This post was contributed by Bibb Allen Jr., MD, FACR, chief medical officer of the ACR Data Science Institute.

You may have heard that medical imaging artificial intelligence (AI) might one day replace radiologists. This is science fiction.

Science fact is — AI use can only increase the value radiologists provide — not diminish it.

Technologies are emerging that can help radiologists improve imaging care. However, for these tools to be most effective, a national framework must be established to:

• Identify where data science tools will be most helpful for imaging care
• Make AI tools accessible across various software and hardware platforms
• Incorporate AI effectively into radiology clinical workflow

The newly launched American College of Radiology Data Science Institute™ (DSI) will lead the effort to create this framework.

The ACR Data Science Institute is an industry-wide, vendor-neutral approach to validating and implementing AI technologies into radiology practice.

The DSI approach is similar to the ACR’s pioneering role in working with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to create Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standards.

These DICOM standards promoted adoption of digital modalities, filmless radiology and PACS, advanced visualization, and image distribution.

Such tools have helped radiology and radiologists make medical imaging better. AI will one day help us improve patient care even more.

• How do you see medical imaging AI improving patient care?
• How do you think medical imaging AI will change radiology?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below and join the discussion on Engage (login required).

This post was contributed by Stephen Ferrara, MD, an interventional radiologist and candidate for Arizona’s 9th Congressional District seat.

In a previous Voice of Radiology post on the 2016 presidential and congressional elections, I said “an angry and polarized electorate is clamoring for bold changes…”

I count myself among those wanting change — so much so that I decided to run for Congress in my home state of Arizona.

I encourage you to get involved in the medical or the public arena as well. Serving on a hospital committee or running for school board or city council, we have a great deal to contribute in both talent and ideas.

Diversity of viewpoints leads to a richer discussion. Higher level stakeholder engagement leads to higher quality governance.

Important changes are being considered at every level of government — local, state and federal. Someone is going to make those decisions. And they will do it with or without your input.

It is vital that radiologists and allied health professionals engage decision makers and, if you hear the calling, even become the decision makers.

Radiology touches nearly every part of medicine. Our valuable insight on the health care system can help make medicine better. It can make life better for those we serve — but only if we decide to get involved.

Like most things, the first step is often the hardest, but that is the way every meaningful journey begins.

Need concrete steps to help you to take a leadership role in shaping the health care system and serving your communities? ACR provides extensive free resources, including the:

• Imaging 3.0™ initiative
• Radiology Support, Communication and Alignment Network (R-SCAN)
• ACR Commission on Patient- and Family-Centered Care
• National Radiology Data Registry (NRDR^®)
• Most Valuable Radiology Practice Action Plan
• JACR Imaging Value Chain Series
• Radiology Advocacy Network

How are you relaying the value you bring to patients, the public and policymakers?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below and join the discussion on Engage (login required).

This post was contributed by Geraldine B. McGinty, MD, MBA, FACR, vice chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Board of Chancellors, and James V. Rawson, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Commission on Patient- and Family-Centered Care.

Of the many groups trying to improve health care some are more traditional professional societies while others are more unique.

Look at the hashtag #pinksocks on Twitter and you’ll not only find a virtual community but also a community that is hard to define. The “secret” of #pinksocks originates with those people to whom Nick Atkins gave pink socks with black mustaches.

Why would Nick give them socks you ask?

Nick would say he was giving a gift without any strings or expectations. Others have noted that the #pinksocks tribe tends be at the podium of many health care meetings. Still others have noticed a trend for people wearing pink socks with mustaches to be positive change agents — disruptors in health care.

Next time you are at a health care meeting take an extra moment to look at individual’s socks. Look to see who is wearing #pinksocks at ACR 2017 — The Crossroads of Radiology^®. 

You may even see some #pinksocks with @ManoloBlahnik if @DrGMcGinty is around.

What happens when professional societies and virtual communities combine forces? You may be witnessing more than a change in fashion. You may be seeing transformation — a gathering of a tribe of positive disruptors trying to improve radiology.

What do you think happens when professional societies and virtual communities combine forces?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below and join the discussion on Engage (login required).