RABcasts: Industry leaders exploring global change

Radiology Across Borders
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Join A/Prof Suresh de Silva, Sydney radiologist and founder of global charity Radiology Across Borders, for a series of conversations with health and other industry leaders. In our first season, we interview leaders in global radiology for a deep dive into their experiences and careers, and what we as a global society can do to impart meaningful change.

  1. 3d ago

    An Interview with Professor Catherine Jones, Specialist Cardiothoracic Radiologist of IMD Radiology Group

    We are excited to bring you the latest episode of RABcasts, where we delve into the world of radiology, healthcare, and philanthropy. In this episode: Innovate, Advance, Protect RAB Co-Founder A/Prof Suresh de Silva sits down for a one-on-one interview with our guest, Professor Catherine Jones, Specialist Cardiothoracic Radiologist - IMD Radiology Group. In this episode of the RABCAST series, we are honoured to host Professor Catherine Jones, Specialist Cardiothoracic Radiologist - IMD Radiology Group. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Queensland and completed her medical degree there in 2001. After surgical and radiological training in the United Kingdom and a subspecialty fellowship in cardiothoracic radiology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, she returned to Australia in 2011. She holds academic appointments as Associate Professor at the School of Public and Preventive Health at Monash University and as Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, and has published over 30 research articles in cardiac and thoracic imaging. Catherine has been instrumental in designing and implementing Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program, holds a B-Reader qualification from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for pneumoconiosis detection, and in 2024 was awarded the Women in AI Asia Pacific Award in the AI for Health category. SummaryIn this RABcast episode, Professor Catherine Jones joins RAB Co-Founder A/Prof Suresh de Silva to discuss three of the most consequential developments in thoracic radiology today. Catherine shares how she helped design and implement Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program — a $250 million-plus investment that delivered more than 55,000 low-dose CT scans in its first seven months — and why early detection for vulnerable populations was central to the program from day one. She also examines the emerging silicosis crisis among tunnel construction workers, where six of ten workers screened on an initial assessment returned with disease on CT, and explains why occupational lung disease remains a global challenge. The conversation then turns to artificial intelligence in chest imaging, including how AI reduces cognitive burden for radiologists, the medico-legal questions around AI-generated findings, and the potential for algorithms to predict lung cancer years before it appears visually. TakeawaysNational Lung Screening Scale: Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program launched on 1 July 2024 and delivered over 55,000 low-dose CT scans within its first seven months, with participation — and cost — expected to grow year on year.Occupational Lung Disease Gap: Silicosis and other dust-related diseases remain underrecognised globally; in an initial Sydney tunnelling cohort, six of ten workers screened returned CT findings consistent with disease, highlighting urgent gaps in occupational health safeguards.AI as a Safety Net: Approximately 30–40% of chest X-rays in Australia are already read with AI assistance; Professor Jones argues the greatest benefit is reduced cognitive burden and end-of-day fatigue, not just improved detection rates.Medico-Legal Reality: As AI tools identify more incidental findings, radiologists must decide what enters the final report — clinical context and the individual patient's presentation remain the radiologist's responsibility, not the algorithm's.Predicting the Future: Emerging algorithms from institutions such as MIT can estimate both current lung cancer probability and the likelihood of development over the next six years from a single CT scan, moving radiology from anatomy-based assessment toward structure-plus-function reporting.Breath Test Biomarkers on the Horizon: Portable, low-cost breath-test biomarkers are expected to complement imaging in the near term, enabling earlier triage of high-risk individuals before they reach an imaging centre.Whether you're a radiologist, radiology trainee, occupational health clinician, or someone passionate about how imaging innovation can protect lives at a population level, this episode offers practical insight into screening program design, AI integration, and the future of thoracic radiology — while also giving you a chance to get to know the person behind the leadership, Professor Catherine Jones. 🎧 Tune in now and subscribe to RABcasts on your favourite podcast platform to hear more inspiring stories from healthcare pioneers around the world!

