The CAR Journal (CARJ) is proud to select Atrial Strain by Feature-Tracking Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. Features, Feasibility, and Reproducibility as the 2024 Editor's Award winner.

Congratulations to each of the authors involved in the research and publication of this year's winning article: Drs. Pierpaolo Bassareo, Gloria Caredda, Riccardo Cau, Antonio Esposito, Luca Saba, and Jasjit S Suri. Read More

With the fall season approaching, advocacy is top of mind for the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR). The CAR has been diligently focusing our efforts on advocacy in preparation for the return of parliament and the federal economic update. Not only have we been targeting the Federal Government but also connecting with key stakeholders to ensure we are consistent with our messaging and approach. On August 3^rd, we will submit our 2025 Pre-Budget Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. The theme for this report is focused on Better Access to Medical Imaging.

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Public discourse has recently surrounded protocols for breast screening in Canada and how the country approaches women's breast health. This discussion was prompted by the release of the draft recommendations on screening for breast cancer by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) on May 30^th. Read More

Canada's first ever medical specialty journal is celebrating a major milestone with its latest published volume. The Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal (CARJ) released the first issue of its 75^th volume earlier this month, continuing its leadership in quality and consistency in the field of radiology research. Read More

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly built into technologies that we use in our everyday lives, and while it seems benign to use AI to delete an unwanted object from the background of a photo or draft a contract, the stakes are much higher when AI is brought into the field of medical imaging and the health of patients is impacted. To address this, several major radiological institutions from around the world came together to publish Developing, Purchasing, Implementing and Monitoring AI Tools in Radiology: Practical Considerations. A Multi-Society Statement From the ACR, CAR, ESR, RANZCR & RSNA. Read More

CAR President Dr. Ania Kielar shares highlights from this past year

The pandemic had a dramatic impact on healthcare delivery over the last few years. Although the acute pressures of COVID-19 are mostly behind us, patients continue to face lengthy waitlists for medical imaging. This is due to an array of variables including health human resource (HHR) shortages in radiology departments and a lack of modern medical imaging equipment. We are also seeing high levels of burnout among radiology professionals. These challenges are present across the country. Read More

The CAR 2023-27 Strategic Plan sets out the Association's goals and objectives and will help to guide the work of the CAR. This plan stems from a session with our Board of Directors in September 2022 in Halifax. Consultations with the Board and a member survey were the driving forces behind the development of this plan. Read More

Over the last twelve months, a plethora of exciting and enriching opportunities emerged to acquire Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits through the collaborative efforts of the CAR and its cutting-edge learning management system, RAD Academy. Recognized by its commitment to advancing professional development, CAR members were presented with a spectrum of avenues to accrue credits. Whether immersing themselves in the dynamic educational sessions at the annual scientific meeting (CAR 2023), fostering vibrant discussions in person, or participating in an array of live webinars seamlessly hosted in collaboration with the CAR Affiliate Societies, members seized the chance to deepen their knowledge and elevate their expertise. Read More

On October 19^th the CAR hosted its 8^th Annual Day on the Hill. This date was selected to coincide with the CAR Board Meeting in Ottawa. The purpose of the Day on the Hill is to advocate for the advancement of radiology at the national level and to raise awareness of the important role that radiologists play in the healthcare system. This year, the CAR partnered with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and Sonography Canada to develop recommendations to address the medical imaging crisis in Canada. Read More

Acquiring knowledge is often a critical first step in making meaningful change within a health care organization. The purpose of the CAR’s new CT Accreditation Program (CTAP) is to help organizations and facilities analyze data to better understand their own processes, policies, and technologies, with the aim of ensuring the highest possible standard of CT care. Read More

Do you know how many CT examinations were performed in your department last year? How many of those were head exams, or neck? Which exams were performed the most or least frequently? The CAR’s CT Accreditation Program (CTAP), which is nearing the completion of its pilot stage at Niagara Health under the leadership of Diagnostic Imaging Director Dr. Julian Dobranowski (McMaster University), is designed to analyze data points from imaging departments to develop metrics that drive change and maintain high standards of operation. It is a voluntary program for facilities that want to increase CT standards for their patients through continuous quality improvement. Read More

Celebrating the achievements of a very successful CAR Annual Scientific Meeting this past April, I have begun to embrace my role representing you as your President. The CAR is working on your behalf on many levels to help our members be more successful in their practices. Read More

Provided by the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)

Healthcare providers have an ethical, professional, and legal obligation to disclose to patient harm that arises from healthcare delivery. In cases where pathological analysis or diagnostic imaging have been misinterpreted, it may be appropriate for the pathologist or radiologist to participate in the disclosure process. Participating in discussions with patients is often complicated by the fact that pathologists and radiologists typically do not have direct interaction with patients. Read More

As the fall season ramps up, advocacy is top of mind for the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR). With parliament returning to session, it is an ideal opportunity for the CAR to resume our efforts in improving access to medical imaging for Canadians. In the last couple of weeks, we have been successful in getting the message out to the public through media coverage. Dr. Ania Kielar, CAR Vice-President spoke to Global News and CFRA 580 Ottawa about the need for a federal investment of $1 billion in new medical imaging equipment and the development of a health human resources strategy that incorporates radiology. Read More

From September 22-24 the CAR Board of Directors gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia to discuss the upcoming priorities for the fall and to undertake the development of a new strategic plan for the next five years. Despite the challenges presented from Hurricane Fiona, the Board, with representatives from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan (2), Ontario (2), Quebec (2), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia, the ACR and a resident representing the Resident and Fellow Section, weathered the storm and had a very productive discussion. The meeting kicked off with a presentation from Dr. Gilles Soulez, CAR President, summarizing the successes and highlights of the last several months. Read More

With the warmer weather upon us, for many of our members the focus is on summer vacations. I hope that you have been able to get away from work to recharge your batteries. I would like to thank our members for their continued support and recognize the many radiologist leaders who have taken time out of their hectic schedules, even through prime vacation season, to support and lead initiatives that will have a significant impact on patient care in Canada. Read More

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) is aware of the global shortage of iodinated contrast media (ICM). The CAR has been monitoring the situation at a national level with both our radiologist members and industry partners. In addition, the CAR has met with Health Canada to gain a better understanding of its efforts to monitor and respond to the shortage, and we have made an outreach to the federal Minister of Health to request a coordinated national response and public statement on this issue.  The following statement provides updated information for the Canadian medical imaging community about Health Canada’s mechanisms to monitor the shortage, and the efforts of manufacturers to mitigate the risk to Canadian patients. Additionally, it summarizes risk mitigation strategies relevant to this and any future shortages of ICM.   Read More

To help improve equality in access to healthcare, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation will be providing funding for an innovative project focused on improving access to healthcare for remote communities. This was made possible through a donation of $1 million from TD Bank Group. Read More

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. This project was championed by CAR members Drs. Marco Essig (University of Manitoba) and Nick Schieda (University of Ottawa). Read More

In response to member requests for formal guidance for radiologists, the CAR issued a position statement on the discontinuation of gonadal and fetal shielding for patients undergoing diagnostic X-ray examination. Routine shielding of patients remains common practice despite current scientific evidence that the practice provides negligible or no benefit and carries a substantial risk of increasing the patient’s radiation dose and compromising the diagnostic efficacy of imaging. Read More