Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Specialty Committee on Diagnostic Radiology
Donald B. Russell, MD, FRCPC
Louise Samson, MD, FRCPC
CAR FORUM 1999;43(4):5
Who are these people and what are they doing for us?
This committee is made of nine regular members. Five (including the chair) act as representatives of the five regions of Canada (BC and Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces). These members constitute the nucleus committee. Chairs of sub-specialties (pediatric radiology and neuroradiology) and the chair and vice-chair of the certifying examination complete the membership. All 16 program directors and one resident are corresponding members. Staff of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada are ex officio members.
When the chair of the Continuing Professional Development Committee is added, this committee also constitutes the Training, Qualifications and Human Resources Committee of the CAR . Members are appointed for a three-year renewable term.
The Specialty Committee on Diagnostic Radiology meets three times a year: once at every CAR meeting (mid-winter and annual) and, more officially, once a year at the Royal College headquarters. The chair meets with the program directors at the annual meeting of the Royal College.
The role of this committee is quite large. Through its nucleus committee, it assesses all documentation before every accreditation visit to the 16 radiology programs. Specific areas of concern may be suggested to the surveyors. In the end, it is the nucleus committee that recommends to the Royal College action to be taken in approving training programs.
Another major role of the committee is establishing and updating the training requirements and learning objectives of the specialty. It also supervises the development and the process of the certifying examination, as well as recommending examiners.
The Specialty Committee is also asked by the Royal College to give its opinion on several crucial matters regarding training, examination and accreditation.
Overall, the Specialty Committee — through its nucleus committee — represents radiologists to the Royal College. As advisor to the Royal College, the influence of the committee is significant, which is important in order to assure high standards and a bright future for our specialty.
Members as of January 2000 are Drs Louise Samson (Chair), Richard Rankin, Bruce Forster, Michael Davidson, Michael Mitchell, Rebecca Peterson, Denis Bergeron, Mary A. Matzinger and William Maloney.
We must acknowledge the very good work of the previous team, and especially Dr. Bob Campbell, who served as chair for 6 years. Thank you also to Drs. D. Stringer, D. Russell, A. Fox and F. Karlicki.
Dr. Russell is a Former member and Dr. Samson is Chair of the Specialty Committee on Diagnostic Radiology
© 1999 Canadian Association of Radiologists
