RANZCR Inside News June 2026

Quarterly publication of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists

Better Together He waka eke noa

Connect and collaborate at our 76th ASM at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Also inside RAB in Action Strengthening radiology skills in Tanzania.

Lifting the Lid Behind the scenes at RANZCR, part two.

SIGs Special Eight pages of news from our special interest groups.

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Volume 22 No 3 — June 2026

4 Message from the President

Dr Rajiv Rattan's reflects on budget season.

6 Message from the CEO

Duane Findley discusses what good governance looks like.

9 Education in Action

Behind the scenes of RAB’s latest visit to Tanzania.

10 Mātauranga in Practice

An interview with Prof Ngatai Taepa, who created a special artwork for our NZ office.

11 Medicine Meets Music

Hear from members involved with the Australian Doctors Orchestra. 12 Lifting

The

Dr Peter Hunter, Fellow,

Dr David Clowes, Fellow, QLD Dr Samuel William, Fellow, SA

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-In-Chief

Dr Allan Wycherley

Editor Arizona Atkinson

RANZCR acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the sky, lands, waters and culture and we pay our respect to their Elders past and present and emerging. RANZCR acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Publication of advertisements and articles submitted by external parties does not constitute any endorsement by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists of the products or views expressed. Inside News © 2026 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists® (RANZCR®)

The Season of Money Matters

As budget season sharpens the focus on resources, RANZCR President Dr Rajiv Rattan explores how smart investment in workforce, clinical decision support and sustainability can strengthen the College, support members and improve patient care.

As I sit down to write this, we’re once again in the thick of budget season— that familiar stretch between the Federal treasurer’s May Budget speech and the end of the financial year on 30 June. It’s the time when many of us find ourselves kneedeep in spreadsheets, tax advice, payroll questions and the annual ritual of financial reporting. We do it because we must, and because, as Randy Newman put it so bluntly, “It’s money that matters, whatever you do.”

So let’s talk about money—and more importantly, what it means for our College, our professions and our patients.

This year, RANZCR made a preBudget submission, something we last did in 2024. In that earlier submission, we secured Commonwealth funding to continue the Regional and Rural Training Program (RRTP), a landmark initiative we launched in 2023 to address the chronic shortage of radiologists and radiation oncologists outside major cities. Our 2020 workforce census painted the picture starkly: in Australia’s major cities, there was one clinical radiologist for every nine people; outside those cities, it was one for every 25. Radiation oncology faces similar challenges, particularly in New Zealand. These inequities have persisted for years, and they have real consequences for patients and communities. The RRTP is one of the most promising solutions we’ve ever put forward.

This year, we are seeking a further $2.6 million to complete training

for the seven current RRTP trainees and to establish a permanent rural and regional training pathway with funded places for another 30 trainees. We are also engaging with private-sector partners to support this work. The demand is certainly there—the pilot was inundated with applications from junior doctors —and the ‘train to retain’ model is now widely recognised as the most effective way to address workforce maldistribution.

We have also asked the government to fund a national pilot of iRefer clinical decision support (CDS) systems in urgent care clinics, of which there are now more than 135 across Australia. RANZCR first piloted iRefer with GPs in 2022, in partnership with the RACGP. The results were compelling: one in 20 imaging requests was changed or cancelled following CDS prompts. With Medicare spending on diagnostic imaging now exceeding $5 billion a year, even a modest reduction in unnecessary imaging would save hundreds of millions of dollars—and more importantly, reduce patient burden.

But money is only part of the story. The benefits of these proposals extend far beyond the financial. Increasing the number of clinical radiologists and radiation oncologists in regional areas means fewer patients travelling hundreds of kilometres for diagnosis or treatment. Expanding CDS systems means fewer unnecessary tests, shorter waiting times, lower out-of-pocket costs and a lighter environmental footprint.

That environmental impact is

“EOFY reminds us that money matters but it also reminds us what truly sustains us.”

not trivial. A 2023 RSNA report estimated that the energy required for a single abdominal MRI produces greenhouse emissions equivalent to driving a car 290 kilometres. Up to 40 per cent of MRI energy use occurs during downtime—overnight and on weekends—when no patients are being scanned. In 2016, CT and MRI together contributed an estimated 0.8 per cent of global emissions, roughly a third of aviation’s contribution in 2023. And while AI is an exciting frontier for our professions, we must acknowledge that it is both energy-intensive and water-hungry.

So what can we do? Our colleagues at The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) have developed a practical checklist of sustainability measures. Some are simple and universal—switching off lights in unused areas, shutting down scanners and computers overnight, reviewing data storage. Others are more specific to our work, such as capturing leaks of greenhouse gases like sulphur hexafluoride. The RCR also encourages us to consider the patient journey: how far they must travel, whether mobile X-ray services could reduce unnecessary trips, and how we can design care pathways that minimise environmental impact.

The RCR acknowledges that sustainability can feel like a low priority amid the pressures of clinical practice. But the truth is that sustainable practices often save money, reduce waste and contribute to a healthier planet—goals that align with our responsibilities as

clinicians and as citizens.

Ultimately, though, the sustainability of our College rests not on budgets or technology but on people—our members and our volunteers. The countless hours contributed by Fellows on committees, examination panels, reference groups, councils and the Board is what keeps the College moving forward. They shape our advocacy, uphold our training standards and ensure our assessments remain rigorous. Without our volunteers, we simply would not make it to another EOFY.

Every RANZCR President makes this plea, and I am no exception: if you have the capacity, please consider volunteering. Our medium-term objectives—to be the voice of our sector, to maintain the highest standards in training and CPD, and to improve the working lives of our members—are only achievable with your time,

expertise and enthusiasm. The rewards are real: you help shape the future of our professions, you join conversations that connect colleagues across institutions, regions and countries, and you develop skills in governance, policy and leadership.

To support this, we are launching a year-long leadership program in August, combining in-person sessions with online learning. It is one more way we are investing in the people who sustain our College.

EOFY reminds us that money matters—but it also reminds us what truly sustains us: our shared purpose, our commitment to patients and the generosity of our members. Thank you for everything you do. IN

The Heart of Good Governance

Good governance protects trust, strengthens decision-making and underpins everything the College delivers to members.

Duane Findley, CEO

“

People don’t notice good governance, but they sure do notice poor governance.”

It’s a simple observation, but one that resonates strongly in the current environment. When governance is working well, it is largely invisible. Systems run smoothly, decisions are made with clarity and integrity, and organisations deliver on their purpose without distraction. But when governance fails, it becomes impossible to ignore. Trust and confidence erode quickly and the consequences can be profound. Across public, private and professional sectors, we have seen recent examples of governance falling short. In too many democratic countries, issues around transparency, decision-making processes, and accountability have highlighted how quickly public confidence can be undermined when governance frameworks are not consistently upheld by those entrusted to safeguard them. Similarly, closer to home in the medical community, the governance challenges experienced by the Royal Australasian College of

Physicians have served as a sobering reminder that even well-established institutions are not immune. These situations are complex and multifactorial, and it is not about attributing blame to individuals. Rather, they reinforce an important truth: governance is only as strong as both the systems in place and the people entrusted to uphold them.

Good Governance

At its core, good governance is often misunderstood as being primarily about structures—Boards, committees, policies, constitutions. These elements are, of course, essential. They provide clarity of roles, define authority, establish processes, and ensure compliance with regulatory expectations. But structures alone are not sufficient. True governance excellence requires two important components:

1. Strong Structures and Systems

This includes:

Clear constitutional frameworks and bylaws

Well-defined committee structures with appropriate delegations

Robust foundation documents and policies covering areas such as declaring and removing potential conflicts of interest, risk management, and decisionmaking processes

Alignment with external standards, including those set by government and regulators

Transparent documentation and reporting mechanisms

These elements create consistency and reduce ambiguity. They ensure that decisions are made in the right forum, with the right authority, and with appropriate oversight.

2. The Right People and Culture

Equally critical are the people operating within these structures:

Leaders who understand and respect governance boundaries

A culture of integrity, transparency and accountability

Willingness to declare and manage conflicts of interest

The fearlessness and confidence to challenge constructively when something does not feel right

A shared commitment to acting in the best interests of the organisation and its members— not individual agendas

Without this human element, even the most carefully designed governance frameworks can fail. Policies can be bypassed, structures can be undermined, and trust can quickly deteriorate.

Lessons from Failures

Recent governance failings, both internationally and within our own professional community, highlight a number of recurring themes:

Blurring of roles and responsibilities, leading to confusion and weakened oversight

Inadequate declaration and management of conflicts of interest, eroding trust in decisionmaking

Insufficient transparency, creating perceptions (or realities) of exclusion or bias

Breakdowns in communication and culture, where concerns are not raised or addressed appropriately

These are not unique to any one organisation or jurisdiction. They are risks inherent in all complex institutions; particularly those, like ours, that are member-based and

rely on a mixture of elected and appointed leadership. Each of us should not view these failures as distant or isolated events, but as opportunities for reflection. They remind us that good governance cannot be taken for granted. It requires constant attention and continuous improvement.

Governance at RANZCR

At RANZCR, significant effort has been invested over recent years to strengthen our governance framework. This has not always been the most visible work, but it is foundational to everything we do.

Some of the key elements underpinning strong governance within our College include:

Clear and Evolving Structures

A well-defined Board, Council, and committee framework, with clear roles and responsibilities

Regular review and refinement of governance settings to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose

Alignment with laws and regulatory obligations and broader expectations of specialist medical colleges and our members

Robust Policies and Processes

Strong and visible foundational documents that are updated to reflect best current practice,

Comprehensive conflict of interest policies, with increasing focus on transparency and proactive management

Defined processes for nominations, appointments and decision-making

Strong documentation and reporting practices to support accountability

A Focus on Integrity and Culture

A leadership cohort committed to acting in the best interests of the College and its members

Open discussion of governance issues, recognising that

transparency builds trust

Encouragement of respectful challenge and debate within appropriate forums

A recognition by our members and staff that when something does not look or feel “right”, then they have a duty to raise this.

Continuous Improvement

Ongoing review of governance practices, informed by both internal experience and external developments

Willingness to learn from issues— both our own and those observed in other organisations

Recognition that governance is not static, but must evolve alongside expectations and complexity

Why This Matters for Members

Why should governance matter to the average member? The answer is straightforward. Good governance underpins everything the College delivers.

When governance is strong:

Training programs are credible and trusted

Standards are applied consistently and fairly

Advocacy positions carry weight and authority

Decisions reflect the interests of the profession

The reputation of the College (and its members) is protected Conversely, when governance falters, the impact can be widespread:

Confidence in training and standards may be questioned

Members may feel excluded or disenfranchised

External stakeholders may lose trust in the College’s voice

Time and resources are diverted from strategic priorities to managing issues

Governance is not an abstract concept. It has direct, tangible implications for your professional environment and the standing of our specialties.

A Shared Responsibility

While the Board and leadership of the College carry formal responsibility for governance, maintaining high standards is ultimately a shared endeavour.

As members, you play a critical role:

By engaging constructively with College processes

By declaring and managing conflicts of interest appropriately

By participating in committees and governance roles

By raising concerns where you see potential issues

By supporting a culture of professionalism and accountability

Strong governance is about safeguarding the integrity of our College and ensuring that it continues to serve its members, and the communities we care for, effectively.

Looking Ahead

The environment in which we operate is becoming more complex, not less. Scrutiny is increasing, and rightly so. That is why our focus at RANZCR will remain on:

Strengthening governance frameworks where needed

Supporting leaders and members to understand their roles

Continuing to embed a culture of transparency, integrity and accountability

Learning from both our own experiences and those of others Returning to the opening quote, people may not notice good governance, but they will certainly notice poor governance.

Our task is to ensure that RANZCR remains an organisation where governance is quietly effective, consistently applied, and deeply embedded in everything we do.. IN

Education in Action

Radiology Across Borders (RAB) is strengthening imaging capability in resource-limited settings through practical, partnership-based education—most recently at a paediatric symposium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

RAB’s In-Country Visits began in 2010, when a small team of volunteer Australian radiologists, led by Dr Suresh de Silva, visited Suva, Fiji, to deliver several days of lectures on bestpractice medical imaging. Since then, RAB has grown into a global leader in radiology education, supporting radiographers, radiologists and sonographers in countries seeking to strengthen local imaging capability.

Through lectures, seminars and hands-on workshops, the program equips local imaging professionals with practical skills they can apply immediately in patient care.

