ARRS and ACR plan to integrate services

The governing boards of the American College of Radiology and the American Roentgen Ray Society have reached an agreement in principle for a strategic integration that would leverage the unique strengths of each organization and provide the potential for enhanced service to radiologists and medical physicists seeking continuing medical education, quality and safety programs, and a strong voice in Washington.

The agreement in principle establishes a framework for the two organizations to realize operational efficiency, eliminate redundancies, and improve access to important educational content while maintaining the rich traditions and cultures of each.

Under the agreement, the educational missions of ARRS and ACR will be integrated, with ARRS taking the lead in developing and delivering scientific and educational programs for members of ACR and ARRS, according to a news release. ACR will focus on its unique strengths in the areas of government advocacy, economics and health policy, quality and safety, and clinical research.

"ACR and ARRS have worked collaboratively for years, and this bold step will serve to strengthen and unify our efforts even further," said Dr. James H. Thrall, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors in the release.

Members of both organizations can expect uninterrupted access to the highly valued offerings that they have previously received as members of their respective organizations. By combining forces, ACR and ARRS can expand and enhance these respective member services and devote greater resources to innovative new programs to better meet the needs of radiologists and medical physicists nationwide and around the world.

"The guiding principle of the affiliation is to build on the complementary strengths of both organizations while adding value to the membership," said Dr. John K. Crowe, ARRS president. Both governing boards will continue their respective roles and responsibilities, with cross-representation on each board.

Approval of the agreement in principle is a step forward. Once the details are finalized, the proposal will be presented to the ARRS membership in April for consideration. If approved, the new framework will take effect July 1.