    An Interview with Professor Catherine Jones, Specialist Cardiothoracic Radiologist of IMD Radiology Group

  2. 4d ago

    Siemens' Asia Pacific President on Closing the Healthcare Gap

    In this episode of the RABCAST series, we are honoured to host Vy Tran, President - Siemens Healthineers Asia Pacific Japan. Vy shares her journey from political science to 25+ years in medical technology, and discusses leading healthcare across Asia Pacific, adapting to different markets, improving access to care, and using AI to support workforce shortages. She also highlights advances including photon-counting CT and low-helium MRI. Summary In this episode, Vy Tran joins RAB Co-Founder A/Prof Suresh de Silva to discuss leading one of the world’s most diverse healthcare regions. Vy shares how Siemens Healthineers adapts its portfolio and service models across markets as different as Australia, Vietnam and India — and why trust, not just technology, is the real differentiator. She reflects on the company’s Access to Care and Emerging Markets programs, including capacity building and workforce development, and explains how AI is being used as an enabler to address ongoing radiologist and technologist shortages across the region. Vy also highlights the innovations exciting her most right now — photon-counting CT and low-helium MRI — and shares her personal vision for healthcare equity across Asia Pacific. Takeaways Healthcare Equity Vision Siemens Healthineers is formalising its commitment to universal access through dedicated reporting structures, KPIs, and an Emerging Markets group focused on sustainable capacity building.AI as an Enabler AI is positioned as a tool to address workforce shortages and streamline diagnostic workflows in under-resourced settings — not as a replacement for clinicians.Innovation Highlights Two standout advances: photon-counting CT (dramatically lower radiation exposure) and low-helium dry MRI technology.Adapting to Diverse Markets A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in Asia Pacific. Customer voice, price sensitivity, and local regulations all shape product development and service delivery.Partnership is Essential Expanding diagnostic access in emerging markets requires collaboration. Siemens Healthineers’ decade-long partnership with Radiology Across Borders shows how corporate–charity partnerships can create real impact.Leadership Advice (from Vy) Three pieces of advice for aspiring female leaders:Whether you're a radiologist, medical imaging professional, healthcare executive, or someone passionate about health equity in the Asia Pacific, this episode offers a rare and candid look at how innovation, access, and leadership intersect — while also giving you a chance to get to know the person behind the leadership, Vy Tran. 🎧 Tune in now and subscribe to RABcasts on your favourite podcast platform to hear more inspiring stories from healthcare pioneers around the world!

    Siemens' Asia Pacific President on Closing the Healthcare Gap

  3. Aug 5

    How Bad MRI Protocols Slip Through And What’s Changing

    RAB Co-Founder Professor Suresh De Silva sits down for a one-on-one interview with our guest, Professor Kirsten Gormly, Abdominal Radiologist and Clinical Associate Professor. Professor Gormly works at Jones Radiology and the University of Adelaide. She is recognised across Australia and New Zealand for her work in abdominal imaging, particularly rectal MRI. After training at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, she returned to Australia in 2004. She has since helped establish rectal and cervical cancer MRI services, chaired ARGANZ, and contributed to international rectal imaging guidelines through ESGAR. Summary In this conversation, A/Prof Suresh De Silva and Professor Kirsten Gormly explore her career journey from London fellowship training to becoming a global leader in pelvic MRI. Kirsten shares how she built rectal and cervical MRI services in Adelaide from the ground up, and why imaging quality — particularly in rectal MRI — is so critical to patient outcomes. She discusses the alarming variation in protocol standards she has witnessed across Australia and New Zealand, her 18-month collaboration with Siemens to embed clinically appropriate pelvic protocols into new MRI machines at the factory level, and her work with the ESGAR rectal imaging guidelines group. The episode also covers ARGANZ' education and outreach mission, the upcoming joint ARGANZ–RAB workshop in Fiji in September 2026, and the role AI is beginning to play in MRI acquisition quality. Takeaways Rectal MRI is essential for staging rectal cancer and assessing response to treatment — imaging quality directly determines whether radiologists can make clinically useful decisions for patients.Protocol variation across Australia and New Zealand remains a significant problem; some scans reviewed in multicentre trials were found to be completely non-diagnostic, even from respected centres.Prof Gormly has spent 18 months collaborating with Siemens headquarters in Germany to develop clinically appropriate pelvic MRI protocols that are now being embedded into new magnets as they leave the factory.The ESGAR rectal imaging guidelines group — including global input from Australia and the US — has just released updated consensus guidelines for both staging and follow-up of rectal cancer.ARGANZ and Radiology Across Borders are co-delivering their first international abdominal imaging workshop in Fiji in September 2026, offering case-based teaching across rectal, prostate, liver, and pancreas imaging to both ANZ and local Pacific clinicians.Template reporting and agreed imaging quality standards (such as those tied to the MRI rebate for rectal cancer) are practical tools that help ensure radiologists provide the clinical information surgeons and oncologists need to make treatment decisions.This podcast is crafted for healthcare professionals, radiologists, medical educators, and anyone passionate about global health and humanitarian work—while also giving you an unique glimpse into the person behind the leadership, Professor Kirsten Gormly. 🎧 Tune in now and subscribe to RABcasts on your favourite podcast platform to hear more inspiring stories from healthcare pioneers around the world!

