Medical Imaging Grand Rounds - Is the Canadian Healthcare System "The Answer"?

Title: Is the Canadian Healthcare System "The Answer"?

Speaker: Bruce Forster, MSc, MD, FRCPC

The Department of Medical Imaging is pleased to have visiting scholar Bruce Forster, MSc, MD, FRCPC, presenting at our Grand Rounds on Wednesday, February 13th, in the College of Medicine, Room 2117, at 12:00 pm.

Dr. Bruce Forster is Professor and Head at the University of British Columbia, Department of Radiology, and recently, Regional Department Head and Regional Medical Director, Medical Imaging, Vancouver Coastal Health/Providence Health.

Dr. Forster was Director of Diagnostic Imaging for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As an associate member of the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre, he has been involved in the clinical, education, and research aspects of sports imaging for 25 years.

Dr. Forster is the author of over 130 peer-reviewed scientific publications, and 120 educational exhibits, and has delivered over 350 invited presentations, nationally and internationally, including in South America, Asia, South Africa, USA, Europe and the Middle East. He has won numerous teaching awards, and currently is the Academic Director of the Office of Education Innovation, UBC Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Forster has served as President of the Pacific Northwest Radiology Society (PNWRS), on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Radiologists, and is currently the President of the Canadian Radiologic Foundation.

Abstract: The Canadian healthcare system is one of only two socialized systems in the world with universal coverage and no private insurance alternative. The positive and negative aspects of this system will be explored, especially with respect to medical imaging, including its effect on wait times and technologic advances. A snapshot of the radiologist workforce in Canada, including income, trainees, job market, remuneration, 24/7 on-site emergency coverage, and tele-radiology will also be provided.  Possible modifications to the Canadian system will be explored.