In May, RAB visited the Department of Radiology and Imaging at Tanzania’s Muhimbili University of Health and Allied

Sciences (MUHAS) for a two-day paediatric symposium led by RAB co-founder Dr John Pereira. The program included expert lectures by Dr Timothy Cain and Prof Mary-Louise Greer, as well as hands-on ultrasound workshops led by Lorna Hardiman and Stephanie Maconachie.

“What a wonderful symposium. Fantastic organisation—just about everything went according to plan,” said Dr Pereira. “A huge thank you to everyone involved, particularly Lulu, Mwajuma and team for being such wonderful hosts, Siemens Healthineers and Pacific Diagnostics for all their support, our intrepid RAB team and all those who worked so hard in the background.”

Dr Mwajuma Jumbe, President of Tanzania Radiological Society,

echoed Dr Pereira’s sentiment, saying, “What a truly wonderful symposium it was indeed! I am deeply grateful for the fantastic event and the way everything came together so seamlessly. A heartfelt thank you to the RAB team (lectures were amazing), the Siemens team— Ahmed, Abaza, Faran and Guy—and the Pacific Diagnostics team for their invaluable support.”

The symposium highlighted the value of sustained international collaboration in strengthening imaging education and supporting better patient care. IN

To find out more about RAB projects and resources, visit www.radiologyacrossborders.org

Mātauranga in Practice

Prof Ngatai Taepa is an internationally renowned Māori artist known for works that bring mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) into contemporary contexts. We spoke with Prof Taepa about creating a new artwork for our RANZCR New Zealand office—what inspired it, how it was made and what he hopes people will take from it.

Q: What drew you to creating an artwork specifically for our New Zealand office?

A: I was invited to do the work as a local artist and tribal member of Te Åtiawa.

Q: What did you want the work to communicate about place, people and purpose?

A: The work encapsulates manawanui, one of our inherited tribal values that encourages compassion and understanding. When reading through RANZCR’s values document I thought that manawanui would be something that could connect the organisation with the Wellington region and its local tribe.

Q: What materials, techniques or visual language did you choose for this work and why?

A: I am a practitioner of the Māori customary artform called kowhaiwhai. Generally, kowhaiwhai is the traditional Māori painting practice that visually expresses

connection and the natural environment. Unique to this work, was considering the shared traditional painting practice of using natural earth pigments on wood that is evident in the traditional Māori, Australian and Torres Strait cultures.

Q: Are there tikanga (protocols) or cultural considerations you hold at the centre of your practice— especially when creating work for public or workplace spaces?

A: Tikanga Māori and Tikanga Te Åtiawa are central to my practice, especially when doing works that are representative of my tribe and our lands. Understanding the intention of the work as well as the context, allows me to find the appropriate tikanga, and these tikanga are applied through good communication and finding common ways of understanding. The artwork is an important expression of this, as are the people who look after it.

Q: Without giving too much away,

are there particular symbols, patterns or stories embedded in the piece that you’d like people to notice over time?

A: If people look at the work and think about connection, compassion and understanding, then they will find their own things in the work. If they also think about the rhythm of the environment and things found within the environment, then they may also find symbols that are directly representative of the natural world.

Q: What do you hope our people and visitors experience when they encounter the artwork day to day?

A: I hope that the work contributes to the space in a healthy way, and that it uplifts the people and the work/occasion that takes place in the office. I also hope that people feel the support of the local tribe and that this work acknowledges the important work that you all do. Ko toku raukura, ko toku manawanui ki te ao. IN

Medicine meets Music

Two RANZCR members are taking the stage with the Australian Doctors Orchestra this July, raising funds for a local cancer centre through a program of orchestral favourites.

The Australian Doctors Orchestra (ADO) is a national fellowship of medical professionals who are also classically trained musicians. They organise and perform in concerts annually across Australia, using each occasion to raise funds for charity.

RANZCR members Dr Cara Odenthal and Dr Xavier Yu (ADO President) will perform with the orchestra at its upcoming concert in the Sunshine Coast in July. The concert will be held at the Caloundra Events Centre, supporting Bloomhill Cancer Care (a not-for-profit charity which provides integrated and compassionate care for people on the Sunshine Coast who are impacted by cancer). The performance will be conducted by Huw Jones from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and will include the Korngold Violin Concerto (with soloist Warwick Adeney) and Brahms’s Symphony 4. In this issue, Dr Odenthal and Dr Yu share the story behind the concert and what they’re most excited for audiences to hear.

1. What’s your practice routine like in the lead-up to a concert? (C.O) I will listen to the pieces multiple times so that I can become familiar with them, and then I practice. Sometimes the pieces are quite challenging, so I need to practice quite a bit! In our line of work this can sometimes mean only 20–30 minutes in the evening, but if I have a free day on the weekend I’ll practice for at least an hour.

2. What do you enjoy about performing with an orchestra made up of medical professionals?

(C.O) There is nothing quite like the feeling of sitting in the middle of an orchestra, being literally surrounded by beautiful music. It can sometimes be quite an emotional experience, particularly when the musicians are as accomplished as they are in the ADO (and they really are very good!). It’s a feeling that is quite different to that of being in the audience. That, plus the opportunity to play with professional soloists. Sometimes sitting in the violin section, I am immediately behind the soloist, and watching them play from such a close vantage spot is incredible.

3. Does music play a role in your own wellbeing or resilience as a clinician? (C.O) Music has become increasingly important to me in recent years. Practising is meditative—there is no opportunity to think about anything outside of my playing. It’s incredibly rewarding to learn a difficult piece, or master a tricky technique. Also, beautiful music is a reminder that there is some beauty in the world, and I think we all need that sometimes.

4. Why was Bloomhill Cancer Care chosen as the charity recipient for the July concert? (X.Y) ADO seeks to support local charities for its concerts to not only raise funds but also public awareness of the great work they do. Bloomfield is a fantastic organisation that is dedicated to improving cancer care in the Sunshine Coast, but with no ongoing government funding. Almost all its funding comes from entrepreneurial endeavours and community donations, which suits our goal to help out the community that we will be performing for.  They have a great volunteer base that we will rely on to promote the concert to locals, and fill up the Caloundra Event Centre—we love playing to a packed house!

5. What are you most excited for audiences to hear in this program? (C.O) The Korngold Violin Concerto in D Major. This piece is truly of virtuosic proportions. Korngold was a film composer, and you can hear that influence throughout the music—some parts of the piece remind me of the score from Star Wars! It is also an incredibly difficult piece for the soloist, so to watch Warwick Adeney play will be a fantastic experience. IN

ADO is performing in Caloundra on Sunday 26 July and Adelaide on Sunday 18 October 2026. For more information, visit www.ado.net.au

Lid Lifting the

Member Fulfilment Unit (MFU)

In the March issue of Inside News, we introduced a new series that ‘lifts the lid’ on the inner workings of RANZCR. This edition, we take a closer look at how the College is redefining service through the lens of our Member Fulfilment and Information Technology Units.

Wilfred Paul, GM (MFU)

A significant internal transformation is underway within RANZCR to fundamentally improve services for our members. The Service Excellence Program (SEP) is a strategic, wholeorganisation approach to embed sustainable, member-centric service standards and solutions throughout the College.

This program brings together the key areas of member fulfilment, education and training, workforce and technology to move the College forward as one, with the goal of creating a modernised, seamless and responsive member experience in the core areas of service delivery; learning and CPD; and technology, data and workforce, that will culminate in a single front door a central gateway to the College.

In essence, a single access point will enable our members to interact with the College as one entity, where they can easily access what they need, when they need it, without having to navigate different parts of the College themselves.

By way of example, MyGov now offers a single access portal for multiple government services where previously each service had its own customer contact point.

SEP is based on a deep and thorough interrogation of the data provided by our members in the initial research phase, the Member Experience Survey conducted in 2025. This comprehensive feedback revealed that our members experience barriers to accessing core services, and confirmed that we need to transform how our services, processes and workflows operate by:

tackling siloed systems

streamlining complexity

improving communication

leveraging technology.

It is also evident that our members benchmark the College against other service providers such as financial institutions who have implemented ‘one-click’ or highly streamlined, one-tap, and nearinstant access to services.

In this highly competitive and fast-evolving service environment, the expectations of easy access to timely, reliable and personalised services have never been greater, nor has the imperative to create a sustainable, high-performance service culture that consistently delivers great service to our members. This entails changes in thinking and new ways of working.

The role of the MFU is that of strategic enabler, working alongside each business unit as we refine, plan and implement each aspect of the program in a coordinated and wellsequenced manner.

While cultural change of this magnitude takes time, we have made considerable progress. The first phase of RANZCR’s website renewal was completed in February, offering improved functionality, refined design, updated content and easier navigation.

In 2026 and 2027, future improvements include:

developing more member-centric content

reframing content that speaks to other stakeholders in ways that amplify the College voice and influence a broader audience

continuing to enhance website users’ experience and improve navigation and search functionality. Other initiatives include:

digitising the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology (JMIRO) so that our members can access current research more quickly, while reducing publication costs and the environmental impacts of printing

improving safe secure practices that mitigate cybersecurity risks and enhance and protect our members’ privacy and data.

The scope of work we are undertaking comprises a coordinated set of interconnected projects that deliver integrated solutions across the member lifecycle, and importantly, establish a strong foundation for the long term.

It is clear that the College cannot simply address current issues. We must be future focused and continually evolve by pre-empting and regularly reviewing members’ needs, and integrating new solutions over time.

Our ultimate goal is that each RANZCR member feels that the College represents them, knows and cares about their individual needs and aspirations, and actively helps them throughout their professional life, connecting them with what they need, when they need it.

This work is well underway.

Information Technology Unit (ITU)

Sarah Vella, GM (ITU) Choosing the right technology that aligns with RANZCR’s strategic objectives and delivers the best solutions for our members is ITU’s core purpose and drives our ongoing investments in technology.

The Service Excellence Program (SEP) is refining how we function as a whole College, where digital solutions have the potential to fundamentally change the ways in which we operate and interact with our members.

This goes far beyond automating manual tasks it is essentially a strategic, cultural and operational shift that surpasses operational efficiency to create systems that are adaptive, robust and future-fit.

As we work towards a single front door service delivery model designed to make our members’ interactions with the College a seamless experience, we are

considering how best to simplify and integrate multiple systems, applications and user journeys into a single, cohesive and secure access point.

Undertaking this intensive ‘leg work’ is vital to create one simple, efficient and easily accessible gateway for our members. This will make it easier to connect with the right person, or the right information, at the right time.

The College’s timely investments in a cloud-based platform over several years have established a strong foundation that we continue to build upon, by enhancing the capabilities, capacity and performance of the platform.

With the lightning-fast pace of technological change, we need to pre-empt what’s coming, which is why we are continually assessing how best to harness emerging technologies to deliver faster, robust and reliable solutions while ensuring that these are a good fit for the College.

Although less visible, another very important part of the ITU’s role is to manage the governance and risks of technology solutions to ensure the security and reliability of these products.

Our ongoing and vigilant risk assessment is critical in a rapidly expanding and sophisticated cyberthreat landscape, as is strengthening our operational resilience to protect our valuable digital assets particularly members’ and College data.

This preventive approach also extends to a rigorous assessment of vendors, both the products and platforms they provide and the customer service support they offer, including advanced security measures. Clearly, choosing the right tech partners is critical.

Ultimately, our vision for RANZCR is that the technology we employ throughout the College leverages adaptable, creative and resilient digital tools that enable our staff to meet the evolving needs of our members, now and in the future. IN

Provisional Accreditation for IR and INR Training

This update outlines provisional accreditation for IR and INR training settings, including key requirements, timelines and preparatory steps, ahead of applications opening in the third quarter of 2026.

With provisional accreditation for Interventional Radiology (IR) and Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) training settings opening later this year, the College is focused on supporting IR and INR departments to prepare for implementation of these new training programs. On behalf of the Interventional Radiology Committee, we thank the IR and INR Deputy Chief Accreditation Officer and the IR and INR Training Accreditation Working Group for their significant work in developing this provisional accreditation process to enable high-quality IR and INR training.

The new RANZCR IR and INR Training Programs provide a structured pathway for clinical radiology trainees to pursue IR and INR. Building on procedural skills developed during clinical radiology training, the programs adopt contemporary programmatic assessment approaches that support both trainees and training settings.

The structure of the training programs and intended outcomes align with the requirements for provisional accreditation, supporting training settings to deliver safe,

comprehensive and high-quality training.