  4. 06/30/2025

    An Interview with Dr. Saleem Kassam of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

    We are excited to bring you the latest episode of RABcasts, where we delve into the world of radiology, healthcare, and philanthropy. In this episode: Compassionate, Principled, Resilient RAB Co-Founder A/Prof Suresh de Silva sits down for a one-on-one interview with our guest, Dr. Saleem Kassam International Board Member - Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). In this episode of the RABCAST series, we are honoured to host Dr Saleem Kassam International Board Member - Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).Dr Saleem Kassam is a physician with a Masters in clinical epidemiology from the University of Toronto, where he also acquired a degree in adult cardiology and interventional cardiology. Saleem has worked with MSF since 1999, working in the field as a medical doctor and project coordinator in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Kenya and Haiti, as well as serving on the MSF Canada Board as Vice President from 2015 to 2020. Saleem was elected to the International Board in 2023.  Summary: In this RABcast episode, Dr. Saleem Kassam of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) shares his extensive experience in humanitarian medical work. He discusses MSF’s foundational principles of neutrality, independence, and témoignage (bearing witness), emphasizing how they deliver care in some of the world's most unstable regions—where many organizations cannot or will not go. Saleem dives into how MSF decides where to intervene, the emotional toll on volunteers, and how their decentralized model allows for rapid and agile response.  Takeaways:  MSF operates in conflict zones that are too dangerous or complex for most organizations.98% of MSF’s funding comes from private donors, allowing independence and agility.Radiologists and medical specialists can support remotely via MSF’s telemedicine platform.Emotional resilience is critical in humanitarian work; support systems are built in for staff.Témoignage—speaking out—is central to MSF’s work, not just medical aid but advocacy.He also addresses modern-day challenges including climate change, donor independence, security threats, and misinformation. Importantly, Saleem highlights how radiologists and medical professionals from afar can contribute via telemedicine, offering hope to those who wish to help without being on the ground. The episode underscores the humanity, resilience, and adaptability essential in crisis medicine—and how small acts can have global ripple effects. This podcast is crafted for healthcare professionals, radiologists, medical educators, and anyone passionate about global health and humanitarian work—while also giving you an unique glimpse into the person behind the leadership, Dr. Saleem Kassam. 🎧 Tune in now and subscribe to RABcasts on your favourite podcast platform to hear more inspiring stories from healthcare pioneers around the world!

    An Interview with Dr. Saleem Kassam of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

  5. 06/13/2025

    An Interview with Chris Kane, CEO of Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association(ADIA)

    We are excited to bring you the latest episode of RABcasts, where we delve into the world of radiology, healthcare, and philanthropy. In this episode: Advocate, Collaborate, Transform RAB Co-Founder A/Prof Suresh de Silva sits down for a one-on-one interview with our guest, Chris Kane, CEO of Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association (ADIA). In this episode of the RABCAST series, we are honoured to host Chris Kane. Chris Kane is the CEO of the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association (ADIA) in Melbourne, bringing over a decade of expertise in health advocacy, government relations, and policy strategy. Since joining ADIA in 2013, he has led key submissions to major health bodies and helped establish ADIA as a trusted voice in shaping diagnostic imaging services in Australia. With a background in law and politics from Monash University and ANU, and prior experience in the Australian Government’s Department of Finance and House of Representatives, Chris combines deep policy knowledge and strategic leadership to support ADIA members in delivering quality patient care amid a changing healthcare landscape. Summary :In this episode of RABcasts, RAB Co-Founder A/Prof Suresh de Silva sits down with Chris Kane, CEO of the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association (ADIA), for an insightful conversation exploring the intersection of healthcare policy, advocacy, and diagnostic imaging in Australia. Together, they unpack the complexities of radiology funding, the urgent need to address workforce shortages, and the vital role ADIA plays in shaping sustainable imaging services. The episode also delves into ADIA’s partnership with Radiology Across Borders and Chris’s reflections on leadership, public life, and his personal journey—from policy advisor to sector leader—offering listeners a rare blend of professional insight and human connection. Key Takeaways: Advocacy & Leadership: ADIA represents 800+ radiology practices and leads policy advocacy with data-driven credibility.Funding Complexity: Radiology funding requires a deep understanding of economics, regulation, and government systems.Workforce Needs: Addressing radiologist shortages through better funding and training is vital for the sector's future.Technology & Innovation: Radiologists must embrace tech and deliver high-value care in a rapidly evolving landscape.Global Partnerships: ADIA proudly supports RAB, reinforcing its commitment to community and global health equity.Personal Insights: Chris enjoys golf, cooking, and political history, and values government’s role in shaping healthcare.Whether you're a radiologist, healthcare professional, policy maker, or someone passionate about the future of diagnostic imaging, this episode offers valuable insights into workforce challenges, funding complexities, and the power of advocacy in shaping sustainable radiology services—while also giving you a chance to get to know the person behind the leadership, Chris Kane. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more episodes highlighting healthcare pioneers worldwide on your favourite podcast platform:

