Over 55 speakers and more than 500 delegates joined 10 high-octane panel discussions at the second edition of Elets Radiology and Imaging Summit, which emerged as a superlative 3D virtual networking platform to discuss the future of radiology amidst the Covid-19, reports Mrinmoy Bhattacharjee of Elets News Network (ENN).
The second edition of Elets Radiology and Imaging Summit that focused on ‘Evolution of Radiology: The Future Prospects’ was held on 23 – 24 June, virtually. Organised by Elets Technomedia Pvt Ltd and co-organised by eHEALTH, the two-day summit gathered India’s top radiology consultants, entrepreneurs and educationists to network and deliberate on the future of radiology during and after the fury of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Welcoming the speakers, panelists, and audiences to the Live summit, Dr Ravi Gupta, Editor-in-Chief and CEO, Elets Techomedia Pvt Ltd said, “Radiology & imaging segment is rapidly evolving on the back of the development in ICT technology. The segment is set to grow tremendously if the government, private sector, academia and non-profits come together for collaboration and knowledge sharing among them.”
At the inaugural session, Dr Bharat Parekh, Prof Emeritus at the Department of Imaging, Holy Spirit Hospital, said that AI algorithms, especially deep learning, have shown extraordinary progress in image recognition work. Its methods automatically recognise complex patterns in imaging data as well as offer quantitative evaluations of radiographic aspects.
Added Dr Hemant Patel, Associate Professor of Radiology at Gujarat Imaging Centre’s PG Institute of Radiology & Imaging, Samved Hospital: “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought radiology to the fore and underscored the significance of the branch of medicine in the fight against the novel coronavirus in India. It has also has given us an opportunity to review India’s role in the world radiology stage.”
Prof C Amarnath, President at Indian Radiological & Imaging Association, and Professor & Head of Radiodiagnosis at Government Stanley Medical College observed that radiology is a “unique” profession, where radiologists work with patients as well as equipment. Radiologists should always be inquisitive about new technologies and trends to be able to help reach a new level of excellence in imaging for offering quality patient care.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Recognising the Role of MRI and CT scan in Growth of Radiology
Dr Deepak Patkar, Director, Medical Services, and Head, Department of Radiology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital: India witnessed a proliferation of new radiology equipment when the country liberalised its economy in the early 1990s. Importing CT scan and MRI equipment became easier during the period, which resulted in a 30% CAGR growth in the decade.
Dr Sanjay Dhawan, Senior Consultant & HoD, Paras Hospitals, and Group Director, Clearmedi Healthcare: Technology has kept pace with the expectations of radiologists who always strive for enhancing patient outcomes. Imaging technologies went through a period of novelty and numerous advancements to revolutionise various treatments fully or partially.
Dr Karthik Ganeshan, Consultant Radiology & Imaging, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital: Radiology is now at the forefront of clinical diagnosis. It is attaining a paradigm shift from qualitative to quantitative imaging to provide clinicians with a more accurate picture of a disease state brought about by the application of medical image algorithms.
Dr Avinash U Sonawane, Head, Directorate of Regulatory Affairs and Communication, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board: Rapid technology advancements such as the innovative image construction algorithms are making radiology safer. PACS (A Picture Archiving and Communication System) has emerged as an impressive technology but is very costly. Therefore, India should focus on ‘Atmanirbharta’ or gaining self-reliance on PACS by indigenising the technology.
Dr Geetanjali Nanda, Consultant Radiologist, Mahajan Imaging: As the patient is the centre of the medical universe, radiologists are increasingly exploring the potentials of AI in radiology. AI comes in handy in negating errors in diagnosis, but its applications cannot be generalised.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Role of AI in Radiology in Reducing Errors
Dr Mona Bhatia, Director, Radiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre: AI is yet to bring the entire jigsaw of clinical diagnosis in place. We also need governance for regulations of AI. We are yet to witness policies and laws framed for AI’s development, promotion, use and regulation in the radiology domain.
Dr Abhishek Mahajan, Professor, Tata Memorial Hospital: Integration of AI into radiology or clinical routine will revolutionise radiology practice. Technology will play a bigger role in radiology. It has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ease the burden for providers.
