Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to the Chicago Radiological Society’s 2026–2027 year!

It is truly an honor to serve as President of the CRS, an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career. I look forward to working alongside all of you and to making this a year filled with education, connection, and collaboration.

I would like to warmly thank our immediate Past-President, Dr. Carla Harmath, for a successful year full of learning and opportunities.

I am delighted to introduce our excellent Officers and Trustees, including President-Elect and Program Chair Dr. Sarah Moum from Lurie Children’s Hospital, as well as Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Kirti Kulkarni from the University of Chicago.  We are incredibly grateful to our past presidents, trustees, councilors, alternate councilors, committee members, and staff for the time and energy they have devoted to the CRS. Their leadership and commitment have helped build the strong organization we have today, and I look forward to continuing that work together.

The CRS is the local chapter of the Illinois Radiological Society, under the umbrella of the American College of Radiology. Our Society provides an important place for radiologists and radiation oncologists to come together—not only to advocate for our patients and our professions, but also to learn from one another, share experiences, and build lasting professional relationships.

One of the greatest strengths of the CRS is our community. We bring together physicians from different practices, institutions, subspecialties, and stages of their careers. Whether you are a medical student just discovering radiology, a resident or fellow finding your path, an early-career physician building your experience, or a seasoned colleague with years of wisdom to share– there is a place for you within the CRS.

This year, I hope we can continue to strengthen that sense of community. Education will continue to remain at the heart of our Society. Our hybrid format will continue to provide flexibility, while our programming will place an even greater emphasis on interaction, discussion, and opportunities to connect with colleagues.

Advocacy will also remain an important part of our mission. The healthcare environment continues to change, and issues related to reimbursement, regulation, access to care, workforce development, technology, and artificial intelligence affect all of us. Our collective voice is strongest when everyone has an opportunity to contribute. I encourage each of you to become involved in whatever way feels meaningful to you. Every voice, perspective, and experience adds value to our Society.

We are especially proud to continue our partnership with the Illinois Radiological Society in sponsoring the Chicagoland Radiology Expo, now entering its 11th year. This wonderful program brings medical students from across the country together with radiologists and radiation oncologists to explore the many possibilities within our fields. It is an important opportunity to introduce students to our professions. We are grateful to all of the CRS members who generously give their time and enthusiasm to make this event possible.

I look forward to seeing you at our meetings, events, and throughout the year.

Warmly,

Mariah H. Siddiqui, MD
President, Chicago Radiological Society (2026-2027)

Associate Professor
Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Otolaryngology
Program Director, Diagnostic Radiology Residency
Loyola University Medical Center
2160 S First Ave
Maywood, IL 60153