The professional and organizational future of imaging

The need for subspecialisation in radiology and the relationship of general and subspecialist radiologists is very diverse in different regions of the world according to the reports presented at the ESR International Summit, organised by the ESR during the European Congress of Radiology in March 2015 in Vienna. The International Summit is held once a year by the ESR and its national and international radiological partner societies from outside Europe with the aim to address and discuss selected subjects of global relevance in radiology. In 2015, the relationship between general and subspecialist radiologists was analysed. It was shown that the situation differs immensely between developed and developing countries; in developed countries, a considerable proportion of radiologists are subspecialty trained; subspecialty radiologists practise mainly in large and academic departments, and many radiologists practise as multispecialty radiologists. In many developing countries only general radiologists—if available at all—practise radiology, and imaging interpretation is often performed by physicians with very limited relevant training or in some cases even by non-physicians.Main messages• Subspecialisation and preservation of the integrity of the radiology profession are relevant for improved patient care.• Subspecialisation is needed in large departments, providing the basis for innovation and research.• Subspecialty sections should preferably remain within the overarching radiology department.• Shared facilities, efficient use of resources and common organisational structures are beneficial.• A multispecialty radiologist model is an option to build robust academic and private practices.

Section: Situation In Europementioning

confidence: 99%

Summary of the proceedings of the International Summit 2015: General and subspecialty radiology

2016

“…Collaboration with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other clinicians who routinely refer patients for cardiac imaging is essential for the success in both clinical practice and research [3]. Collaboration with cardiologists will allow the radiologist to better understand the fundamental questions to which their clinical colleagues need answer.…”

Section: Strategies For the Promotion Of Radiologists’ Contribution Tmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An analysis of the publication data in CMR has shown that radiologists initially authored most of the publications involving cardiac MR, but now the balance has shifted [2]. The current roles of radiologists in general and their involvement in cardiac imaging have been challenged by other specialities [3]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Research in cardiac radiology: a European Society of Radiology white paper

2010

“…I do, however, also realise that by subspecialisation there is a risk for erosion and fragmentation of radiology as a specialty, as pointed out by the ESR executive council in 2009 [ 4 ]. But things can and will not stay as they are today.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The spider model for clinical involvement in radiology

Reekers

2014

How to stay in the driver’s seat in the future as a radiologist: subspecialisation and direct clinical involvement are crucial to remain of added value to the hospital.Teaching PointsSubspecialisation and clinical involvement are crucial for future radiologists.Visibility of the radiologist is important.The European Society of Radiology (ESR) should coordinate subspecialisation with teaching and accreditation.