Dr Amit Sahu, Consultant Interventional Radiologist, Wockhardt Hospital: Predictive analytics is the next evolutionary step of AI that can enable efficient pathways to a better treatment protocol or clinical values and enhance personalised care and return on investments for healthcare providers.
Dr Venkat Ramana Sudigali, Director & CEO, Excell Multispeciality Hospital: We need to make sure that devices are able to talk to each other irrespective of the origins of manufacturers of these devices. Such process or system can ensure wider adoption of AI-based radiology solutions by healthcare providers in India.
Dr Tandra Sarkar, Consultant Radiologist, Apollo Hospital: AI will be an assistant to radiologists to predict breast cancer in mammography scans more accurately for reducing false positives and false negatives. It can reduce the workload of radiologists and increase cancer detection.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Refurbished Radiology Equipment Market: Scope, Challenges and Market Potentials
Dr Bharat Parekh, Prof Emeritus, Department of Imaging, Holy Spirit Hospital: Revenue generation has not been able to keep pace with investments that poured into radiology equipment and services. This has encouraged healthcare providers and those are in the business to explore refurbished radiology equipment to gain a reasonable return on investment.
Sunil Khurana, CEO & MD, BPL Medical Technologies: Refurbished radiology equipment should not be imported in the quantum as it is being imported into the Indian market as the situation does not encourage domestic innovations and manufacturing activities.
Rahil Shah, Director, NM Medical: There has not been a quantum leap in technology in the domain of radiology equipment over the last five years. This has offered a case for exploring refurbished radiology products. Refurbished equipment crucially reduce the upfront capital investments and meet the rising demand for the latest imaging equipment by professionals.
Kaustabh Kolwankar, Manager, Operations, and Administrator, Radiology and Imaging, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital: The Covid-19 has exponentially increased the rate of diagnosis. The government has also capped rates for diagnostics tests for Covid. These are driving the refurbished radiology equipment market in India.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Evolution of Teleradiology in Pandemic: The Way Forward
Dr Namita Sinha Verma, Head, Global Teleradiology, Aster Medical Imaging, and Aster DM Healthcare: Teleradiology has become a norm as we are working from home. It is proving to be a boon for us as we are able to share reports as well as keeping people safe amidst the pandemic.
Dr Malini Lawande, Consultant Radiology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital: We were working on the imaging and reporting integration process that was ready by March 2020, which was around the time when the pandemic had struck. This novel process helped our radiology department a lot to steer the pandemic crisis.
Dr Deepali Saxena, Senior Consultant Radiologist & Lead Cardiothoracic Imaging, Columbia Asia Hospital: Pandemic has boosted our efficiency in teleradiology. I foresee that the expansion of teleradiology will be much like the IT sector due to pandemic implications. I also think that teleradiology is emerging as a sub-speciality within the radiology domain.
Dr Shaafiya Ashraf, Assistant Professor, Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College, Srinagar: The Covid-19 has underscored the significance of teleradiology. We are emphasising learning, training and education of this branch of telemedicine on our virtual platforms.
Rakesh K Budhe, GM, Strategic Projects, Softlink International: Teleradiology is a promising tool in the hands of radiologists in this unprecedented time. We have developed suites in such a way that they can cater to any diagnostic centre or a chain of centres with seamless integration within systems like RIS.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on How Covid-19 has Affected Breast Imaging Centres
Dr Rupa Ananthasivan, Consultant Radiologist, Manipal Hospital: The Covid and the accompanying financial stress have compounded the health problems of women as they could not follow up with their treatments during the unprecedented time. Women should not shy away from diagnosis and treatment during the Covid era as such inaction could aggravate their health conditions.
Dr Bagyam Raghavan, Senior Consultant Radiologist, Apollo Speciality Hospital: We were and are encouraging patients to visit us during the pandemic by following the Covid safety protocols for their and our safety as diagnosis of breast cancer is very critical and should not be postponed.
Dr Tanvi Jakhi, Consultant Radiologist, Mammocare: Patients felt comfortable visiting us during the pandemic as Mammocare is a premiere centre for mammography screening and diagnostics, with all the Covid safety protocols in place. Mammocare is equipped with the latest gold-standard FDA-approved 3D mammography equipment with a biopsy facility, which motivates patients to step into our centres.
