European Society of Radiology invites the USA to ECR 2017

October 17, 2016
The annual meeting of the European Society of Radiology (ESR) will promote science and innovation March 1–5, 2017, in Vienna, Austria, with record attendance by American colleagues expected. The latest results and trends in medical imaging will be unveiled during the 29th European Congress of Radiology (ECR) at the Austria Center in Vienna. Over 25,000 delegates from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the conference.

The central theme of ECR 2017 is youth, and this focus on the younger age group is reflected throughout the program. The new generation of radiologists demands high-quality education, delivered in an efficient and understandable way that is customer friendly. Joint sessions and collaboration with other societies and partner disciplines have played an important role in the ECR’s recent history and will do so again in 2017. The ESR is presenting a joint course conducted by the ESR and RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) on hybrid imaging, consisting of four sessions featuring renowned experts chosen by both societies.

Another popular feature of the ECR, the “ESR meets” program, which sees three national radiological societies invited to the Congress, will feature Belgium, Peru, and for the first time, the U.S., as the program’s guest countries. “I am very excited about the meeting with the USA,” said ESR President Professor Paul M. Parizel. “This session is organized in close collaboration with the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the RSNA. ‘ESR meets USA’ will focus on clinical decision support strategies, the development of quantitative biomarkers and ‘Imaging 3.0/Radiology Cares,’ which is a joint initiative of the ACR and RSNA.”

Parizel, from Antwerp, Belgium, is the first person to occupy the new position of combined ESR/ECR president. He is looking forward to various featured programs and events slated for ECR 2017. “It is hard to choose on an individual basis what will be best, because the ECR 2017 Program Planning Committee is committed to offering something for everyone.

The European Excellence in Education (E3) ECR Academies will include sessions on spinal imaging (combined neuroradiological/musculoskeletal approach), abdominal imaging, ultrasound, and, last but not least, interactive teaching sessions. Other E3 highlights include The Beauty of Basic Knowledge and the European Diploma Prep Sessions. In addition, as president, I hope that ECR 2017 will also be remembered for the grand opening ceremony, the honorary lectures, the social events, and most of all, for the spirit of friendship and conviviality.”

The meeting will also offer a glimpse into the future of radiology through the New Horizons Sessions, which will focus on hyperpolarized MRI, imaging biobanks and the increasing clinical impact of MR/PET. There will be three State of the Art symposia, 10 Professional Challenges sessions, 19 Special Focus sessions, more than 70 refresher courses and four multidisciplinary sessions, which feature radiologists, oncologists, gynecologists and surgeons involved in the interdisciplinary treatment of patients.

After its introduction and success at last year’s Congress, the Voice of EPOS will again offer a platform for poster authors to present their work in a moderated poster session to an international audience at ECR 2017. In over 20 dedicated country sessions, authors will present their posters in their native language to strengthen the exchange within the communities and serve a multilingual and international audience.

In addition to the scientific appeal of the Congress, its host city, Vienna, is considered the cultural capital of Europe, providing a boundless variety of artistic endeavors. Be it the virtuosity of Vienna’s famous orchestras, led by the world’s leading conductors, the transcendent beauty of the opera or the sheer abundance of fine arts ranging from ancient Greek sculptures to Baroque paintings. From Art Nouveau furniture to installations representing visionary views of the 21st century, there is sure to be something for every artistic taste.

The ECR is the annual meeting of the European Society of Radiology (ESR), which represents more than 65,000 radiologists worldwide. The ECR is one of the largest medical congresses in the world, attracting more than 25,000 participants. With 300 companies exhibiting across more than 26,000 square meters, its exhibition is also one of the largest medical exhibitions in Europe.