to introduce radiologists to emerging technologies, techniques, and research that push the boundaries of the field. By fostering an environment of interest and forward thinking, we strive to contribute to the evolution of radiology practice.
The CAR is dedicated to curating a diverse range of educational experiences that cater to radiologists at various stages of their careers. From foundational updates to specialized workshops, we are committed to offering comprehensive educational opportunities that empower radiologists to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare in Canada and beyond. We strive to provide radiologists and radiologist-in-training (medical students, residents, and fellows) with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to expand their knowledge base, refine their skills, and stay current with evolving best practices and evidence-based research.
Upholding the highest ethical standards in radiological practice is non-negotiable. We prioritize teaching radiologists not only technical skills but also ethical considerations, ensuring patient safety, privacy, and respect are at the forefront of every decision made.
Collaboration is essential for optimal patient care and is at the heart of effective healthcare. We are committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment that encourages interprofessional cooperation among radiologists, technologists, clinicians, and other healthcare providers. By facilitating open communication and knowledge-sharing, we enhance the collective expertise of the healthcare community.
As an exclusive benefit of membership, CAR members have access to RAD Academy - an online learning platform that showcases innovative trends and technologies, improvements to patient care, and ways to and strengthen leadership and business acumen in radiology.
RAD Academy features a suite of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities eligible for Royal College Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credit.
RAD Academy also includes a dedicated space for radiologists-in-training, showcasing trainee-specific information and resources. The CAR Resident and Fellow Section (RFS) delivers content ‘for trainees, by trainees’ related to leadership, advocacy, quality and safety, economics, education, and career development.
The CAR annual scientific meetings provide collaborative learning opportunities to enhance radiologists’ knowledge and competencies in diagnostic and therapeutic medical imaging to help deliver optimal quality health care for patients and the Canadian public at large.
The meetings, which bring together practicing radiologists and leading researchers from around the world, cover a broad range of subjects designed for both practicing radiologists and radiologists-in-training.
As the official journal of the CAR, the CARJ brings the latest research, editorials, and clinical practice guidelines to subscribers four times per year, online and in print.
The CAR offers two types of interactive CPD activities derived from each CARJ issue for radiologists to earn continuing professional development (CPD) credits that qualify for credits which can be applied towards the Royal College’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements: Clinical Practice Guideline modules and Insights4Imaging, the CAR’s journal-based self-assessment program.
Accredited radiology programs and activities offer excellent learning opportunities for medical imaging professionals to stay at the cutting edge in their field. As an approved accredited CPD provider for the Royal College, the CAR accredits CPD activities and programs that fulfill the criteria and requirements identified in the National Standard.
The CAR is always seeking opportunities to work collaboratively with other health organizations on various educational initiatives, including eLearning modules, webinars, workshops, etc. If you have a radiology project or initiative you would like to pursue or would liker to collaborate on, contact [email protected]
The CAR recently developed a contrast agent infographic to inform patients, families, and the public about types of contrast, common uses, and the patient experience with medical imaging that uses contrast. The infographic can be displayed by radiologists in their facilities across Canada and promoted online. It is a patient-facing document that addresses common patient concerns.
Radiologists are doctors who specialize in interpreting medical imaging results and treating conditions using minimally-invasive procedures guided by imaging. If you've undergone an exam or procedure using medical imaging such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, or mammography, then a radiologist has been part of your diagnosis or treatment. Radiologists help patients by:
Our members are respected as experts in using medical imaging technology to promote safe, efficient and quality healthcare for Canadians.
Diagnosing an illness or disease and determining if treatment is working often requires physicians and other healthcare providers to see inside the body and look in ways the human eye cannot. A number of different imaging exams can be used to provide this view, including X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, CT scan, and PET scan. Radiologists are the physicians who specialize in interpreting the results of these imaging exams. Family physicians and other specialists turn to radiologists for consultation on the safest and most effective exam, and what the results mean for the patient and the treatment options.
In many cases, you will not meet the radiologist who is working on your behalf. You can trust, however, that they have the knowledge and experience to help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health care.
The CAR believes that patients and their families are at the centre of the healthcare team. That’s why this section of our website contains practical information you can use to make safe and effective choices.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the CAR has created an electronic and print version poster, A Patient’s Journey Through Breast Cancer Screening, for you to showcase at your workplace and through social media. Help us raise awareness for this important cause and promote the essential role of radiologists in diagnosing breast cancer by sharing these resources within your network.
The posters are also available on the CAR website
The CAR is an active participant of Choosing Wisely Canada(CWC), a physician-led national public education campaign that encourages physicians and patients to engage in conversations about the best choices in tests, treatments and procedures, with a view to helping them make informed and effective decisions that ensure high-quality care.
Click on the following links for resources related to medical imaging procedures made available through CWC:
The CAR is a proud member of the International Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging. For information to help you make informed choices about diagnostic imaging for your child, please visit the Resources for Parents page of the Image Gently website.
The CAR is a partner in the Medical Imaging Team, whose publications help the public identify the role of each of the healthcare professionals (physicians, physicists, sonographers and technologists) who collaborate to improve the health of Canadians through diagnostic imaging.
Among the important patient resources developed by the Medical Imaging Team is a brochure which provides patients with basic information regarding medical imaging to help them make informed decisions about their health. Additional information is also available at the Information for Patients and Their Families page of the Medical Imaging Team website.
RadiologyInfo.org, the Radiological Society of North America’s patient resources website, provides information on various radiology tests and treatments as well as information about how patients can prepare, what they may experience and more.
We consider the information RadiologyInfo.org provides useful for general purposes. However, we must caution that some American radiological procedures and practices are not the same as in Canada and encourage those who have questions or concerns related to medical imaging procedures in Canada to speak with their physician. Please also note that the information is available only in English and Spanish.
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote patient safety and ensure the best healthcare for patients, the CAR accredits radiology clinics whose equipment, processes and people meet the highest standards. Our accreditation program currently applies to mammography clinics. The CAR will soon develop accreditation programs for other types of medical imaging.
Disclaimer: The CAR does not provide medical advice, and does not and cannot respond to requests for direct feedback, specific patient information or physician referrals.     Â
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) is the national specialty society for radiologists in Canada. We are committed to promoting the highest standards of patient care, lifelong learning, research, and helping radiologists contribute to the very best health care for patients.
Is to be the national voice for medical imaging excellence in patient care.
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) is:
As the national voice for radiologists, the CAR empowers its members to be more successful in their practices through education, research and innovation.
We work with governments, health professionals and technology leaders to make optimal use of medical imaging. Our goal is to ensure the right tests are performed on patients at the right time.
We also serve as the voice of Canadian radiology so that governments, the public and media are fully informed about the benefits of medical imaging, the challenges we face and the solutions we propose.
We create, accredit and promote opportunities for continuing professional development and research, helping radiologists stay at the leading edge of medical imaging healthcare.