Dr Rita Dhruv, Partner, Prabhat Telesolutions LLP: Education and awareness campaigns should be generated in order to encourage patients to visit diagnostic centres amidst pandemic. Patients should not feel discomfort or fear of contracting the Covid-19 during their visits to diagnostic centres. Visiting a diagnosis centre can help to detect early-stage breast cancers.
Dr Bargavee Venkat, Radiologist, Koshys Hospital: It was a double whammy for women who were suffering from breast cancer and later contracted the Covid-19. Such situations prolonged breast cancer treatment.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Intervention Radiology: Current Status & Challenges in India
Dr Narendra K Bodhey, Professor & Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur: Intervention radiologists have to enter into the clinical side as well. So, it is time that they are referred to as ‘Clinical Radiologists’ to give them due honour as well as acknowledge the intervention radiology (IR) speciality.
Dr Indusekhar Subbanna, Interventional Radiology, HCG: IR should be introduced during MD education. This approach will enable students to gain clarity as well as decide about pursuing a career around IR after finishing their course.
Dr Sibasankar Dalai, Head & Consultant Interventional Neuroradiology, Medicover Hospitals, Visakhapatnam: IR should be made into a lucrative career option. People should be guided for training in IR and offered a specialised degree to better equip for exploring job opportunities.
Dr Jijoe John, Consultant Interventional Radiology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences: IR should be treated as a super speciality in India with a clear pathway to gain training. IR professionals should be offered good remuneration as well.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Ultrasound: Key Tech Trends Shaping the Future
Dr Bharat Parekh, Prof Emeritus, Department of Imaging, Holy Spirit Hospital: Various ultrasound systems have integrated some level of AI. Going forward, new systems are likely to integrate the novel technology into ultrasound. The increased role of AI and miniaturisation of ultrasound will be a game-changer for radiology.
Dr Alka Ashmita Singhal, Associate Director, Radiology, Medanta The Medicity Hospital: Versatile and miniaturised ultrasound will emerge as the single most vital tool to transform healthcare. Integrating AI into ultrasound systems enhances diagnosis capabilities. The application of new-age ultrasound solutions will not be limited to hospitals and will be carried by medical teams on the go.
Dr Chander Lulla, Consultant & Head of Department, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre: Adding AI into ultrasound will boost assessment and visualisation of various small structures, besides presenting a comprehensive view of various vital organs. I think that ultrasound will be the visual stethoscope of the 21st century.
Dr Veena Rajan Uberoi, Senior Consultant Radiology, Columbia Asia Hospital & Cloud9 Hospitals: We should focus only on those trends that are sustainable and are promising for improving patient care. While adopting such trends, checking quality should be imperative.
Dr Rashmi Parikh, Consultant Radiologist, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital: AI is gaining traction in the radiology domain as it is maturing and developing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It will be quite interesting to observe how AI develops itself to bring about revolutionary changes in the diagnosis domain.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Ultrasound: Key Tech Trends Shaping the Future E-learning in Radiology: the scope and challenges
Dr Kunnummal Mohanan, Vice-Chancellor, Kerela University of Health Sciences: The Covid-19 has caused the greatest disruption in education. Considering the unprecedented time and the increased realisation for preparing for any possible future health eventualities, UGC has said that 40% of teaching will be held virtually, and radiology education space will be no different.
Dr Narendra K Bodhey, Professor & Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur: The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way teaching is conducted for radiology. It has prompted the growth of the E-learning space, which is being used for teaching various aspects of radiology apart from the intervention part that needs physical teaching and supervision.
Dr Suman Singhal, Director, Cardiac Imaging, and Operational Head & Senior Consultant, Eternal Heart Centre, Jaipur: E-learning suffers from limitations as collaborative learning with peers and intensive supervisions by teachers is not possible.
Dr Sumer Sethi, Founder and Head, DAMS: Pre-planning of teaching is essential in E-learning, which is gaining momentum due to Covid-19. I think that the hybrid model of learning in radiology will gain steam in the post-Covid era.
Prof PM Venkata Sai, HoD & Senior Consultant, CERIS, Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute: E-learning enables students to learn and gain understanding at their own pace. However, learning interventional radiology remains a challenge.
