Patrizia Cornacchione | Assistant Professor, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; President, European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)
Citation: EMJ Radiol. 2025; https://doi.org/10.33590/emjradiol/WKTN3908.
As the newly appointed President of the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), what do you hope to bring to the Federation and what do you wish to do differently to your predecessor?
While it does not have a simple answer, I must acknowledge the remarkable work of my predecessors, who have dedicated great effort and commitment to the EFRS. As the newly appointed President, my primary goal is to further enhance collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation within our Federation. Collaboration will be the foundation of my mandate. We will strengthen dialogue and partnerships, first with EFRS members and then with other stakeholders, either scientific societies or associations within the radiography field, fostering joint projects and shared objectives. But our vision goes beyond that; we will seek new synergies with related professions, building bridges that reinforce and enrich us all. A key priority is to empower the next generation of radiographers, actively encouraging and facilitating their participation to ensure they have meaningful opportunities to engage, contribute, and advance professionally. At the same time, we aim to grow from within, strengthening our committees and creating new working groups to tackle emerging challenges. Every idea, every contribution, and all our collective energy will be crucial in driving innovation and propelling the EFRS to new heights. Each member of our federation, through their dedication and passion, has the power to shape a future where radiographers are recognised and respected.
Building on the significant progress already made by my predecessors, I also intend to place an even greater emphasis on education. My goal is to support the development of comprehensive and accessible educational programmes that equip radiographers with the skills needed for modern practice. Digital transformation will be another key pillar of the mandate, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies, such as AI and digital imaging tools, into our profession. Lastly, together with the entire EFRS Executive Board, we are committed to promoting sustainability in radiography, driving initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of radiology practices, encouraging energy-efficient equipment, and supporting sustainable clinical workflows. Together, through collaboration, innovation, and shared vision, we can lead the EFRS toward a future of excellence.
What do you hope that radiographers throughout Europe can gain from the collaboration between European Society of Radiology (ESR) and EFRS?
Radiographers across Europe can gain significantly from our collaboration with ESR. Firstly, the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) serves as the official congress for both the ESR and EFRS, allowing radiographers to share the floor with radiologists and bringing together radiology/radiography, debating and discussing the present and the future at the same time, and encouraging interdisciplinary engagement. Secondly, as already done in some subcommittees or working groups, we can particularly benefit through shared educational resources and joint research initiatives. This collaboration can lead to improved professional recognition, broader career opportunities, and enhanced quality of patient care. The experience at the last ECR strengthened this relationship further. In my personal experience this year, I have also been able to appreciate the beauty of small gestures, which in the importance of relationships have a very important value. It was especially touching when Andrea Rockall, ESR President, warmly embraced me during the opening ceremony of the congress before my speech. This moment was truly emotional and reassuring, marking the beginning of a meaningful connection. From that point on, we continued to collaborate closely, and now we are looking forward to initiating exciting new projects together.
The theme of ECR this year was ‘Planet Radiology’. In what ways could radiography as a practice be more sustainable?
It’s worth remembering that radiographers encompass clinical work with a particular emphasis on patient and occupational safety, management, quality control, image processing, research, and education. With such a wider range of interactions, radiographers play a crucial role in sustainability.
For this reason, radiography can become more sustainable by, for example, adopting new approaches to reduce waste, employing energy-efficient equipment, optimising existing technologies, and promoting sustainable resource management practices. Educational initiatives focused on sustainability, alongside increased awareness about the environmental impact of radiological procedures, can significantly contribute to greener practices.
As EFRS, we have already organised valuable webinars on sustainability, including ‘Sustainability in medical imaging and radiotherapy’ and another focusing on ‘Sustainability in nuclear medicine’. These resources are precious tools available to radiographers on our website,1 helping professionals integrate sustainable practices effectively into their daily operations, and more recently, EFRS has issued a “position statement on sustainability for the radiography profession”.2 Moreover, EFRS bodies, such as committees and working groups are periodically considering initiatives related to the topic.
How do you believe that EFRS can help shape the future of radiology and radiography to make it a more sustainable practice, and what do you hope to do towards this as President?
EFRS can shape a sustainable future by promoting best practices, facilitating research on environmental sustainability in radiography, and advocating for policies that reduce the ecological footprint of radiological practices. As President, I plan to prioritise initiatives aimed at reducing waste, advocating for green procurement, and incorporating sustainability into education and training curricula.
Outside of EFRS, you are well renowned for your work in education; do you incorporate sustainability into your radiography teaching, and do you think this is necessary?
Yes, I think that sustainability should be part of the educational approach. I regularly integrate sustainability concepts into radiography teaching, emphasising responsible practice, efficient resource management, and the role radiographers play in minimising environmental impact. I believe embedding sustainability in education is essential for shaping responsible future practitioners.
At this year’s ECR, you chaired a session about transforming radiotherapy practice in the AI era. What do you think the future of radiotherapy looks like in an AI-driven world?
The future of radiotherapy in an AI-driven world is promising, featuring enhanced precision, personalised treatment, and increased efficiency. AI will assist in treatment planning, image interpretation, and quality assurance, reducing variability and enhancing patient outcomes. Radiographers will play a critical and crucial role in navigating these technological advancements, ensuring ethical use and patient-centred care. Their expertise will be essential in balancing innovation with compassion, ultimately shaping a future where AI enhances, rather than replaces, human judgement in radiotherapy.
Did anything that was shared in this session surprise you?
Yes, it was surprising to see how rapidly AI tools are becoming clinically integrated and the extent to which diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers are already adapting their practice to embrace these innovations. The session underscored the importance of proactive training to manage the evolving responsibilities effectively.
What were your main takeaways from this year’s congress?
My main takeaway from this year’s ECR was the necessity of adapting to digital and sustainable practices promptly. It was inspiring to witness the extensive collaboration among healthcare professionals dedicated to innovation, patient care, and environmental responsibility. The congress reinforced the critical role of education and continuous professional development in shaping the future of radiography.
