Dear Esteemed Members,
Season’s Greetings!
It gives me immense pleasure to communicate with you through Indian Journal of Radiology
and Imaging, as the President of IRIA.
I have been associated with the journal since the last two decades as a reviewer and
as a member of its editorial board. I feel a tremendous sense of pride that it is
now a widely respected and read, PubMed indexed Radiology journal across the world.
First of all, I want to congratulate IRIA Gujarat chapter, for a successful National
Conference in Gandhinagar. Everything from the academic sessions to the hospitality
was perfect.
Being President IRIA to me means striving for the betterment of IRIA and its members.
It means positive contribution at all times. I intend to continue the legacy of IRIA.
I RIA constitution has two main objectives. One is to promote the study and practice
of diagnostic radiological and imaging modalities. Other is to protect and preserve
the interest and welfare of its members. I shall continue to be dedicated in the same
way, as I have demonstrated my commitment towards the organisation as well as the
radiologist fraternity over the years, whether at State, ICRI, or IRIA level.
During my tenure key points in my agenda would be as follows
White Paper on Artificial Intelligence in Radiology
White Paper on Artificial Intelligence in Radiology
Artificial Intelligence is permeating our personal and professional environment. Considering
the rapid rate of technological advances in this field and the large impact they will
have on radiology, I propose a White Paper on Artificial Intelligence in Indian Radiology
by the IRIA.
Breakthroughs in medical imaging technology and research have led to exponential growth
of medical imaging data stored in digital format over the past two decades. It is
critical that radiologists participate and lead in the implementation of data-driven
systems.
I intend to create a working group that will help in the formation of this white paper.
The aim of this working group will be to:
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Carry out research and examine the potential impact of AI in Indian Radiology
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Define Essential AI terminology
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Act as IRIA spokespeople regarding its use in radiology
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Structuring guidelines for clinical applications and implementation of AI in radiology.
On the first day of the 73rd national conference of IRIA, we had a terrific session, where we discussed the impact
of AI on Radiology, especially in India. The unanimous decision was that machines
will never be able to replace the human touch.
Turf erosion and turf expansion
All of us have faced the threat of turf erosion. Few clinicians recognize the quality
training of a Radiologist. We as a community need to tactfully deal with this problem.
Sub-specialization will not only arrest the increasing turf war but also help to expand
our turf.
Sub-specialization in radiology
Global trends have seen a rise in sub-specialization in healthcare and more so in
radiology. In India, we neither have enough training programs for sub-specialists
nor befitting jobs for them. IRIA and ICRI have been continuously working in this
sector. I am aware that the transition is difficult and the process is long-drawn.
I fully intend to carry on the work of setting up a platform for General Radiologist
to move a notch above to a sub-specialist. Not only in Foetal Radiology but also Neuro
Radiology, Chest Radiology, Musculoskeletal Radiology, Minor Interventions, etc.
IRIA will also strive to work with the government to create sub-specialty departments
in India.
Outreach program
Radiology is one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine. Most of us, who stay in
metros and towns, have a wide availability of good teaching courses through which
we are able to streamline with the changes and reinvent ourselves.
However, IRIA has its members spread across the country, some in very remote areas.
They do not have easy access to good learning activities.
Outreach program for such radiologists continues to gain momentum.
Several dedicated teachers having been sacrificing their valuable time and reaching
out to such places to share their knowledge and skills with these members. This has
provided the radiologists opportunities to update themselves. I congratulate ICRI
for the commendable job done so far.
We will continue to reinforce the Program so that our radiology community can benefit
as a whole.
Mentoring the Young Radiologists
Mentoring the Young Radiologists
Inspired by the success of the Outreach Program, I am proud to announce the Mentorship
Program.
It will be an innovative program that through the online platform, links radiology
students in India with successful Radiologists around the world. One-on-one interaction
is the oldest form of teaching.
Mentor Program will provide encouragement and guidance to the mentees.
I have connected with more than 100 Indian Radiologist friends and colleagues, spread
across the Globe. They have shown a keen interest in Mentoring Radiology students
in India. The mentors will serve as role models and teach and motivate their mentees
to achieve their professional and academic goals.
Mentees will be typically selected from 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year radiology students, who will benefit from this mentoring relationship in their
career and professional development. The Mentor and Mentee can communicate with each
other through phone, email, WhatsApp, video calling, etc.
We, radiologists, are from an era when Indian Radiologists were regarded as mere photographers.
