Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – The radiologist "is becoming increasingly clinical, a key player in diagnostic and therapeutic decisions and in direct contact with patients." This is the major transformation in Italian radiology, the focus of the 52nd National Congress of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), which opens today, attended by Health Minister Orazio Schillaci, at the Allianz MiCo in Milan.
The conference, titled "Not Just Diagnostics: Exploring the Digital Universe," will continue until November 8th and will address new perspectives in medicine, from the digitalization of processes to the evolution of professional skills. "Radiologists are already a key figure in numerous areas of medicine, from prevention to diagnosis, to the development of therapeutic strategies.
Our presence is essential not only for correctly interpreting tests, but also for guiding clinical decisions, evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, and monitoring disease progression. This responsibility requires increasingly broad expertise and active participation in managing care pathways,” say Nicoletta Gandolfo, President of Sirm, and Luca Brunese, President-elect of Sirm.
“We are entering a new phase in medicine, characterized by the complete digitalization of processes,” explains Brunese.
Our discipline has undergone extraordinary transformations, moving from analog to digital imaging and now to artificial intelligence. These technologies can reduce the time needed to analyze an ever-increasing number of images and support reporting. This is important, because the time saved will need to be spent talking to patients, communicating the report, and answering their questions, recreating a direct, personal relationship. This is already evident in breast imaging, ultrasound, and interventional radiology, but it will gradually extend to all subspecialties. We also consider cancer patients, for whom diagnostic imaging is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring the disease, or emergency management, where timely radiological assessments can make a difference. All of this also benefits the sustainability of universal healthcare, and it's not true that there are too many radiologists: in the future, we will need even more, especially as the demand for diagnostic services will continue to increase in the coming years. Technological innovation does not replace doctors, but rather offers them new tools to better perform their work.
"In recent years, radiology has gained an increasingly important role within the healthcare system," Gandolfo emphasizes. "Today, we participate steadily in multidisciplinary teams and in defining diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. This entails growing responsibilities and requires a review of traditional organizational models, which must also take into account the time required for consultation between specialists. During our two-year presidency, we have worked hard to strengthen relationships with other scientific societies (starting with AIOM) and with institutions, also enhancing interventional radiology and collaboration with radiology technicians. Our Sirm is increasingly solid and structured, with over 13 members, 49% of whom are women and 46% are under 45. These numbers demonstrate how much our community has grown and evolved. We have invested in young people, expanded international collaborations, and strengthened radiology's presence at key scientific and institutional forums."
For the first time, the conference is being held in conjunction with the Italian Association of Neuroradiology (Ainr). The program includes refresher courses, single-topic sessions, roundtable discussions, and clinical case discussions. The main scientific topics range from neuroradiology to breast radiology, pediatric radiology to oncology, from emergencies to musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and respiratory conditions, and even vascular and extravascular interventional radiology.
"Over 2.500 experts involved and more than 50 square meters of scientific and exhibition areas: these numbers demonstrate the size and importance of this Congress," says Roberto Grassi, president of the 52nd Sirm Congress. "We have developed a high-quality program, with ample space for discussion among specialists, research, and technological innovation. A distinctive feature of this edition is also the organizational model: it is a completely self-contained Congress, created and managed in every phase by internal staff, from program development to logistics, to reception and communication. This choice enhances our resources and demonstrates the scientific society's ability to independently organize an event of this magnitude. Among the new features is the 'Photon Hunt,' an interactive journey through the exhibition area dedicated to technologies and medical devices. Our goal is to offer a dynamic, participatory congress that represents the present and future of the discipline."
"Special attention is paid to the training and development of young radiologists," concludes Luigia Romano, chair of the congress's scientific committee. "The program includes over a thousand oral presentations, 250 clinical case presentations, challenges between specialization schools, workshops, and awards for young specialists. Four courses have also been organized for Junior Members. We have developed a top-notch scientific program, thanks to the contribution of a prestigious faculty, to meet the continuing education needs of all Sirm Members in terms of radiological and management knowledge. We want to offer young people not only opportunities for professional development, but also the opportunity to present their research, engage with experts, and actively participate in the growth of our discipline."
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