Plans Under Way for 2006 AMCLC in May
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The Council Steering Committee (CSC) recently met and approved several changes to the preliminary program. Capitol Hill visits will be moved to Wednesday (May 24, 2006). The RADPAC Gala will remain on Tuesday evening. On Monday, in addition to the Moreton Lecture, there will be reference committee hearings. On Tuesday, in addition to council discussion and action on the reference committee reports, there will be a special program on breast imaging and the issues facing breast imagers, organized by Carol H. Lee, MD, and the new ACR Commission on Breast Imaging. On Thursday, the program will be devoted to an economics forum organized by John A. Patti, MD, and the ACR Commission on Economics. The Fellowship Induction Ceremony will, as usual, be conducted on Sunday evening.
The CSC reviewed the Councilor Handbook and Council Policies and Procedures in an effort to clarify the responsibilities of a councilor and streamline the function of the council. I believe these changes will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the meeting and further ensure that the interests of all ACR members are well served. Please note that the deadline for resolutions is February 20, 2006.
In an effort to allow more representation of radiology organizations that do not yet qualify for full membership in our council, the creation of an "observer status" will be discussed.
The CSC discussed multiple aspects of how to increase chapter and resident participation at the AMCLC. Through the existing CSC liaison relationships, efforts will be directed to achieving 100% of chapter representation and increased resident representation, both for diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology residents. To aid the latter efforts, the Board of Chancellors recently approved an additional $1,000 of support to all ACR chapters for residents attending the AMCLC, provided those chapters are willing to send and support a second resident to the meeting. Finally, in concert with Geoffrey G. Smith, MD, and the Commission on General and Pediatric Radiology and Small and/or Rural Practices, efforts are under way to identify and support ACR chapter leaders in those chapters deemed relatively inactive.
Each and every member of the Council Steering Committee is dedicated to making the AMCLC an effective, efficient, and successful meeting. We are cognizant of the time that each councilor devotes to this important ACR activity. Please keep us and your councilors informed of your concerns and share any ideas you may have to enhance the meeting experience for you and your colleagues. To share those concerns, please contact Brad Short at the ACR at (800) 227-5463, ext 4975, or bshort@acr.org.