Inside News

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8 Inside News
Introduction
our patients, government interest will
likely persist in new models such as
bundled payments and attempts to
transition reimbursement from a fee-for-
service structure to payments that are
increasingly guided by quality related
and patient experience metrics. Effective
advocacy that demonstrates the role
and value of clinical radiologists will be
essential in this environment.
A strong position in the interest of
patient care and College members
has been taken in other areas such
as sonographer performance of
musculoskeletal injections in Australia
and physiotherapist performance of
injections in New Zealand. Another
important role of the College is to
support the practice and expertise of
College members by providing guidance
and clinically useful information. The
recently released Iodinated Contrast
Media Guidelines are invaluable and I
would like to express gratitude for the
outstanding work of all those involved
during their development. The College
has also been proactive in the Choosing
Wisely initiative as an inaugural member
in Australia and more recently as an early
participant in New Zealand. In view of
the significant progress we have made
relative to other colleges, we were again
invited to participate in the Australian
Choosing Wisely second wave media
launch to discuss implementation of
educational modules and a mobile
application that provides free access to
evidence-based clinical decision rules at
the point of care.
Furthermore, as an entity that sets
standards of practice, provides guidance
for training, accredits training sites
and leads assessment of trainees,
the College is well positioned for
challenges in the future as we enter
the implementation phase following a
review of our education and assessment
processes.
Conclusion
We face many challenges and only a
few of these have been outlined above.
These threats may vary in degree but
are relevant to all radiologists in New
Zealand and Australia, in public and
private sectors and in the rural and
metropolitan context. How we respond
and the guiding principles we apply
when facing these challenges will vary
depending on the context in which
we find ourselves. While judicious use
of technology, being willing to accept
change and a responsive approach
will be important, I believe that focus
upon the quality of care we provide our
patients and the value we add to care in
the eyes of our referrers will be the most
significant determinants of our long-term
future as clinical radiologists.
In concluding, I believe there are good
reasons to feel optimistic about the
future. The quality of our training and
skills as Australian and New Zealand
clinical radiologists are the envy of many,
we have strong and dedicated College
staff, office bearers, President, CEO and
Councillors, and are fortunate to benefit
from the efforts of many members who
volunteer to participate in College
activities. I look forward to supporting
College members as we address various
challenges during my term as Dean.
If you have any feedback or comments
on any of the above please contact the
College on
Prof John Slavotinek
Dean, Faculty of Clinical Radiology