Preparing for provisional accreditation requires training settings to understand the core requirements. Key resources include the IR and INR Accreditation Standards and Procedures for Training Settings, aligned with the Australian Medical Council’s model standards, and the IR and INR Training Program Outlines. Together, these documents set expectations for program delivery, supervision, network arrangements and assessment. Training settings must also be able to support programmatic assessment, including the use of the ePortfolio, structured supervision and regular progress reviews.

Where a single department cannot meet all training requirements, departments may partner to submit a joint provisional accreditation application, strengthening case mix and training exposure. Training settings considering this option are encouraged to discuss arrangements with their Network Training Director. If you are unsure who this is, contact interventional@ ranzcr.edu.au. It is also recognised that some settings may not initially meet all accreditation standards at the point of application, particularly where no trainee is currently in place. Applications will be assessed with a focus on readiness and capacity to deliver training when required.

The provisional accreditation application process is expected to open in the third quarter of 2026.

Applications will undergo desktop review against the accreditation standards, with draft reports considered by the IR and INR Training Committee. Site visits are not anticipated unless required. The process is expected to take approximately three months, subject to application completeness and Committee review. Following approval, provisionally accredited training settings may select trainees during 2027, with the first cohort commencing in 2028. Where no trainees commence, provisional accreditation status will be reviewed. The College is also inviting expressions of interest for IR and INR accreditation assessors to support the training site accreditation process. Fellows and Life Members of the Faculty of Clinical Radiology, particularly those with prior clinical radiology accreditation experience, are encouraged to apply to support a consistent, collaborative approach to the College’s accreditation activity. All assessors will be provided with appropriate training and support. Further guidance, including a dedicated webinar on the provisional accreditation process, will be provided later in 2026. In the interim, training settings are encouraged to review key documents, engage departmental leadership and begin preparing for the application process. These steps mark an important milestone in the delivery of highquality IR and INR training across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Visit www.ranzcr.com/advocacystandards/interventional-radiology for key links and resources. IN

AI Enters Everyday Practice

Join local and international experts in Sydney this July for practical, profession-focused sessions on using, evaluating and governing AI in radiology and radiation oncology.

Intelligence26 is almost here. Join us in Sydney on 24–25 July 2026 to explore the current state of AI as it continues to move into everyday practice. Sessions are designed to build confidence in interpreting, evaluating and understanding AI tools in clinical contexts, with dedicated clinical radiology and radiation oncology streams, along with combined sessions to address the commonalities across our professions.

Across two full-days, you will hear from local and international experts covering clinical applications, data, insights into consumer perspectives and the practical realities of working alongside AI. We will look at the evolving human role in an AI-enabled environment, managing algorithmic bias, and designing human machine interfaces that support accuracy and efficiency.

A key highlight is the strong emphasis on practical application, looking how AI intersects with current workflows. Sessions will look beyond implementation to the ongoing management of AI, including governance, consent, privacy and postmarket surveillance, alongside hands-on learning through the RadHack workshop, where participants will engage directly with AI model development in a guided, small-group setting. The winning team of this sold-out workshop will receive a prize.

Day two expands the conversation by addressing implementation, including purchase to practice perspectives, offering a clear view of both promise and limitations. Next-generation screening will be explored, from opportunistic screening to AI applications in lung and breast screening.

Intelligence26 concludes with a roundtable discussion with Prof Curt Langlotz, Prof Andre Dekker, Prof Robyn Whittaker, A/Prof David Kok, A/Prof Daniel Pinto dos Santos and Dr Martin Gunn, reflecting on key insights and future directions, providing attendees with clear takeaways to inform their own practice and organisations.

With AI increasingly influencing clinical decision-making and service delivery, Intelligence26 offers a timely and practical CPD opportunity and a defining professional development event for 2026.

Date: 24–25 July 2026

Venue: Swissotel, Sydney

To register or learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/Intelligence26

Thanks to our event sponsors and exhibitors

Better Together, He waka eke noa

Progress on planning and shaping your 2026 ASM experience.

Planning is well underway for the RANZCR 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting, with this year’s theme, ‘Better Together. He waka eke noa’ , front and centre. From the scientific program to the professional development offering, the focus is on what’s possible when we work across disciplines, specialties and systems—bringing clinical radiology and radiation oncology together, while strengthening the partnerships that sit around us in everyday practice.

A highlight of the meeting will be the Nisbet Oration, delivered by Nathan Fa’avae. A long-standing feature of the ASM, the oration celebrates excellence and leadership in our professions—and this year it also speaks directly to the theme, reflecting the role of collaboration, teamwork and shared purpose in progressing patient care.

The first day of the ASM will set the tone with a dedicated focus on Program Level Requirements and a shared learning experience designed to bring both faculties together. Sessions will explore professionalism, addressing health inequities, cultural safety in practice, and ethical practice, with perspectives from across the health sector and beyond. Speakers include Dr Saxon Connor (hepatobiliary surgeon), Prof Suzanne Pitama (educational psychologist), Dr Giles Maskell (past President, Royal College of Radiologists), Dr Emma Ferris (physiotherapist, The Breath Effect) and Prof Julia Rucklidge (psychologist and nutritional psychiatry researcher).

Dr Ferris will also lead a two-hour workshop on Friday, beginning with a calming breathing practice to help settle the nervous system and support focus and connection. The workshop then moves into the science of stress, the three key “stress buckets”, and why creating safety in the body comes first. Drawing on physiotherapy expertise, Dr Ferris will translate the biology into practical, take-away strategies that delegates can apply in busy clinical settings. Registrations for this workshop will open soon.

There’s also an added incentive to register early: members who secure the early bird rate will go into the draw to win a getaway to Kaikoura or Hanmer Springs valued at $1,500. Early bird sales close in early July.

Across the full program, delegates can look forward to an outstanding line-up of speakers spanning clinical leadership, innovation and global best practice. Highlights include Prof Christine Glastonbury (ARRS President), Dr Tubo Shi (Imaging Informatics and AI Fellow, Mayo Clinic), Prof Alan Matsumoto (ACR President), Prof Supriya Chopra (Tata Memorial Centre, India) and Prof Ananya Choudhury (United Kingdom), whose research focuses on prostate and bladder cancer biology and treatment optimisation.

We also encourage delegates to make the most of the opportunity to explore Aotearoa New Zealand while attending the ASM. Spring is a beautiful time of year, with mild temperatures, blossoming gardens and longer daylight hours perfect for touring, enjoying local food and experiencing local culture. Tips on what to see and do are available on the ASM website. IN

2026 Organising Committee

Clinical Radiology

Dr Verity Wood, Dr Alana Heath and Dr Anthony Butler

Radiation Oncology  Dr Feng-Yi Soh and Dr Ramesh Pandey

Interventional Radiology & Interventional Neuroradiology

Dr Howard Lee

Radiology Trainee

Representatives

Dr Hannah Scowcroft and Dr Erika Stark

Radiation Oncology Trainee

Representatives

Dr James Kennedy and Dr Visharn Sathiyakumar

AI Error Catcher

Dr Reuben Schmidt has been recognised for research showing how large language models can flag speech recognition mistakes before reports are signed off— strengthening report quality, clinician confidence and patient safety.

Dr Reuben Schmidt received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Melbourne in 2019. He commenced radiology training at Western Health in 2022 and currently continues through the Regional and Rural Training Pathway at Ballarat Health Services. Dr Schmidt serves as Clinical Director of AI at Kailo Medical, combining clinical advisory with research in artificial intelligence applications in radiology. He is passionate about medical education, running the popular YouTube channel About Medicine with over 190,000 subscribers. His research interests include developing practical AI solutions to enhance radiological workflow and reporting accuracy.

Dr Schmidt was awarded the RANZCR 2025 Clinical Radiology Early Career Researchers Prize for his article ‘Generative Large Language Models for Detection of Speech Recognition Errors in Radiology Reports’. His paper was published in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence

The purpose of the Early Career Researchers Prize is to recognise a clinical radiology trainee or Fellow (within two years post-Fellowship) who is the first author of a paper which has been accepted for publication by the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology (JMIRO) or another Medline-indexed, peer-reviewed journal. Established in 2016, this

award provides candidates with a greater incentive for excellence and a sense of achievement.

During report creation, LLMs may be used to enhance voice-to-text generation by detecting speech recognition errors before signoff. Voice recognition errors are unfortunately common in radiology reports, and this study shows how LLMs could help reduce them— benefitting both referring clinicians and patient care.

Dr Schmidt’s study evaluated the ability of generative large language models (LLMs) to detect speech recognition errors in radiology reports. A dataset of 3,233 CT and MRI reports was assessed by radiologists for speech recognition errors. Prompt engineering was used to optimise model performance. Longer reports, resident dictation and overnight shifts were associated with higher error rates. The project concluded that advanced generative LLMs show potential for automatic detection of speech recognition errors in radiology reports.

Dr Schmidt said the project demonstrates a practical, highimpact use case for AI in day-to-day radiology practice.

“Speech recognition errors are often viewed as minor, but even small mistakes can change the clinical meaning of a report. If we can detect those errors before signoff, we can improve report quality,

Dr Reuben Schmidt

support referring clinicians, and strengthen patient safety.”

He said the work is now progressing into prospective and workflow-integrated evaluation.

“We are continuing this research by testing LLM-based error detection in real-time reporting environments and measuring impacts on error rates, turnaround times and clinician confidence. We’re also exploring how these tools can be adapted across different modalities and report types.”

Dr Schmidt added that College support has been central to advancing this work.

“The College’s support of research has been very helpful for me. Recognition through the Early Career Researchers Prize reinforces the importance of clinically grounded research that can be translated into everyday radiology practice.” IN

A variety of prizes and grants are available to celebrate and support research projects and foster a culture of research at the College. If you would like to apply for a prize or a grant, the College will next accept applications in December 2026. Visit www.ranzcr.com/ college/grants-and-awards/ research-awards-and-grants

Boosting Low-Dose Radiotherapy

A RANZCR Research Grant–funded project explores whether toll-like receptor agonists can amplify the effects of very low-dose radiotherapy in lung cancer models.

Dr Gishan Ratnayake is one of RANZCR’s dedicated radiation oncology Fellows. He works at Brisbane’s Princess Alexander Hospital, and subspecialises in lung, breast, and head and neck cancers, with a special interest in stereotactic radiotherapy.

Dr Ratnayake was awarded with a RANZCR Research Grant for his project ‘Targeting inflammation receptors in combination with low dose radiotherapy in lung cancer’. His research examined whether low-dose radiotherapy could be made more effective by combining it with drugs that stimulate toll-like receptors, which play an important role in the body’s inflammatory and immune responses.

Working at the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane, Dr Ratnayake gained experience in preclinical experiment design and using the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) for imaging, treatment planning and radiation delivery in mouse models. The project found that targeting inflammatory receptors such as TLR2 could enhance the effects of very low-dose radiotherapy in preclinical lung cancer models. In mouse studies, combining receptor agonists with 0.5 Gy radiation resulted in greater tumour growth delay than low-dose radiation alone, and in some experiments compared favourably with standard

2 Gy treatment. The findings also suggested potential synergy with immunotherapy.

For Dr Ratnayake, the grant provided valuable opportunities to deepen his understanding of radiobiology and the interaction between radiation and immunomodulatory agents, while building practical experience in translational cancer research and future trial development.

“This project was important to me because it explored a question that could have real relevance for patient care: whether low-dose radiotherapy can be made more effective by combining it with agents that stimulate inflammatory pathways,” said Dr Ratnayake. “If successful, this kind of approach may help improve tumour response while potentially reducing the toxicity associated with higher radiation doses.

“The RANZCR Research Grant, and the College’s broader support of research, were invaluable in helping me carry out this work. The grant gave me the opportunity to build skills in radiobiology, preclinical experiment design and translational research, while also supporting a project with potential clinical relevance,” he explained.

“We have already extended the work to study TLR3 agonists in combination with low-dose radiotherapy, with similarly promising results in preclinical lung tumour models. These findings provide a

“The grant gave me the opportunity to build skills in radiobiology, preclinical experiment design and translational research, while also supporting a project with potential clinical relevance.”

rationale for further translational work to determine whether this strategy could eventually be taken forward into early-phase clinical trials in carefully selected patients with lung cancer.” IN

A variety of opportunities are available to support research projects and foster a culture of research at the College. If you would like to apply for a research grant, the College will next accept applications in December 2026.

Visit www.ranzcr.com/college/ grants-and-awards/researchawards-and-grants

Prizewinning Pain Relief

Meet Dr Chia Ching Lee, the 2025 Bourne and Langlands Prize recipient for research on stereotactic body radiation therapy.

