30 Minute Interview

'The Conference Will be Attended by 3,500 Radiologists'

The 63rd annual conference of Indian Radiology and Imaging Association, IRIA 2010 is all set to take place in Ahmedabad. Dr Hemant Patil, Chairman, Scientific Committee of IRIA 2010, speaks about the detail of the conference. Excerpts:

Dr Hemant Patil Chairman, Scientific Committee of IRIA 2010

What are the main highlights of IRIA 2010?

The highlights of the IRIA 2010 conference are:

• Participation of more than 3,500 radiologists from all over the world.
• Trade exhibition to be held in over 2 lakh square feet of area under air-conditioned hangers with state of art infrastructure and facilities. National and international exhibitor's exhibiting the latest technology in the area of radiological science.
• 350 educational displays.
• Nine workshops, 188 lectures, 228 paper presentations covering the most important topics and subjects related to radiology.
• Social causes will be emphasised with due attention having public participation and campaigns with a special walk 'Beti Bachao Andolan' planned on 24th January 2010 to create mass awareness to Save the Girl Child.
• The conference will be inaugurated by Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendrabhai Modi. Presence of Honorable Health Minister of Gujarat, Jay Narayan Vyas and President of World Medical Association Dr Ketan Desai will also grace the occasion.
• The scientific programme includes workshops, orations, symposia, paper presentations, CME and guest lectures by renowned international and national faculties.

Can you give us a brief picture on the topics and special sessions which will be discussed in the event?

Workshops comprising international and national experts shall be 'topic-specific' and it will include clinical discussions and hand-on-processing workstation experience about topics like: Cardiac CT, Breast Imaging, Interventional Radiology, Foetal Imaging, MSK radiology, Interventional Radiology, Color Doppler, Advanced Neuroimaging and PET-CT.

How did the committee decide on the topics and scientific presentations to be discussed?

The 63rd IRIA committee, formed of ace professionals from the field of radiology, has undergone numerous brainstorming sessions leading to a draft list of all essential new studies in the area that needed to be brought into light. Exhaustive detailing and deliberation led to short listing of the final topics to be covered. Committee has focused the subject from basic to most advance research in the field of radiology.

Please name some international delegates who plan to attend the conference.

Tremendous response and confirmations has been received from many international delegates. To name a few, Dr Scott Atlas, Dr Wiliam Bradly, Dr Ulrike Hamper, Dr Seung Koo Lee and many more have confirmed their presence. Let me tell you that the international speakers are coming from all over the globe including the US, the UK, the Middle East, China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. All of them are authorities in their field and have published hundreds of articles and textbooks on radiology.

What are the guidelines for the scientific presentations for the speakers and delegates?

Guidelines for the scientific presentations for the speakers and delegates are as below:

Selected topics must cover techniques, advances and clinical applications in routine clinical practice. It must create awareness of the subject amongst the radiologists and clinicians. Presenters will also hint towards future trends and directions of imaging technology.

Apart from the scientific sessions, can you briefly tell us about the exhibition stalls at the event?

The trade exhibition will take place under the complete air-conditioned exhibition area. Entire area will be carpeted with all facilities provided to the exhibitors like power, spot lights, octonorm table and chairs, stalls white octonorm laminated panels with facia and specially designed cafeteria. The trade area is divided into two separate areas considering the size of the stalls. The stalls area of five basic categories in terms of size - 50x50 sq. ft., 52x20 sq. ft., 26x20 sq. ft., 20x16 sq. ft. and 10x10 sq. ft. We are introducing Trade Expo cards for the delegates so that when they visit exhibits, it is easy for trade participants to maintain database of visitors at individual booths.

Will any advanced products and technologies be launched at this event?

Big giants like GE, Philips, BPL, Sanrad, Toshiba will be displaying their latest technology radiology products. Apart from these, many companies from contrast media, digital radiography and film providers are keen to display their upcoming products.

What do you feel are the biggest challenges in the field of radiology and imaging in our country?

Radiology has become core of healthcare system. Fortunately, the maximum advantage of technology has gone to radiology field. Every year, new invention happens in form of machines and technologies internationally. Even though India is a developing country, it is mandatory to keep pace with international standards. It is difficult task, however, with Government support, I foresee possibilities of technological advancement in the coming future.

Please brief us on the recent evolution and advances in radiology and imaging.

Advances in field of radiology are constant process in many fronts. CT scan and MRI machines are getting faster day by day which cut short examination time and create many possibilities. CT coronary angiography, whole body MRI, ultrasound contrast media and molecular imaging in form of PET-CT are new fronts to name few.

Apart from this conference, what has been the focus of IRIA in creating awareness among the masses?

This year we are planning to spread the message of 'Save the Girl Child'. All radiologists will pass this message to the society against sex determination during pregnancy. A 'Beti Bachao' walk is being organised on 24th January for public awareness.

What kind of response are you expecting for IRIA 2010?

IRIA 2010 has created a big wave in the field of medical industry. Not just radiologists, but nuclear medicine specialist, technicians and clinicians from various medical societies are coming to the congress. Trade exhibitors from various companies are looking forward to showcase their products during IRIA 2010.

What is the rationale behind selecting Ahmedabad city this time as a destination to position IRIA 2010?

Ahmedabad, the venue is the focus of attention due to its unprecedented development at all fronts. It is a city with fascinating blend of culture, tradition, lifestyle and rapid growth. Honorable chief minister Narendra Modi has taken this event as a part of 'Swarnim Gujarat' (Golden Jubilee Celebration of the foundation of the state) and invited all delegates to Gujarat.

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