European Society of Radiology gains momentum

The spirit of European harmonization has reached radiology. Plans for the European Congress of Radiology and the European Association of Radiology to form a new European Society of Radiology will come to a vote in the next few days.

"ECR 2005 is destined to be a momentous event in the history of radiology, because it will stage and mark our decision to redefine the institutions and to shape the future of European radiology," said EAR president Prof. Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis at the opening ceremony. "We are all aware of the officially expressed desire by our members last year to work toward the creation and establishment of a single house for radiology in Europe."

Representatives from the ECR and EAR have worked together with goodwill and cooperation on a proposed structure for the new society that incorporates the functions, needs, and future aspirations of both major stakeholders, Gourtsoyiannis said. The proposal received the informal backing of EAR members in December. The new statutes will be presented formally at both the EAR and ECR assemblies on Monday.

"We believe that the proposal fulfils the perceived needs and principles set, reflects the importance of national and specialty societies in the delivery of radiology in Europe, and guarantees stability and continued growth for European radiology," he said.

Creation of an ESR will be an important milestone for radiology in Europe, said Prof. Antonio Chiesa, ECR president. Although the ECR benefits greatly from the support it receives from national and subspecialty radiological societies, these groups in turn require a common institution to meet their common needs.

"In an ESR, thousands of European radiologists can have individual participation and, at the same time, national societies could draw common guidelines of integrated professional practices, teaching and educational methods, ethics, and all the necessary normative aspects for strong European radiology," he said.