Latin America-RSNA Collaborations: Back to the Future

The earliest information we have of the relationship between radiologists in Latin America and the North American Societies of Radiology dates back to the 1920’s. Despite the long journey it took to get to the United States at that time: Twelve days in a ship from South America and four days in train from Mexico City to Chicago, there were 26 Latin-Americans at the ACR Congress in Chicago in 1933 and a similar number at the 5th Congress of Radiology, also in Chicago in 1937. This relationship paved the way for the foundation of the Inter American College of Radiology in 1946, which now has members from the majority of countries of the continent, including the RSNA. These bonds between American and Latin American radiology have progressed and are nowadays handled mainly by the RSNA. In fact, the Latin American membership to the RSNA has increased continuously, specifically, in recent years where it went from 1,351 members in 2005, to 1,965 in 2009. The current number of Latin American members in the RSNA represents 8% of the approximately 25,000 radiologists that are estimated to be in Latin America. Of these, 72.3% come from three main countries: Brazil (697), Mexico (565) and Argentina (159). Another fact of unity is the attendance of Latin American radiologists to the annual meeting in Chicago. Despite the recent economic crisis, the numbers have increased: from 878 in 2005 to 1,190 in the annual meeting of 2009. Once again, 72% come from Brazil, Mexico and Argentina and with the addition of those from Chile, Colombia and Venezuela, it makes up to 90% of the Latin attendees. In contrast, the academic participation of the Latin American radiologists has been lower, but it shows a tendency towards growth with an increased number of scientific abstracts: 17 to 32 from 2005 to 2009, and the number of exhibits grew from 25 to 75 in the same period of time. Even less, but also increasing, is the number of publications in RSNA journals. Currently, in Latin America there are 19 National Societies of Radiology, the majority of which have bonds with the RSNA who yearly invites the councilors of each country to attend the annual meeting in Chicago to promote their relations. With the exception of Mexico which is geographically included in North America and therefore is an integral part of the RSNA, the radiologists from Latin American Societies have not participated as officials. A few have been able to be a part of the working commissions of the RSNA, mainly in the Committee of International Relations and Education (CIRE). The majority of Latin American Societies maintain particular relationships with numerous hospitals and radiologists from many countries, calculating that each year an average of 70 to 80 North American Professors give conferences in courses and congresses in different Latin countries. Conclusions: The medical, technical, educative and personal relations of the RSNA with Latin America have been progressing in a continuous and increasing fashion. The participation of Latin American radiologists in academic and educative venues have been limited, however, there is a progressive increase that should be encouraged. The relationship between the RSNA and Latin America has a broad past, a rich present and a clear will to keep on working towards building a better radiology for the future.

SSG17-02

Latin America-RSNA Collaborations: Back to the Future