Kristopher Lam, APAC Product Sales Manager, Clinical Decision Support, Elsevier: I think that countries around the world are using E-learning to standardise their radiology programmes, which was earlier disjointed.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion on Role of Computed Tomography in Covid-19
Dr Anisha Sawkar Tandon, Senior Consultant & HoD, Radiology & Imaging, Sakra World Hospital: The safety of the patient and quality of radiograph should be ensured during the unprecedented times.
Dr Karthik Rayasam, Consultant Radiologist, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre: If a CT scan is conducted judiciously, it will not harm patients. This message should go loud and clear to bust myths that often do the rounds on social media. The inaccurate information on social media often shrouded doubts on the effectiveness of CT scan during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Rima Sansi, Consultant Radiologist, SevenHills Hospital: If the patient has mild symptoms of the Covid-19, a CT scan is not required. A CT scan can be conducted if a patient has comorbidities.
Dr Payal Khatri, Senior Consultant, Radiology, Eternal Hospital: If RT-PCR test results take time of 48 hours-plus, then a CT scan can be conducted, especially if the patient is middle-aged, to prevent progression of the Covid-19 disease.
Dr Parang Sanghavi, Consultant Radiologist, Jankharia Imaging Centre: The application of CT scan should be considered in a particular clinical situation. CT scan should be considered if RT-PCR test facilities or services are inadequate.
The panel discussions were moderated by Dr Mitusha Verma, Consultant Radiologist, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital; Dr Vasanth Venugopal, Imaging Lead, CARING; Dr Hemant Patel, Associate Professor of Radiology at Gujarat Imaging Centre’s PG Institute of Radiology & Imaging, Samved Hospital; Dr Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chief Radiologist, Mahajan Imaging; Dr Shilpa Lad, Consultant, Breast Imaging & Interventions, NM Medical Center; Prof (Brig) Chander Mohan, Director, Hospital Administration, SGT Medical College Hospital & Research Institute; Dr Sanjeev Mani, In-charge, Department of Imaging, Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, and Owner, Mani Imaging Clinic; Prof C Amarnath, President at Indian Radiological & Imaging Association, and Professor & Head of Radiodiagnosis at Government Stanley Medical College; and Dr Pankaj Sharma, Associate Professor Radiodiagnosis, AIIMS Rishikesh, Treasurer, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association.
Besides, the summit saw a scientific presentation by Dr Mitusha Verma, Consultant Radiologist at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital.
Also, the 2021 version of Elets Radiology and Imaging Summit witnessed presentations by technology leaders in the radiology & imaging space.
Prakash S Kamat, Managing Director, Softlink International: We exclusively focus on healthcare IT solutions across the enterprise. Our portfolio includes workflow automation, modality interfaces, PACS / medical imaging, HIMS and EMR in cardiology, radiology and oncology. Our company offers swift access to medical images and reports anytime anywhere. Our solutions are comprehensive packages that offer scheduling, registration, transcription workflows, besides billing and custom reporting.
Udit Satija, National Sales Manager, FFDM & New Business, Fujifilm: Our FCT PixelShine is designed by a novel deep learning technique, which improves the image quality of low dose CT images with a reduction to the side-effects of increased quantum mottle and image noise. We have developed a novel X-ray system, the FDR Smart X that provides multi-function, high-quality and cost-effective X-ray solutions.
Sayogeeta Kath, Business Manager, Ultrasound, BPL Medical Technologies: Our E-CUBE range of ultrasound equipment uses revolutionary Single Crystal Technology to advance imaging. It is equipped with smart and intuitive application software and stable architecture to offer convenience and flexibility.
SoftLink International, Fujifilm, and Elsevier are the Gold Partners; BPL Medical Technologies is an Ultrasound Partner; and Carestream and Vijaya Diagnostics Centre are Silver Partners of the second edition of Elets Radiology and Imaging Summit.
Elets Radiology & Imaging Excellence Awards 2021: And the Winners Were…
Coinciding with the second edition of Elets Radiology and Imaging Summit, Elets Radiology & Imaging Excellence Awards were presented in an endeavour to acknowledge the profound contributions of radiologists across the country. Kartik Sharma, Associate Editor, Elets Technomedia Pvt Ltd appeared on the virtual platform to do the honours. And the winners were:
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