Welcome to the 2022-2023 Season of the Chicago Radiological Society (CRS)! It has been a pleasure to work in the organization for the last decade, and it is an honor to serve as President this year. I am happy to introduce the other members of the board of directors with Dr. Senta Berggruen serving as President-Elect/Program Chair and Dr. Syam Reddy serving as Vice-President/Secretary-Treasurer.
We will continue with in person programming this year, and our first meeting of the season will be held on October 20, 2022. As always, we have an innovative and thought-provoking educational program this season, organized by the committee Program Chairs for Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology. Please watch for future emails regarding our programming, as well as educational and social events. In my years, I found CRS to be an excellent opportunity for networking and career development for trainees and early career attendings.
As the local chapter of the Illinois Radiological Society, under the larger umbrella of the American College of Radiology, the CRS remains a very efficient and effective means for advocacy for the professions of radiology and radiation oncology and for our patients’ safe and quality access to radiology and radiation oncology services. The future of our fields remains exciting, and advocacy for our specialties is paramount to shape the future for our patients and our practitioners. Please consider engaging in any of our many advocacy efforts to be a part of this change.
We welcome a diverse and inclusive membership and foster an environment of mutual respect, collaboration, and shared ideas. Our advocacy efforts will always be most successful when we have participation and investment from a broad representation of our membership. If you have ideas or passions regarding our specialty that you believe merit discussion or additional effort, on a local, regional, or national level, I encourage you to reach out to me or any of the executive board members.
I welcome further engagement with the CRS and highly recommend service to a committee as way to get involved. Our committees span a broad range of needs within our organization and bright minds are always invited. Individuals interested in serving on a committee should contact the CRS as info@chicagoradiology.org.
Along with the Illinois Radiological Society, CRS is looking forward to sponsoring the 7th annual Chicagoland Radiology Expo for medical students, held this year virtually on Saturday, November 5th. Hosted this year by the CRS and the New York Chapter, the Expo is open to medical students from across the United States. If you are interested in participating, please email Olga Pasternak, MD at olgapasternak@gmail.com.
Thank you to all of our members for supporting the missions of the CRS. I am excited for a fruitful year, and I look forward to seeing you all at an upcoming meeting!
Sincerely,
Matthew Harkenrider, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Education
Loyola University Medical Center