The Bourne and Langlands Prize was established in 2009 and is named in honour of two of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology’s esteemed retired colleagues, Professors Robert Bourne and Allan Langlands. At the 2025 RANZCR Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne, the College was proud to present the 2025 Bourne and Langlands Prize to Dr Chia Ching Lee. This was for his article ‘Stereotactic body radiation therapy versus conventional external beam radiation therapy for painful bone metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials’.

Dr Chia Ching Lee is a RANZCR radiation oncology trainee. He obtained his medical degree in 2014 and completed RANZCR Radiation Oncology specialist training at National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore in 2024, including a clinical attachment at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He is currently an Associate Consultant at NUH, with a strong interest in clinical research in neuro-oncology, thoracic and genitourinary cancers. He has authored over 10 publications during his training years, and presented at international conferences, including oral presentations at ASTRO and RANZCR ASM. He has been awarded with FROGG and SRS travel grants, and contributes to international collaborative projects with EORTC and NRG Oncology groups.

Dr Lee’s paper was published in the journal of Critical Reviews in

Oncology/Hematology. His research showed that among patients with previously unirradiated painful bone metastases, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) significantly improved complete pain response rates at three months, delayed local progression, and increased pain flare rates, compared with conventional external beam radiation therapy.

Speaking of the project, Dr Lee said, “This research has important implications for underserved populations who disproportionally face a higher burden of later-stage cancer diagnoses and limited access to timely treatment due to systemic health disparities. Bone metastases are common in advanced cancers, and improving pain management and local control through SBRT could benefit these patients, particularly those in remote or resource-limited settings, if access is made equitable.

“Many underserved groups, including rural and Indigenous communities, encounter geographic and logistical barriers to accessing specialised stereotactic radiotherapy. SBRT delivered in fewer sessions may reduce the need for extended travel and hospital visits, and is associated with a lower rate of reirradiation compared to conventional radiotherapy. Additionally, the increased risk of pain flares associated with SBRT underscores the importance of culturally safe follow-up care and adequate pain management support. Demonstrating superior outcomes with SBRT may inform policy change

MATEC Chair Dr Gerry Adams Searle discuss the importance oncology, and announce

or funding models that expand access to advanced radiotherapy technologies in underserved healthcare settings.

“Receiving the Bourne and Langlands Prize is a profound honour that brings my training journey full circle. This research work was born from a simple task—a department journal club presentation during my time as a trainee. This sparked a desire to dive deeper through the mentorship of my senior colleagues, eventually evolving into a full systematic review, an oral presentation at the ASTRO conference and a peerreviewed publication.

“This recognition is a surreal milestone that motivates me to further my research career, focusing on the synthesis of high-quality clinical data and fostering collaborations with international experts. My work remains rooted in patient-centric care, particularly within the realms of supportive and palliative oncology. I am immensely grateful to the College for providing the platform and incentive for such research to flourish, and for its crucial role in shaping my path as a clinician-researcher. I believe such recognition is vital for boosting the research culture among the College trainees. It serves as a powerful reminder that curiosity during training can lead to impactful clinical contributions.” IN

Visit www.ranzcr.com/college/ grants-and-awards/researchawards-and-grants

Policy, Towards Practice

Adams and RANZCR’s First Nations Trainee Liaison Officer Bridie importance of cultural competency in clinical radiology and radiation announce a dedicated session at the upcoming Melbourne ASM.

Dr Tuan Ha reflects on the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association Conference 2025, highlighting the power of collective voice, cultural safety and Indigenous leadership—plus a new pathway program supporting First Nations medical students into cancer care careers.

Honouring Country, Healing

Dr Tuan Ha, Dean, Faculty of Radiation Oncology

Attending the conference of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) in Sydney was a deeply meaningful experience. Held on Gadigal Country, the gathering brought together over 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors, trainees, students and allies, centred around the theme ‘Evoking Sovereignty, Honouring Country, Nurturing Community’.

The conference felt fundamentally different from traditional medical meetings. While there was strong academic and clinical content, the dominant tone was grounded in connection, story and shared purpose. The emphasis on community and cultural identity created a space that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

A key insight was the importance of collective voice. Unlike many specialty meetings that focus on individual expertise or institutional achievement, this conference reinforced the idea that progress in healthcare depends on shared leadership and collaboration.

The conference also emphasised cultural safety as not merely a bolt-on to clinical care, but as foundational to it. The work of organisations like

AIDA in advocating for a culturally safe healthcare system underscores that equitable outcomes cannot be achieved without addressing systemic and cultural factors in healthcare delivery.

Importantly, the sessions went beyond identifying disparities— they focused on empowerment, sovereignty and the need for Indigenous leadership within healthcare systems. This reframing from deficit to strength was one of the most powerful aspects.

Expanding on Indigenous leadership, AIDA and RANZCR, in collaboration with other medical colleges and Cancer Australia, have developed a three-year initiative, the First Nations Oncology Experience Program, to address the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in cancer specialties. This program aims to create sustainable, culturally safe pathways for medical students to enter cancer care careers.

One of the most profound reflections from the conference is the depth of insight that Indigenous culture offers to modern medicine. These contributions are not peripheral—they challenge and enrich the foundations of how we think about health, illness and care.

1. A Holistic Model of Health

Indigenous perspectives emphasise the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, community and land. Health is not simply the absence of disease but a state of balance.

In practical terms, this approach encourages clinicians to consider broader determinants of health— connection to family, cultural identity and environment. It highlights that effective care requires understanding the person within their cultural and social context.

2. The Centrality of Relationship

The conference repeatedly reinforced that healthcare is fundamentally relational. Trust, respect and continuity are not “soft skills” but critical determinants of outcomes. Indigenous models of care prioritise listening, storytelling and shared understanding— approaches that can enhance patient engagement and adherence.

3. Connection to Country

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Country is not a physical place, but a living, relational entity encompassing land, water, sky, community, ancestors and spirit. Health, in this context, is tied to one’s connection to Country—when that connection is strong, wellbeing is supported; when it is disrupted, there can be physical, emotional and spiritual consequences.

Reflecting on aspects of my own clinical practice, the conference has highlighted the importance of advocacy and leadership in addressing health inequities, and that meaningful change requires cultural awareness, partnership and systemic reform. IN

Building Data, Driving Equity

Trainee member Dr Angela Liao and APROSIG Co-Chair A/Prof Mei Ling Yap reflect on a recent project, highlighting efforts to strengthen radiation oncology information systems across the Asia-Pacific.

A/Prof Mei Ling Yap, Radiation Oncologist

Dr Angela Liao, Radiation Oncology Registrar

Improving cancer outcomes across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region requires more than access to radiotherapy. It depends on reliable, consistent and usable data to inform decision-making at every level of the health system. Across the region, digital infrastructure maturity remains variable. In Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, oncology information systems (OIS) are embedded in routine practice, supporting clinical workflows, data capture and treatment verification. However, many centres across parts of the Asia-Pacific continue to rely on paper-based systems or use their OIS purely for record-and-verify purposes, but not for data collection. The implications are significant. High-quality data underpins clinical quality improvement and service planning and enables collaborative research and evidence-based cancer control policies. Data systems are also essential for future AI-enabled care. Without these foundations, disparities in cancer outcomes risk widening as technology advances.

A Regional Response

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regional Cooperative

Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science for the APAC project RAS6108 “Strengthening Cancer Care by Training Radiation Oncology Health Professionals in Consistent and Accurate Data Collection through Oncology Information Systems” was established in 2024, with leadership from APROSIG members. The project is supported by funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade/Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. It brings together stakeholders from the APAC region with the aim of strengthening the quality, consistency and application of data through training programs and collaboration.

A central pillar of RAS6108 is the development of a consensusderived minimum dataset for radiation oncology in the APAC region. The 24-variable dataset spans patient, diagnosis, treatment, outcome and administrative domains, providing a foundation for ongoing capability building.

Building Community

A recent milestone was a midproject review meeting in Bali, Indonesia, from 13–16 April 2026. Representatives from 13 countries (Australia, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand) met to assess progress, share experiences and refine priorities. Participants reported progress in implementing or upgrading OIS, improving data

capture processes and engaging multidisciplinary teams in quality improvement initiatives. Ongoing challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure and workforce capacity, but the meeting provided a valuable platform for sharing practical solutions. A train-thetrainer model underpins this work, equipping local leaders to drive change within their own institutions. Alongside this, communities of practice will support long-term capability building. APROSIG members, as well as physics, radiation therapy and OIS colleagues have played key roles in this project to date. The project team has also included RANZCR trainees.

Looking Ahead

RAS6108 sits within the broader IAEA Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to reduce global inequities in cancer care. With demand for radiotherapy projected to rise steeply over the next 20 years in the APAC region, the ability to harness high-quality, interoperable data will be critical. The next project phase will focus on consolidating the collection of the minimum dataset and supporting the translation of harmonised data into actionable insights. By sharing expertise in data systems, quality assurance and clinical practice, RANZCR members can play a key role in supporting equitable, evidence-based cancer care. This work complements ongoing APROSIG initiatives in the APAC. If you would like to contribute or join APROSIG, please contact aprosig@ ranzcr.edu.au. We welcome both RANZCR Fellows and trainees. IN

Peak Paediatric Imaging

ANZSPR will head to Queenstown this July for three days of contemporary paediatric imaging, with a strong perinatal focus, international keynote speakers and a dedicated registrar exam review course.

Dr Jane McEniery

The Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Radiology (ANZSPR) brings together radiologists with an interest in paediatric imaging who primarily see children in their day-to-day practice. The Society promotes highquality, low-radiation imaging for children through a child- and familycentred approach. We welcome new members and are always keen to welcome trainees.

ANZSPR members and associate members work in imaging departments across children’s hospitals, general hospitals and private practices throughout Australia, New Zealand and around the world. ANZSPR also fosters

by Dr Murthy Chennapragada.

Another important part of paediatric radiology is the sensitive and complex work of child protection radiology. Imaging in cases of suspected abuse is conducted with rigorous diagnostic processes, ethics and compassion. ANZSPR expresses its full support for paediatric radiologists and all professionals engaged in this field.

The highlight of our academic calendar is the ANZSPR ASM. It is our pleasure to invite you to ANZSPR 2026, held in the alpine setting of Queenstown, New Zealand, from 24 to 27 July 2026.

Across three days, the scientific program will explore contemporary paediatric imaging, with a strong focus on perinatal imaging, alongside

practical expertise, personal insights and future-focused perspectives. ANZSPR 2026 will also showcase exceptional collaborative work across New Zealand and Australia, creating space for shared learning and professional connection.

An additional Friday program will include a dedicated Registrar Exam Review Course in Paediatric Imaging. We warmly invite New Zealand and Australian trainees to attend. This session will cover core paediatric imaging knowledge to support preparation for the RANZCR qualifying examination and will include a simulated OSCER platform.

A range of engaging social functions is planned, with opportunities to network, discuss cases and foster collaboration in a

24th – 27th July, 2026

Launching Lung Cancer Screening

The successful launch of the NLCSP in 2025 was supported by a comprehensive radiologist education program, developed by RANZCR and ANZSTR.

Dr Sally Ayesa, Radiologist Education Program Writing Lead

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) successfully launched on 1 July 2025. The program uses low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer in eligible asymptomatic high-risk Australians aged between 50 and 70 years. Central to the NLCSP’s success is the radiology workforce, whose expertise underpins every stage of screening, assessment and communication. In anticipation of the program’s national launch, the ANZ Society of Thoracic Radiology (ANZSTR) and RANZCR led a multimodal education initiative to ensure radiologists were well equipped to deliver high-quality, equitable screening practice.

The NLCSP Radiologists’ Education Project rolled out through 2025, driven by a large education working group, and led by Dr Miranda Siemienowicz and Prof Catherine Jones. The project built on the work of other sub-committees of the ANZSTR/RANZCR Lung Cancer Screening Working Group and the working group Steering Committee to ensure Australian radiologists had the best possible resources and knowledge at their disposal

Webinars

The education program kicked off with a six-part webinar series,

covering foundational program principles, nodule management, CAD and volumetry, artificial intelligence, structured reporting and additional findings. Of note, the Cultural Safety webinar continues to be an exceptional resource that offers essential context for understanding how radiologists can contribute to culturally safe care for First Nations peoples. Webinars are available to view on-demand through the RANZCR NLCSP Website.

Live Workshops

More than 400 radiologists participated in intensive fourhour workshops across six major cities, combining lectures, case demonstrations and live interactive review. Facilitated by Steering Committee members and the educational working group, these sessions provided a rare opportunity for radiologists to engage directly with experts, clarify uncertainties, and benchmark their approach to nodule management and structured reporting.

