Figure 1: António J. Madureira 

Life occurs in cycles, some longer and others shorter. A cycle in the Board of the Portuguese Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine is now coming to an end and the electoral process for the election of the new Board is under way. This year there are two competing lists, which demonstrates the vitality and importance that the Members attribute to the SPRMN.

Over the past three years, the Board has maintained the objectives and strategy of the previous Boards and attempted to maintain the quality of training for radiologists.

It may sound redundant to say that the Portuguese Radiology is at a crucial and very important phase of its life, yet this is true once again.

The area of ​​imaging and image-guided procedures is very “attractive” and several medical specialties and non-medical professionals seek to occupy this area. As an example, see the recent case of “emotional ultrasounds” performed by someone, without any regulation or definition.

The SNS (National Health Service) has also, unfortunately, proved to be incapable of attracting and keeping professionals motivated, particularly Radiologists. There is a great lack of knowledge by most physicians and management structures and even Boards of Directors, on the role and functions of Radiologists. The temptation to analyze everything with numbers and this being the only metric for a Service or Doctor is very simplistic. It does not consider the fundamental role of interaction with peers in clarifying doubts and advising on the best imaging method to study a given condition and participation in multidisciplinary meetings.

Radiologists have to become more “visible” in the medical field and remain united and focused on defending our Specialty.

The effort to improve quality must continue which I note with gratitude that over the years it has considerably increased. Let us see, for example, the large number of presentations at International Congresses made by Portuguese Radiologists, comparing to the presentations made 20 or 30 years ago.

Times of crisis also provide opportunities for improvement and advancement. I am convinced that Portuguese Radiologists will know how to respond to the new challenges and that the new generations will manage to improve the work done by their predecessors in order to strengthen the role of Radiology as one of the key Specialties in Medicine.

I wish you all the greatest personal happiness and professional success.