There was very less interaction with patients. We are the first to diagnose a patient
and so, with clinical judgment fading, we need to inculcate the habit in the students
to be at the forefront of patient management. They should talk the same language as
clinicians. I believe the mentors are better equipped for this because they work in
the same environment abroad. Mentors will also instill research and publication habits
in students.
Mentors, in turn, will benefit by achieving intellectual stimulation and personal
gratification from giving back to their country and profession.
PCPNDT
PCPNDT is a law with righteous objective, to prevent pre-conception and pre-natal
sex determination and thus preventing female feticide. Despite the righteous objective,
the implementation of PCPNDT is an issue. The ground level authorities have focused
more on clerical errors rather than the broader picture. This has led to many instances
of harassment of radiologists. For the uniform implementation of the act, I propose
4 Ps:
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Prevention by way of coaching Radiologists
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Protection by providing legal assistance
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Procedure for uniform implementation of the law
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PCPNDT Incidence Registry to collect data on PCPNDT violations.
We are accountable both to the people and to the medical profession; therefore we
will help the government to achieve its objective of “Save the Girl child”, but without
unnecessary harassments to the Radiology community.
Digitization
All of you are well aware that digital transformation is revolutionizing every industry.
Everything is just a few clicks away and so should be the communication between IRIA
and its members. The portal is live now and I congratulate Dr. Hemant Patel and his
team for diligently working on this project. This portal will speed up the processes
of:
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Membership enrolment
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Social Security application
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Accessing information on conferences and teaching programs across India, etc.
Membership drive
Currently out of 20,000 plus radiologists practicing in India only about 17,000 are
members of the IRIA. The younger radiologists have not been as quick to join the association.
Maybe the procedure has been a little complicated for them. As the process of membership
becomes digital my aim would be to encourage all of them to join IRIA and keep the
unified voice of the organization loud and strong.
At this juncture I would appeal to all the members to encourage their colleagues and
fellow radiologists to join this membership drive.
The Entreprenuer Radiologist- a Master of All Trades
The Entreprenuer Radiologist- a Master of All Trades
History of radiology has been witness to a plethora of changes. But these changes
have been possible only when the previous model has been financially successful in
providing for new technology. Our radiologists cannot just remain in a “radiology
box”. They also need to be some sort of financial wizards, otherwise, without reliable
volume and predictable income how can they keep pace with the ever-changing radiology
trends and plan for a secure financial future?
Entrepreneurship has been a daunting challenge for radiologists. It is due to the
fact that in medical schools they are being taught academics and the depths and heights
of the subject. But these temples of learning fail to equip students to tackle challenges
ranging from setting up a practice to establishing its viability and also financially
be ready for the next upgrade. To overcome the radiologists’ dilemma, a platform needs
to be set up at the IRIA level, which can inform and guide them to set up good practices.
They can be informed of the current trends, appropriate machine selection, ethics
of practice, etc.
Social Obligations
RAKSHA- “Save the girl child”, has been an important initiative of IRIA.
The gravest issue which India faces at present is a skewed sex ratio on account of
discrimination of women. It is a social issue and not really associated with radiologists.
However, because of the kind of work we do, we are often blamed for some untoward
incidences.
IRIA will encourage its members in “Save Girl Child Campaign”, and take strict action
against Radiologists indulging in unlawful activities. I really do wish we are able
to achieve our goals fast so that a program like RAKSHA is no longer required by our
little girls!
Woman empowerment
Women have a great ability to be multifunctional. They can be amazing wives, mothers,
and exceptional Radiologists. To empower our women radiologists and young talent embarking
on their career, IRIA shall conduct National Women’s Imaging CMEs, special training
programs, and conferences, where both the organizers and faculty will be women.
Social security
As busy individuals, we sometimes forget that we are mortal entities and hence do
not take necessary steps to fortify our family’s future. Dr. Suresh Sabu has been
instrumental in the implementation of social security for IRIA members. He has done
a commendable job. I intend to strengthen his shoulders by extending full co-operation
to him and providing him with some helping hands.
I appeal to all members of the IRIA to take advantage of this beneficial scheme.
In conclusion, I pledge to serve the IRIA at all times in the spirit of fidelity and
commitment to the common good and in accordance with the purpose and principles of
IRIA.
At this juncture, I would like to twist the words of Lord Tennyson and say “So much
to do… so little time.”
I request your active participation during my tenure because without your help and
support I can do very little.
Long Live Radiology!
Long Live IRIA!
Jai Hind!