Online Learning

To support ongoing learning, a suite of self-guided online modules was developed by the ANZSTR Education Working Group. Modules explore the background and rationale of the NLCSP, cultural safety, technical and quality considerations, and the practical application of the Nodule Management Protocol, Structured Clinical Radiology Report and Additional Findings Guidelines. The e-learning modules are hosted on the DetectedX Platform, with access available for all RANZCR Fellows

and trainees. The modules are augmented by a self-contained case library that bridges the gap between education and real-world application.

Sector Engagement

Recognising the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, RANZCR members have been spearheading their own education initiatives. Members have presented to local health networks, GPs, specialist groups, hospitals, private practices and even internationally to help build engagement and understanding around the implementation of the program.

A Collective Achievement

With the program now launched and having already screened many tens of thousands of Australians for lung cancer, radiologists can continue to access recorded webinars, online modules and interactive cases. ANZSTR extends its sincere thanks to all who developed and engaged with the resources, attended workshops, and are sharing their knowledge with colleagues and communities. We acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of the Steering Committee, and the volunteers and staff who have shaped this national effort. Thank you for helping to save Australian lives. www.ranzcr.com/ advocacy-standards/national-lungcancer-screening-program-nlcsp

ARGANZ Turns 20

The Abdominal Radiology Group of Australia and New Zealand (ARGANZ) marked 20 years with a record-breaking annual meeting in Perth. Next stop, Fiji—followed by Sydney 2027.

ARGANZ is a special interest group founded in 2006, dedicated to advancing education, research, collaboration and advocacy in abdominal imaging. Our 2026 meeting in Perth saw a record 453 registrations. Our esteemed international faculty Prof Harriet Thoeny (Switzerland), Prof Maxime Ronot (France), and Prof Stephanie Nougaret (France) delivered world-class presentations, supported by a strong local faculty from Australia and New Zealand. The meeting was preceded by a pre-meeting workshop on pancreatic imaging, as well as rectal and prostate MRI. We also celebrated the inaugural Young ARGANZ Trainee Day, held in collaboration with OGSIG. This exclusive event for radiology registrars featured didactic lectures, case-based sessions, Fellowship

planning advice and the popular School of ARGANZ/OGSIG sessions.

ARGANZ was delighted with the increasing participation of registrars and Junior Medical Officers at the meeting, and continues to foster the next generation of researchers through our annual prizes and presentations. We warmly congratulate the winners of the 2026 Mendelson Research Prize, including Dr Kirsten Biddle (First Prize) and Dr Minh-Son To (Second Prize). We also congratulate Dr Stanley Xue for receiving the most popular poster vote prize.

Grants and Global Collaboration

We continue to strengthen ties with international and local societies and are proud to offer the ESGAR–ARGANZ Fellowship Exchange, supporting a young radiologist with a $15,000 grant for a threemonth European observership. Additionally, the ARGANZ Research and Education Grant provides up to $20,000 annually.

Advocacy and Governance

ARGANZ maintains an active role in advocating for the profession

through clinical guidelines input, MSAC applications and reviews. This year, we welcome Dr Verity Wood and Dr Numan Kutaiba as new executives. We also extend our deepest thanks to retiring executives Dr Joe Feltham and A/ Prof Tom Sutherland for their years of dedicated contribution.

ARGANZ in Fiji

Join us on 9–11 September for an interactive two-day workshop at the gorgeous Marriott Resort Momi Bay, featuring international speaker Prof Kumar Sandrasegaran (Mayo Clinic) alongside an expert ANZ faculty. The program offers in-depth, case-based discussions on abdominal and pelvic imaging. The event also includes Q&A sessions and beachfront networking functions. Register now at www.arganzfiji.com.

Looking Beyond

Save the date for ARGANZ 2027, to be held in Sydney, 19-21 March. Visit www.arganz.org to access our library of reporting templates, scanning protocols and past meeting content. Sign up for free membership, and follow online for the latest updates IN

Spotlight on ANZPROG

ANZPROG continues to support advocacy and education in the changing landscape of palliative radiation therapy.

Dr Ramkumar Govindaraj

The Australian and New Zealand Palliative Radiation Oncology Group (ANZPROG), established in 2019, is an active and emerging special interest group uniting members committed to advancing palliative radiation therapy through advocacy, education and improving clinical practice.

Palliative radiation therapy, once characterised by simpler techniques and seen as less demanding, is rapidly evolving. Advanced techniques and new planning approaches are being introduced to improve outcomes, optimise workflow and reduce treatment times. Across Australia and New Zealand, the field is transforming. Surveys by ANZPROG showed that rapid-access palliative radiation therapy clinics are not widely used, with many centres opting for alternative care models, and a broad interest in highly conformal techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy

and stereotactic radiosurgery.

ANZPROG is well-positioned to lead educational initiatives that ensure members remain informed about developments and to advocate for advancements in palliative radiation therapy.

As the discipline evolves, maintaining quality remains a top priority, and ANZPROG is committed to upholding high standards in palliative radiation therapy. Currently, ANZPROG is conducting nationwide studies across Australia and New

“Palliative radiation therapy is rapidly evolving.”

Zealand using administrative data to examine the use of palliative radiation therapy near the end of life, with the aim of evaluating its appropriate application in this patient group. In addition, ANZPROG is conducting an international Delphi survey to develop quality metrics to assess the standard of radiotherapy provided to patients nearing the end of life.

ANZPROG regularly hosts member forums and webinars

to ensure its members remain informed and to support ongoing professional development. The organisation has covered subjects such as voluntary assisted dying in Australia, pain management, and interventional radiology in palliative care, collaborating with various specialties and demonstrating ANZPROG’s commitment to collaborative, holistic practice.

Forthcoming sessions will address a wide range of topics related to emerging advancements and professional development. The session held on 27 May focused on ethical principles in palliative radiation therapy and featured a distinguished clinical ethicist and Professor of Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics at the University of Melbourne Medical School. For access to the recordings, please contact anzprog@ranzcr.edu.au.

As palliative radiation therapy continues to evolve, it is essential to carefully evaluate emerging techniques and treatment strategies with a focus on patient-centred outcomes. ANZPROG welcomes members, including trainees and Associate Affiliates, to join in meeting these challenges and advancing palliative radiation oncology during this period of evolution. IN

FROGG 2026 Update

FROGG is maintaining momentum—progressing key projects, expanding trainee learning and building towards a strong genitourinary presence at ASM 2026.

The FROGG committee has been focusing on several key portfolio initiatives that will shape the remainder of the year. Here’s a summary.

Prostate SBRT Patterns of Practice Survey and Guideline Development

At the triennial FROGG Workshop in 2025 in Brisbane, Prof Wee Loon Ong and Dr Therese Kang presented results of a survey evaluating contemporary patterns of practice of prostate SBRT across Australia and New Zealand. This work represents a significant collaborative effort and provides valuable insight into current clinical approaches across institutions. These findings have helped inform the development of a forthcoming FROGG guideline on SBRT for localised prostate cancer. We anticipate publication of these findings later this year.

Trainee Teaching Weekend

In 2024 FROGG hosted the inaugural Genitourinary Trainee Teaching Weekend in Sydney. This was a very successful initiative with positive feedback from all who attended. The weekend included

a mix of didactic and interactive small group sessions covering a broad range of genitourinary malignancies. Planning is currently underway for the 2027 trainee weekend further details will be communicated in due course. Trainees are encouraged to monitor upcoming announcements.

FROGG

Trainee Webinar Series

Since 2020, FROGG has facilitated a series of trainee webinars featuring national and international genitourinary experts. Preparations are underway for a new set of webinars to commence later this year. Previous webinars are now available for viewing by College members via the FROGG website (www.ranzcr.com/membershipcommunity/special-interest-groups/ frogg/).

FROGG at the 2026 ASM

We are eagerly anticipating the RANZCR ASM in Christchurch in October 2026. The FROGG committee is working with the ASM convenors to craft another exciting genitourinary-focused session, featuring renowned prostate and bladder cancer specialist Prof Ananya Choudhury from The Christie. FROGG is delighted to once again offer a $2,000 prize for best genitourinary proffered paper at this year’s ASM.

FROGG Collaborations

FROGG continues to support patient advocacy groups including the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia. FROGG also continues

one of its key roles as a reference group, providing feedback on the ESTRO Localised Prostate Cancer Guidelines.

FROGG Trainee Representative FROGG would like to thank outgoing trainee representative Dr Yuan-Hong (Perry) Lin for his contributions over the past year and wish him luck with his upcoming Fellowship. Expressions of interest went out for the 2026 position, and we were thrilled by the number of high-calibre applications received. The FROGG committee would like to congratulate and welcome the successful candidate, Dr Diane Lim.

FROGG Executive Committee 2026

Dr Renee Finnigan (Chair QLD), A/ Prof Giuseppe Sasso (Deputy Chair NZ), A/Prof Sarat Chander (VIC), Dr Braden Higgs (SA), Dr Tanya Holt (QLD), Dr Neetu Tejani (VIC), Dr Michael Jones (TAS), Dr Shreya Armstrong (NSW), A/Prof Wee Loon Ong (VIC), A/Prof Suki Gill (WA), Dr Jeremy de Leon (NSW), Dr Mario Guerrieri (VIC), Dr Diane Lim (Trainee Representative VIC). IN

For more information visit: www.ranzcr.com/membershipcommunity/special-interest-groups/ frogg/

A New Chapter

After a successful meeting in Perth, the new OGSIG co-chairs look ahead to future initiatives and events.

Dr Paul Chou

The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialty Interest Group (OGSIG) Meeting 2026, held in Perth, brought together more than 200 delegates for a dynamic and highly engaging day of learning, collaboration and professional exchange. The strong attendance reflected the growing interest and importance of subspecialty expertise within radiology, particularly in the evolving field of women’s imaging.

This year’s meeting was widely regarded as a hugely successful event, offering a comprehensive program that spanned a broad spectrum of obstetric and gynaecological imaging topics. Attendees benefitted from a rich mix of presentations delivered by both international and local experts, each contributing valuable insights into current practices, emerging techniques and future directions. The depth and diversity of discussions reinforced the critical role of radiology in improving outcomes across women’s health.

A key highlight of the meeting was the opportunity for in-depth exploration of complex and nuanced topics. From discussions on fetal urinary tract dilation to challenging gynaecological cases of leiomyoma versus leiomyosarcoma, sessions were designed to be both practical and thought-provoking. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged active participation, with robust discussions extending beyond the lecture halls and fostering meaningful professional connections.

The success of OGSIG 2026 would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the organising committee.

Special recognition is due to A/Prof Emmeline Lee, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in delivering an event of such a high calibre. Her efforts, alongside those of the entire committee, ensured a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees.

This meeting also marked an important transition for the group.

A/Prof Emmeline Lee and Dr Rachael McEwing stepped down from their roles as co-Chairs of OGSIG. Their contributions over the years have been significant, helping to

shape the group into a vibrant and respected forum within the radiology community. Their leadership has left a strong foundation upon which future initiatives can build.

Looking ahead, a new chapter begins as Dr Neil Caplin and I take on the responsibility of co-Chairing the OGSIG Executive team. We are committed to continuing the momentum established by our predecessors and to further enhancing the value that OGSIG brings to its members. Our focus will remain on delivering high-quality educational opportunities, fostering collaboration, and supporting innovation in obstetrics and gynaecology imaging.

As we reflect on the success of the Perth meeting, we are also excited about what lies ahead.

We encourage members and colleagues to save the date for the next OGSIG meeting, which will be held in Sydney on Thursday, 18 March 2027. Planning is already underway to ensure another outstanding program. We look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months and to continuing our engagement with this passionate and dedicated community. IN

“Their leadership has left a strong foundation upon which future initiatives can build.”

Radiotherapy: The Knowledge Gap

Radiotherapy is still widely misunderstood—contributing to missed opportunities for timely referral. Using a case of low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis, this article explores why radiotherapy literacy matters across healthcare and how it strengthens cancer care.

A/Prof Peter Gorayski, Co-Lead, Targeting Cancer

Dr Lucinda Burke, Co-Lead, Targeting Cancer

A75-year-old man presented with advanced bilateral knee osteoarthritis, recurrent right knee effusions, and pain rated 8–9 out of 10 on most days. He was on long-term dialysis, had undergone two renal transplants, and had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 2024. Joint replacement was contraindicated. He had already received corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections, repeated aspiration draining more than 100 mL per episode, and radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves. None provided durable relief.

His treating physician referred him for low-dose radiotherapy. He completed 3 Gy in six fractions over three weeks. At review two weeks after treatment, his pain had reduced from 8-9 out of 10 to 5 out of 10, nocturnal symptoms had resolved, and he had regained the ability to rise independently.

This case is not presented primarily as an argument for low-dose radiotherapy in osteoarthritis. It is presented as a diagnostic question: why did it take a treating physician with a specific interest in the modality to make this referral? And what does that tell us about the broader state of radiotherapy awareness in Australia?

The Awareness Problem

Targeting Cancer exists because too many Australians who could benefit from radiotherapy overwhelmingly for cancer do not receive it, are not offered it, or are not referred for it in time. The reasons are well documented: radiotherapy is consistently one of the least understood treatment modalities in the Australian healthcare system. General practitioners report low confidence in knowing when to refer and to whom. Patients conflate radiotherapy with toxicity, fear and futility. Specialists in adjacent fields treat it as a last resort rather than an integrated component of multidisciplinary care.

This awareness deficit has direct consequences for cancer outcomes. Underutilisation of radiotherapy in head and neck, lung, cervical and prostate cancers reflects not only system capacity constraints but a persistent failure of referral pathway literacy. Patients who are never told that radiotherapy is an option cannot advocate for themselves. Clinicians who do not understand what radiotherapy offers cannot refer appropriately.

Targeting Cancer's response to this problem has focused, rightly, on cancer indications. But the awareness deficit does not operate in a condition-specific way. GPs who are unfamiliar with radiotherapy as a safe, effective and well-tolerated option in contexts such as early-stage lung cancer or localised prostate disease are unlikely to consider it confidently for refractory knee osteoarthritis either. Radiotherapy literacy is cumulative and foundational: what clinicians understand of its role in one setting shapes referral decisions across many others.

Low-Dose Radiotherapy in Osteoarthritis

The osteoarthritis case is instructive precisely because the evidence is stronger than most Australian clinicians realise, and because the mechanism illuminates why radiotherapy awareness matters beyond oncology.

Low-dose radiotherapy for inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions has been practised in Germany and central Europe for decades. The mechanism is anti-inflammatory rather than cytotoxic operating through modulation of synovial macrophage activity, inflammatory mediator expression, and local cytokine signalling at doses representing less than five per cent of a typical oncological course. Response rates of 60 to 80 per cent have been consistently reported across multiple series.

The evidence base has recently strengthened considerably. The LoRD-KNeA trial, presented at ASTRO 2025, was a randomised sham-controlled study comparing 3 Gy in six fractions against 0.3 Gy and true sham, finding the 3 Gy arm superior with objective evidence of clinical efficacy. Makarova et al. reported a randomised trial with 10-year follow-up showing approximately 50 per cent relative reduction in disability compared with standard care alone. Fazilat-panah et

al. in 2025 reported a double-blind sham-controlled RCT demonstrating significant VAS pain reduction and improved function at six months.

This is not a fringe practice built on anecdote. It is an evidence-supported treatment that is largely unknown to the clinicians most likely to encounter eligible patients.

The patient described above had an inflammatorypredominant phenotype (recurrent effusion and synovial proliferation on imaging), precisely the subtype for which the anti-inflammatory mechanism of LDRT is most plausible. Contemporary OA science, including the phenotyping framework developed by Prof David Hunter and colleagues at the University of Sydney, increasingly recognises osteoarthritis not as a single disease entity but as a collection of distinct endotypes with different dominant mechanisms and, critically, different treatment targets. Within that framework, patients with active synovitis and inflammatory drive represent a biologically coherent target for anti-inflammatory intervention. LDRT, at the doses and fractionation used here, fits that theratype. Matching treatment to phenotype is not a novel concept in oncology applying the same logic to OA is overdue.

What This Requires From the Profession

At Targeting Cancer, we are clear that equitable access to radiotherapy for cancer patients is the primary objective of this campaign—but it does not preclude engagement with the full scope of what radiotherapy offers.

A referring clinician who learns that radiotherapy is a safe, effective, Medicare-supported option for a patient with refractory knee osteoarthritis does not compartmentalise that knowledge. They revise their model of what radiotherapy is and what radiation oncologists do. They are more likely to refer the next patient with early lung cancer. They are more likely to discuss radiotherapy as a genuine option rather than a treatment of last resort, and likely to know who to call.

Building a radiotherapy-literate referral community is not a detour from Targeting Cancer's cancer-awareness mission. It is one of the most efficient ways to pursue it.

Targeting Cancer’s resources patient education, GPfacing content, social media tools, and referral guides are available at www.targetingcancer.com.au and are designed to be used and distributed by radiation oncology teams as part of their local engagement. If you are not yet connected with the campaign, we welcome your involvement. Share the message on your socials or simply repost Targeting Cancer posts to grow our reach.

The GP who referred a cancer patient too late, or not at all, is often the same clinician who has never had a meaningful conversation with a radiation oncologist about anything. That is the problem Targeting Cancer exists to fix and fixing it requires us to show up in more places than we currently do. IN

Breast CT: What’s Next?

Emerging breast CT technologies (CBCT and PBCT) are evolving, and require research to evaluate their potential role within integrated breast imaging pathways.

Dr Manish Jain, Breast Imaging Advisory Committee member

M"Breast CT technologies offer compelling technical and patient-centred advantages, but their place in routine screening and diagnosis will depend on stronger evidence and clear guidelines."

ost major imaging modalities, including ultrasound, tomosynthesis, contrast-enhanced mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are now well established in the diagnosis and management of breast disease. These modalities have undergone significant technological refinement and clinical validation, resulting in their widespread adoption across both screening and diagnostic pathways. In contrast, the radiological stalwart, computed tomography (CT), has historically remained a peripheral player in breast imaging, with anecdotal reports of incidentally identifying unexpected breast cancer in CT scans performed for other indications. This limited role is largely attributable to concerns regarding radiation dose, suboptimal soft tissue contrast compared with MRI, and the availability of alternative modalities better suited to breast evaluation. Nevertheless, since the early 2000s, advancements in CT technology, particularly in soft tissue imaging, have been introduced and marketed with varying degrees of radiological acceptance and clinical penetration. One of the most significant developments in CT imaging has been the evolution of cone beam CT (CBCT). CBCT became mainstream in dental and maxillofacial imaging due to its lower radiation dose and superior spatial resolution compared with conventional imaging, including helical CT scans1. The technology’s ability to generate high-resolution volumetric datasets with relatively compact systems facilitated its rapid uptake in these specialised

fields. Building on this success, Koenig developed and marketed a dedicated cone beam breast CT system, which subsequently received regulatory approval in the United States2. This innovation marked a significant attempt to reposition CT as a viable modality in breast imaging.

The dedicated CBCT breast system integrates several conceptual advantages. It enables noncompressed image acquisition, thereby eliminating the discomfort associated with mammographic breast compression. This feature has been widely highlighted as a key patient-centred advantage, particularly in screening contexts where compliance and patient experience are critical. In addition, CBCT allows for the administration of contrast agents and the generation of true three-dimensional volumetric datasets, potentially improving lesion conspicuity and spatial localisation. Importantly, the radiation dose associated with CBCT is reported to be comparable to that of standard screening mammography, addressing one of the major historical concerns associated with CT imaging. However, despite these advantages, practical limitations remain. Vendor information suggests that CBCT images are not intended to function as a standalone diagnostic modality but are instead interpreted in conjunction with conventional mammograms. Furthermore, while there is at least one CBCT installation in Australia, the technology has not yet received Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval, which restricts

its broader clinical adoption and integration into national screening frameworks.

More recently, the development of photon-counting CT has introduced a new generation of imaging technology with potential applications in breast imaging. Initially developed for general radiological and vascular imaging, photon-counting CT offers improved spatial resolution, enhanced contrast-to-noise ratios, and more efficient dose utilisation compared with conventional energy-integrating CT systems. Leveraging these advantages, photon-counting breast CT (PBCT) has been developed and subsequently launched with regulatory approval across the United States, Europe, and Australia. The introduction of PBCT has stimulated a growing body of literature evaluating its performance relative to conventional mammography 3 4 5 One such system has already been installed in Australia, indicating earlystage clinical adoption and interest.

Both CBCT and PBCT represent promising technological advancements with several shared advantages. These include the acquisition of non-compressed breast images, analogous in principle to MRI, which may improve patient comfort and potentially enhance imaging compliance. Additionally, both modalities offer relatively low radiation doses, the capability for contrast-enhanced imaging, and the potential for image-guided biopsy and interventional procedures. These features suggest that breast

CT technologies may not only serve diagnostic purposes but could also evolve into comprehensive platforms for both detection and intervention. Notably, PBCT appears to offer additional capabilities, including the potential for contrast-enhanced CTguided biopsy and the generation of synthesised images that may reduce or eliminate the need for conventional tomosynthesis. Such capabilities position PBCT as a potentially disruptive technology within the breast imaging landscape.

Despite these promising developments, there remains a clear and significant gap in the literature regarding the clinical role of breast CT technologies, particularly in the context of population-based screening. Current evidence is largely limited to small-scale comparative studies and early-phase clinical evaluations, with a lack of robust, longitudinal, and populationlevel data. Consequently, major screening programs, including BreastScreen Australia, continue to advocate for two-dimensional mammography as the primary modality for breast cancer screening. In this context, the role of breast CT, both CBCT and PBCT, remains evolving and not yet clearly defined. There are currently no established clinical guidelines outlining specific indications for their use in either screening or diagnostic settings, nor are there large-scale population studies evaluating their effectiveness, cost-efficiency, or impact on clinical outcomes. As such, while these technologies offer compelling

technical and patient-centred advantages, their integration into routine clinical practice will depend on further evidence generation, regulatory approval processes, and alignment with existing diagnostic and screening frameworks. Future research should therefore focus on defining their comparative effectiveness, identifying appropriate clinical indications, and evaluating their potential role within integrated breast imaging pathways IN

References:

1. Arai Y. Local cone beam CT: how did it all start? Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2021;50(8):20210276. doi:10.1259/dmfr.20210276

2. O’Connell AM, Karellas A, Vedantham S, Kawakyu-O’Connor DT. Newer technologies in breast cancer imaging: dedicated conebeam breast computed tomography. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2018;39(1):106-113. doi:10.1053/j. sult.2017.09.001

3. Huck LC, Bode M, Zanderigo E, Wilpert C, Raaff V, Dethlefsen E, Wenkel E, Kuhl CK. Dedicated photon-counting CT for detection and classification of microcalcifications: an intraindividual comparison with digital breast tomosynthesis. Investig Radiol. 2024;59(12):838-844. doi:10.1097/ RLI.0000000000001097

4. Weber J, Zanetti G, Nikolova E, Frauenfelder T, Boss A, Wieler J, Marcon M. Potential of non-contrast spiral breast CT to exploit lesion density and favor breast cancer detection: a pilot study. Eur J Radiol. 2024;178:111614. doi:10.1016/j. ejrad.2024.111614

5. Wetzl M, Heilingbrunner T, Heindl F, Wenkel E, Uder M, Ohlmeyer S. Detectability of breast cancer in dedicated breast CT compared with mammography dependent on breast density. Investig Radiol. 2024;59(12):861-865. doi:10.1097/ RLI.0000000000001105

Global Leadership Practicum 2026-2027

You are invited to participate in a yearlong, international leadership practicum designed to prepare emerging radiology and radiation oncology leaders with the core capabilities, strategic mindset, and interpersonal skills required to lead effectively across diverse teams, institutions, and cultures. To keep the group intimate and focused, limited spots will be available.

FACULTY

Geraldine

Prof Frank Lexa, Professor of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh

A PROGRAM DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU

For RANZCR, Prof McInty and Prof Lexa have partnered with our local leaders, including former Presidents and senior Fellows, to deliver a bespoke, practice-focused curriculum that speaks to the challenges, opportunities and cultural context of our members, delivered in an intimate cohort with direct access to global and local faculty.

PROGRAM FEATURES

International faculty and crossregional peer learning

 Blended inperson and virtual sessions

 Applied learning through a capstone project

 Peer coaching, mentoring and leadership interviews

 Networking and community building across the clinical radiology/ radiation oncology ecosystem

COST

$3,000 incl. GST (inclusive of all sessions for year-long program)

View Full Program and Register now:

Session 1 — Sydney, August 2026 (InPerson, Full Day)

Date: Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Time: 8:30am-5pm followed by networking cocktails

Venue: Crowne Plaza, Sydney Darling Harbour, 58 Bathurst Street

Evening Prior: Networking dinner

Online Learning Series Sessions 2 - 5 (Sept 2026 – Oct 2027)

Participants selfschedule peer coaching sessions between formal modules.

Session 6 — Gold Coast ASM, October 2027 (Full Day)

Radiology’s Next Chapter

How climate change and AI are reshaping radiology— towards a greener, smarter and more resilient future.

Radiology’s professional landscape and future are being reshaped by the intersection of climate change and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). Radiology has long been at the cutting-edge of technological change, requiring us to think differently and act decisively to mitigate risks and maximise benefits. This approach has never been more essential than in today’s fastchanging, complex environment.

AI Guidance

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) recently released Guidance on using Artificial Intelligence in Patient Care, aligning with RANZCR’s position, and intended to help practitioners use AI safely, ethically and responsibly in clinical practice. This is a welcome contribution as AI-enabled tools become more common across radiology, radiation oncology and wider clinical practice.

The guidance recognises the rapid uptake of AI across healthcare and notes it is already used in areas relevant to RANZCR members, including image analysis and interpretation, clinical documentation and workflow prioritisation.

While AI may support efficiency, quality and access to care, the guidance is clear that it does not replace clinical judgement or professional accountability. Doctors remain responsible for all clinical decisions when using AI.

The guidelines also state clinicians should understand, at a practical level, whether the digital tools they use incorporate AI, what they are designed to do and their key limitations.

The guidance highlights risks including error, bias and inaccurate or fabricated outputs, and reinforces principles around privacy, data security, appropriate oversight of AI technologies and ongoing education.

RANZCR supports this guidance and welcomes clear, pragmatic direction from regulators that helps clinicians navigate emerging technologies while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Environmental Impacts of Clinical Radiology

As we continue to experience more frequent, unpredictable and intense weather, including disruptions to transport, essential services and supply chains, it is clear that climate resilience is no longer just a goal; it is an imperative for us all.

Ours is an energy-intensive sector, and its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions have been examined in several recent studies. The summary data below is eye-opening and sobering, underscoring the need for positive action.

 The healthcare sector produces 4.6 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions; medical imaging 1 per cent and the aviation industry 2 per cent.

 Globally, if the health sector were

a country it would be the fifth largest greenhouse gas emitter on the planet.

 Within the healthcare sector, Imaging & Pathology account for 9 per cent of CO2 emissions, 12 per cent of water used and 8 per cent of waste.

 Mean CO2 emissions are 17·5 kg/ scan for MRI, 9·2 kg/scan for CT scan, 0·8 kg/scan for a chest X-ray and 0·5 kg/scan for an ultrasound.

Solutions

These statistics may lead you to ask: what can I do? The facts are, there are easy ways we can make a positive difference together.

RANZCR’s Environment Social Governance Working Group (ESGWG) has developed and recently released Guidelines on Environmentally Sustainable Practice in Radiology, outlining how we can reduce our carbon footprint. The guidance emphasises that sustainability doesn’t always require major investment or complex change. Instead, we can each make simple, practical changes to reduce our environmental impact, with examples listed below. I encourage members to embrace these actions, inspiring others to take small steps that help drive positive change towards a more environmentally sustainable and resilient future. IN

Easy Wins for Everyday Practice

Schedule equipment shutdowns and use idle modes when machines aren’t in use.

Choose evidence-based imaging and avoid unnecessary scans or duplicate tests.

Embrace digital systems for referrals, patient information and consent forms.

Opt for reusable or recyclable materials whenever possible.

Feedback That Works

New sessions led by medical educators offered DoTs practical frameworks for delivering constructive feedback—with more workshops planned in Melbourne and Christchurch.

Recently I attended the Director of Training (DoT) workshop in Sydney. The DoT workshops are one of my favourite events in the RANZCR calendar. I love having the opportunity to meet our hard-working DoTs and to observe the collegiality, camaraderie and sharing of ideas that occurs when they are in the same room. This year for the first time, most of the program was delivered as a combined session to both clinical radiology and radiation oncology attendees, bringing broader perspectives into the room and, I think, strengthening the discussion.

The purpose of the workshops is multifaceted. They are a good way to widely disseminate information and facilitate discussion around recent and upcoming changes to the training program, assessments and exams. They are also a means for DoTs from different jurisdictions to come together, debrief and brainstorm solutions to challenges encountered in the role. But arguably their most important purpose is to offer DoTs a chance to develop or enhance skills that are helpful for the role, with workshop design informed by feedback from the DoTs.

To that end, this year Dr Ruth Sutherland, a GP and a medical educationalist who works for the College, facilitated sessions on providing effective feedback. Ruth was accompanied by Dr Simon Morgan, who is also a GP and medical educator. First, Ruth and Simon delivered a high-level presentation on the foundations of providing feedback, including an outline of a few different feedback frameworks. Further information like this can be found in the document Giving Effective Feedback in Clinical Radiology Training, which is on the College website and can be found using the QR code on this page. Ruth and Simon then entered the fray to demonstrate how the frameworks can be used in practice, sometimes under challenging circumstances, assisted by a couple of actors, who were so convincing in their roles that I assumed that both of them must have worked in medicine in some capacity. Both Ruth and Simon were put through their paces but showed how constructive feedback can be effectively delivered by using the structure of the frameworks, assisted by a little planning.

Early feedback to the College from the session has been very positive so similar sessions will be delivered at the 20 August and 21 October DoT workshops, to be held in Melbourne and Christchurch respectively.

The next big event on my calendar is the Series 1 OSCER, to be held in the first week of June (coinciding with a big birthday for me!). The OSCER is an enormous undertaking by the clinical leads, Dr Mark Phillips (Deputy Chief Censor, Chief Examiner) and Dr Thomas Lloyd (OSCER Panel Lead),

and Anne Rogan and her team, and involves wrangling more than 140 candidates and 70 examiners from Australia, New Zealand and sometimes Singapore. Based on my experience coordinating the Queensland Vivas during COVID border closures, I can attest that the level of planning, organisation, coordination and mental agility required to successfully deliver these exams on a bi-national scale is immense—so much so that Anne’s team could practically have managed the recent NASA mission.

This year, the OSCER is moving back to Sydney, where the exam centre can accommodate a larger number of candidates. This ensures all candidates receive identical exam content over both days. This is one of several Phase 2 Exam reforms that have been recently implemented to further improve the fairness, reliability and validity of the exam, while maintaining the high standards for which RANZCR is internationally renowned. Others include the pairing of specialist and generalist examiners, improved feedback to candidates and the introduction of the Competence Review Panel, which is one of several approaches being undertaken to address the pain point of component fails.

I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting more of our long-suffering DoTs at these and other events and activities later this year. IN

A Practical Guide to PLRs

Program Level Requirements (PLRs) seem like yet another administrative burden, but you are likely achieving them already without even knowing it.

He llo, friends. As clinical radiologists our responsibility is not only to train and credential future radiologists, but to safeguard the standard of care delivered to patients across Australia and New Zealand. In an environment of increasing clinical complexity, technological change, and heightened regulatory expectations, the introduction of more mandatory CPD requirements by the medical boards last year appeared to add yet another administrative burden. However, by looking at the activities we are already recording for CPD, we may find most, if not all, of those requirements are already met.

Program Level Requirements (PLRs)

Modern clinical radiology extends well beyond image interpretation. Radiologists are central to multidisciplinary care, patient communication, interventional procedures, supervision of trainees, clinical governance and continuous

quality improvement. PLRs are a way to ensure these critical elements of practice are explicitly recognised and embedded across the profession, rather than being implied. So how do we achieve them? I’ve included a few ideas below:

MDT that discusses improved access to imaging or interventional services = Addressing Health Inequities a webinar or conference session on AI within radiology = Ethical Practice AND Professionalism

an online course or training session at your workplace for providing clinical care for Indigenous patients = Culturally Safe Practice

RANZCR is committed to making PLRs practical and achievable. The upcoming ASM in New Zealand later this year provides an excellent example. The program includes presentations and activities that together can enable you to meet ALL your PLR requirements within a single day, offering an efficient and high-value opportunity to address multiple professional obligations while engaging with peers and contemporary practice developments.

The College provides downloadable PLR guides and an instructional video, available via the RANZCR website. If you are unable to attend the ASM, there are also links to online courses and research papers to help you cover these requirements. If you are still unsure, please contact the CPD team (cpd@ranzcr.edu.au) who will be happy to guide you through.

Anaphylaxis Training

Looking ahead, 2026 marks the commencement of the next three-year cycle for mandatory anaphylaxis training for clinical radiologists. For many members, this requirement may already be met through employer-based training programs. Where this is not the case, RANZCR will be offering free, practical anaphylaxis training sessions at the New Zealand ASM this year (with limited places available). For those unable to attend in person, approved online courses remain an alternative pathway.

Ultimately, Program Level Requirements are a cornerstone of modern professional practice— supporting patient safety, professional confidence, regulatory assurance, and the ongoing credibility of clinical radiology in an evolving healthcare system. With the consistent pressures of our clinical workloads, having more CPD requirements put upon us seems intolerable, yet I encourage you to look for opportunities to close off PLRs with the activities you are already recording: you can add them to activities already submitted for this year, so you may already have them complete. IN

“PLRs ensure critical elements of practice are explicitly recognised and embedded across the profession.”

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The Human Element in Cancer Research

The vital role of consumer partnerships in improving cancer trials and patient outcomes.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and as both clinicians and researchers, we must not lose sight of the fact that our work is ultimately deeply personal and for the benefit of real people, our patients.

This message was emphasised at the recent ASM of the TransTasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) I attended in March, whose theme was ‘Driving Intelligent Trials, Smarter designs, empowered consumers, AI-driven insight and strong trial systems for better research outcomes’.

Consumer insights were included at the opening of each session, highlighting that consumer partnerships are no longer optional, but foundational to oncological research.

As one of the largest cancer clinical trials groups in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, TROG is tasked with generating the evidence that underpins the use of radiation therapy and new technologies in radiation medicine.

TROG also aims to improve patients’ access to clinical trial participation so that researchers can better understand the real-world

impact of a diagnosis, improve the design of trials and ensure that research reflects patients’ priorities and community needs.

As radiation oncologists, our contributions to TROG and the College are pivotal. The ASM highlighted the extent to which our members’ work in cancer research and that of affiliate organisations and our international colleagues is interconnected, and underscored the profound value of binational and global collaboration involved in clinical trials and the contributions of the many people who work behind the scenes to support them.

This partnering is essential if we are to continue to drive our understanding and knowledge, foster interaction between researchers, clinicians, patients and communities, and accelerate discoveries.

The College plays a critical role in ensuring that the research translates into real life practice via training and advocacy—a dynamic process of converting data and theory into practical applications that ultimately improve the outcomes for our patients.

AI in Research

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research was a hot topic at the TROG ASM with respect to equity, ethical principles, informed consent and liability, and the risks associated with algorithmic bias.

Discussions emphasised the need for strong human oversight and input to ensure that AI tools developed are fair and representative of diverse populations, or otherwise risk widening the care gap by

perpetuating or exacerbating existing disparities for marginalised groups.

Key challenges include ensuring transparency, maintaining human-AI collaboration, and protecting patient autonomy.

The College is playing a critical role by:

engaging with the wider health community to improve research with under-represented groups e.g. First Nations people through our Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Empowerment Committee (MATEC)

developing and promoting ethical principles in the use of AI and consumer friendly resources progressing work on consent for the use of AI in clinical radiology and radiation oncology.

Our upcoming two-day conference, Intelligence26: AI and the Future of Practice, aims to address the transformative role of AI in clinical radiology and radiation oncology, and consider how our professions will need to adapt for a future digital world enhanced by AI.

As I discussed in my article in the March issue for World Cancer Day, I think it’s worth reiterating that the strength of our profession derives from bringing together science, technology and human connection to deliver precise and compassionate care, honouring the individual experience of every person affected by cancer.

It is therefore vital that, in our ongoing efforts to improve cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and the human aspects of research do not get lost in our focus on the data. IN

How Much Peer Review Should We Be Doing?

Peer review helps keep radiotherapy safe and consistent, but approaches vary widely. Radiation oncologist Dr Louise Nardone looks at what good peer review can achieve and where practice could be strengthened.

Radiation therapy is one of the most complex modalities used in modern medicine. Quality assurance (QA) practices occur throughout every step of the radiation therapy process, from properly identifying a patient, to multiple layers of planning checks by the radiation therapists, and patientspecific QA and dosimetric audits performed by the radiation oncology medical physicists.

Quality assurance among radiation oncologists (ROs), however, seems to vary much more broadly. RANZCR provides a Radiation Oncology Peer Review Assessment Tool (PRAT), formulated following a survey across Australia and New Zealand in 2018. The PRAT is part of the quality framework delineated by the Radiation Oncology Practice Standards (ROPS) and the current version (2019) suggests that 30 patients should be audited per radiation oncologist per year. It also stipulates that prospective peer review should be performed for certain scenarios, including; all individualised volumes; volumes not conforming to departmental protocol; new protocols; and complex palliative treatment such as Stereo-tactic radiosurgery (SRS), re-treatment or high dose treatment. Does this go far enough?

The importance of Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance (RT QA) has been well established in the clinical trials space. When RT QA is not performed adequately, there are serious implications not only for the trial outcome, but more importantly, for patient care. This was particularly well demonstrated in head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy by Corry et al. who reported that out of nine locoregional failures in TROG 12.01, four cases had major protocol violations1. This is despite pre-treatment RT QA being performed for the first patient of each treating RO and for one in five of subsequent patients. Dr Corry and her co-investigators concluded that the minimal components of RT QA in head and neck cancer are GTVs, PTVhd and critical organs at risk and only pre-treatment RT QA can improve patient outcomes. The implementation of RT QA for HNC is at the discretion of each radiation oncology department, allowing a wide variation in practice. Perhaps with the next review of the PRAT, high-risk sub-sites, such as HNC, might be identified as needing all cases reviewed pre-treatment by a second RO.

In a similar vein, modalities such as cranial SRS and extracranial Stereotactic Ablative Body

Radiotherapy (SABR), regardless of the intent, can come with high risk of severe toxicities if not carried out with the necessary QA practices. Routine review of all volumes and critical OARs, especially if a RO is new to the technique, could be suggested in the next review of the PRAT.

While our College can update the PRAT, and the tripartite might adopt these suggestions into the next version of the ROPS, the onus for improving peer review sits with each RO. Neither RANZCR nor the tripartite has jurisdiction over every radiation oncology department across Australia and New Zealand. Similarly, regulatory bodies across both countries do not have oversight of the granular detail of risk management and quality improvement within every Radiation Therapy department in their state or territory. If we can agree that Peer Review in clinical practice should be at least as rigorous as in clinical trials, then it’s time to recognise that peer review processes in each department should be as stringent as all the other QA processes that make up the radiation therapy workflow, regardless of intent or technique. IN

References:

1. Corry J, Moore A, Kenny L, Wratten C, Fua T, Lin C, et al. Radiotherapy quality assurance in the TROG 12.01 randomised trial and its impact on locoregional failure. Front Oncol. 2024;13:1333098.

Dr Ziad Thotathil, CHoPP (FRO)

As we reach the midpoint of the year, the landscape outside our clinic windows is shifting. The crisp gold of autumn is giving way to the sharp, quiet chill of winter. For many of us in the medical profession, this seasonal transition serves as a natural checkpoint—a moment to pause, pull a coat tighter, and assess where we stand against the goals we set in January.

The mid-year mark is often the busiest season for practitioners, yet it is also the most critical time to address our professional obligations. Chief among these is our Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

While the end-of-year deadline can feel distant, the winter months are the ideal time to consolidate your learning hours. Whether you are reviewing clinical guidelines, attending a mid-year symposium, or engaging in peer-review discussions, staying ahead of your requirements ensures your practice remains evidence-based and your registration remains secure.

Avoid the frantic December scramble by auditing your tracker now. The CPD team at RANZCR is currently finalising the 2025 audit; while our completion rate is very high, a small number of participants have not yet met the requirements.

"A well-rested doctor is a more empathetic and effective one."

Mid-year Reset

Now is the time to consolidate your CPD and refine your PDP, while also making time to rest and recharge for a balanced second half of the year.

Often, this comes down to a lack of documentation rather than a lack of effort. Taking the time now to refine your Professional Development Plan (PDP) will go a long way toward achieving your goals without unnecessary tension. Furthermore, the College is exploring ways to simplify the logging process for Fellows, so please stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

However, professional excellence is not sustained by education alone. Years of practice in high-pressure environments can strain our resilience, and we all have our own ways to unwind. I have been fortunate enough to recently take a sabbatical break from work, using the time to relax by reading for pleasure, attending a photography convention, and enjoying New Zealand’s great outdoors. It hasn’t been all play, however; I also visited several other departments to reconnect with old colleagues and review different practices, organised a conference, and participated in several others.

Taking a deliberate step back allows the cognitive fog of a high-pressure environment to clear. As the frost begins to settle, let’s commit to a balanced second half of the year. Take the time to sharpen your skills through CPD, but don’t forget to sharpen your spirit through rest. By caring for ourselves with the same diligence we apply to our patients, we ensure we have the stamina to provide the world-class care our patients expect and deserve.

A well-rested doctor is a more empathetic and effective one. IN

Member Rewards

Considered value, for work and life

Membership is more than a professional credential. It’s part of how you live, work and belong.

The Member Rewards Program offers a curated collection of benefits and services designed to support members, both professionally and personally, in ways that are relevant, useful and valuable.

Here are our current partners, thoughtfully selected to add meaningful value to your membership. No points, no noise, no complexity.

Motoring & Transport

Member savings on vehicles and mobility.

BMW and MINI Corporate

Europcar

Travel & Accommodation

Member-only rates when you travel for work or time away.

Hilton Hotels Australasia

IHG Hotels & Resorts

The Accommodation Brokers

Health & Wellbeing

Support for your health and wellbeing, on and off the job.

Partners Explore Member Rewards

Converge International

Everyday Living & Lifestyle

Everyday savings and extras that add up.

JB Hi-Fi Business

Petals Florist Network

Finance, Insurance & Advice

Trusted support for financial decisions, tailored to health professionals.

BOQ Specialist

Bupa Health Insurance

Medcentric

Medi Financial

Medical Wealth Advisory

Medical Financial Advisers (MFAS)

Westpac

Pushing into Election Times

The NZ Branch is amplifying its voice—advocating on key workforce and patient issues while supporting members working in increasingly constrained environments.

Kia ora tātou, This year has already demonstrated that we continue to live in interesting times. While there is an abundance of new issues arising, the NZ Branch is focused on advocacy for our workforce and patients. My fellow clinical radiology and radiation oncology colleagues in Aotearoa continue to achieve fantastic outcomes for New Zealanders, while working in constrained environments. Our job as the NZ Branch this year is to ensure that we keep strongly advocating for our work while also looking after our own wellbeing.

The lead-up to the general election in November provides an opportunity to amplify our voice. This includes work responding to consultations, such as our response which raises concerns about the recent consultation from Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand’s (MCNZ) on the proposed regulation of Physician Associates (PAs).

Part of this advocacy relates to the safe and appropriate use of digital support and Artificial Intelligence

(AI) in medicine. AI technology is increasingly part of healthcare services, and it’s important that we shape the role of this technology in our work. We work closely with the College AI Committee and expert policy advisors to advocate for sensible and reasonable regulation of AI.

Recently, we provided feedback on the MCNZ’s initial consultation on guidance on using AI in patient care. The final guidance includes changes we advocated for which increase the clarity of the guidance and reduce burden on clinicians. Changes include a significant shift away from placing the burden of data security/storage, bias, and accuracy on the clinician, and notes the role and responsibility of organisations in deploying AI tools. Additionally, the guidance has moved away from a blanket approach to informed consent and introduces the use of professional judgement in explaining use of AI to patients. This also introduces a tiered risk model (and removed the suggested onerous requirement to inform patients of use of any AI in their healthcare), specifying explicitly where consent would be required.

As well as advocacy for our current members, we have also focused on recruiting the next generation of specialists, recently at the University of Otago Medical School’s annual ELM Clinical Conference (ECCO) held 2–3 May. The theme was “Poipoia te kākāno kia puawai—Nurture the seed so it may bloom.” The conference fostered passion and curiosity within pre-clinical medical students. College staff and

trainees attended a trade stand promoting both clinical radiology and radiation oncology. Dr Firzana Hendricks (radiation oncology) and Dr Cameron Simmers (clinical radiology) each ran a workshop to showcase and encourage students to consider a career in their specialties.

Building a strong training network is an ongoing focus. We are excited to have Invercargill online as a new site accredited to clinical radiology training. Recently, College staff member Gracie Talamaivao (the Trainee Liaison Officer for NZ) visited Invercargill trainees. We hope to see more rural and regional sites come online for training— this will hopefully help grow local workforce in the regions. Likewise, College staff also recently visited the Palmerston North radiation oncology department to learn from trainees and members on the ground about their sites. This whanaungatanga (building relationships) with trainees, members, and College staff helps build trust and knowledge, and ultimately strengthen the College.

Please get in touch if there is anything you’d like to discuss via nzbranch@ranzcr.org.nz IN

JMIRO’s Digital Transition

An update on JMIRO’s transition to digital access, explaining what it means for subscribers, why it’s happening, and how the College is supporting a phased, member-focused transition.

Many members will already be aware that the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology (JMIRO) is transitioning to digital only. This planned change aims to make the journal easier for you to access, more flexible to use, and more sustainable.

What This Means

Moving JMIRO to digital is designed to make it simpler for you to read, search and stay up to date, as you will be able to: access content anytime, anywhere

read articles across devices see new research sooner receive alerts when new content is published.

JMIRO online is available via Wiley, the journal’s publishing platform. Activating your Wiley account may also provide additional access to publications and resources.

As well as being convenient, digital delivery also helps to reduce the environmental impact associated with printing and distributing physical copies.

A Phased Transition

There’s no immediate change to your current JMIRO delivery. 2026 is a transition year. From 2027, you’ll receive JMIRO digitally as part of your membership.

Getting Started

The College has created a guide to assist you through this change. The JMIRO page on the RANZCR website offers:

FAQs about the transition step-by-step guidance for accessing JMIRO via Wiley support information if you need help. IN

Strengthening the Trainor Trust

The J. P. Trainor Trust welcomes two new Trustees, restoring the Trust to full strength as it continues preserving and sharing the Trainor Owen Archive—a living record of radiology and radiation oncology across Australia and New Zealand.

The J. P. Trainor Trust was established in 1982 following a generous endowment from the sons of John Patrick Trainor, a long-standing supporter of the College and former manager of Watson Victor Ltd, which was the first company to sell X-ray equipment in Australia. Since its inception, the Trust has played an important role in supporting the preservation and promotion of the history of radiology and radiation oncology in Australia and New Zealand.

Working in close partnership with the College Archivist, the Trust has overseen the development and stewardship of the Trainor Owen Archive. The Archive documents the professional, technological, and organisational history of the specialty and serves as a valuable resource for members, researchers, and educators.

Honouring a Long-Standing Contribution

In 2025, the Trust marked the sad passing of Dr Peter Carr, a highly respected Trustee who served the J. P. Trainor Trust for more than 30 years, having joined in 1994. Dr Carr also served as Chair for a period and made a significant contribution to the Trust’s governance and stability.

As a long-standing Trustee, Dr Carr provided continuity during periods of organisational and archival change. He consistently supported the Trust’s responsibility to preserve and oversee the Trainor Owen Archive, demonstrating a deep appreciation of its historical importance and a strong commitment to its future.

Following Dr Carr’s passing, the Trust temporarily comprised two Trustees, Dr Thomas Snow and Prof Alan Coulthard. During this transitional period, their leadership, patience and insight ensured continuity and helped guide the Trust through a time of uncertainty.

Announcing the Appointment of New Trustees

The Trust is now pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Gregory Slater and Dr Gary Shepherd, who now

join Dr Thomas Snow and Prof Alan Coulthard, restoring the J. P. Trainor Trust to a full complement of Trustees.

Dr Gregory Slater is an Australian radiologist who served as President of RANZCR in 2016. During his presidency, he represented the College at national and international levels and was closely involved in advocacy regarding professional standards, education, scope of practice and patient-centred care. His leadership strengthened RANZCR’s international profile and supported the College’s strategic and governance objectives.

Dr Gary Shepherd is an Australian radiologist with a strong commitment to education, professional development, and clinical excellence. He has contributed to the College through active involvement in scientific and educational activities, including serving as Co-Convenor of the Queensland RANZCR Annual Scientific Meeting in 2012 and 2013. He is also a regular presenter at professional meetings, particularly in musculoskeletal imaging.

Looking Ahead

Together with the College Archivist, the Trustees remain focused on enhancing access to the Trainor Owen Archive and strengthening its role as a living record of the profession. As key milestones approach, the Trust looks forward to uncovering and sharing more of the rich history of radiology and radiation oncology across Australia and New Zealand. IN