    An Interview with Chris Kane, CEO of Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association(ADIA)

  6. 03/19/2025

    An Interview with Dr Margaret Harris, World Heath Organisation

    WHO Global Spokesperson Educate, Innovate, Protect  Margaret Harris is an Australian-born public health doctor specialising in emergency risk communication during pandemics, outbreaks and other health emergencies. Dr Harris has spent much of her time working in risk communication for the World Health Organization and UNICEF, mostly in Asia, Africa and Europe, including during the West African Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016, the Korean MERS outbreak, the global Zika virus outbreak, the COVID-19 Pandemic. During 2017 she worked with a group of expert emergency risk communicators to search for evidence supporting principles of effective risk communications and wrote the first evidence-based guidance on emergency risk communication, published in January 2018. During 2019-early 2020, Dr Harris worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo, managing communications for the Ebola response in North Kivu and Ituri, spending much of that time in active conflict zones. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Dr Harris was recalled to Geneva to act as WHO global spokesperson, her current role.

    An Interview with Dr Margaret Harris, World Heath Organisation

  7. 01/18/2025

    Empowering Communities: Remote Healthcare Innovations with Dr. Sam Heard

    Medical Director, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Chair openEHR Foundation Empower, Advance, Inspire In this episode of the RABCAST series, we are honoured to host Dr. Sam Heard, a distinguished General Practitioner with extensive experience in urban and remote healthcare settings. Dr. Heard currently serves as the Medical Director of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress in Alice Springs, NT, and is an Associate Professor at Flinders University's Centre for Remote Health.  Dr. Heard's illustrious career includes establishing a teaching practice in Shoreditch, London, and leading a European project on electronic health records. Upon returning to Australia, he joined the Menzies School of Health Research and later became the Regional Director of GP Training for the Northern Territory. His contributions to medical education were recognised when he was awarded the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) General Practice Supervisor of the Year for South Australia and the Northern Territory in 2017.  In 2019, Dr. Heard was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to medicine.  He also serves as the Chair of the RACGP Northern Territory Faculty.  In this episode, Dr. Heard shares his insights on: The evolution and impact of Aboriginal community-controlled health services. The integration of imaging technology in remote clinics to enhance patient care. Collaborative efforts to improve healthcare outcomes in Indigenous communities. Whether you're a medical professional, healthcare advocate, or someone passionate about advancing global health, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the challenges and innovations in remote healthcare delivery. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more episodes highlighting healthcare pioneers worldwide.

    Empowering Communities: Remote Healthcare Innovations with Dr. Sam Heard

  8. 10/01/2024

    The Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Sonography - Tony Coles, CEO, Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA)

    Radiology Reimagined: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Sonography Artificial Intelligence, Sonography, Outcomes Tony Coles is the CEO of the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA). He previously served as the Director of Audiology Australia and Chairperson of the Australian Association of Gerontology, starting his career at the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. In this episode, Tony discusses ASA's role in advancing the sonography profession and its future direction. He addresses challenges such as achieving statutory regulation for sonographers, workforce shortages, and remuneration structures that can affect the quality of care. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy and collaboration among professionals to navigate these challenges effectively. Tony highlights the significant role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sonography, noting that while AI can assist in interpreting scans, the human touch remains essential in patient care. He stresses the need for ongoing research, including ASA's studies on scan times, to identify solutions that improve practice efficiency without compromising quality. Additionally, Tony shares insights on the importance of grassroots involvement and passion within ASA, reflecting the organization's commitment to innovation and member satisfaction. He advocates for raising professional standards in sonography and ensuring that practitioners maintain up-to-date skills through specialization and continuous professional development. The conversation also covers the need for greater public awareness of the sonography profession and its critical impact on patient outcomes. By promoting the value of sonography, ASA aims to elevate the profession, enhance educational opportunities, and ultimately improve healthcare delivery across the board.

    The Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Sonography - Tony Coles, CEO, Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA)
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Join A/Prof Suresh de Silva, Sydney radiologist and founder of global charity Radiology Across Borders, for a series of conversations with health and other industry leaders. In our first season, we interview leaders in global radiology for a deep dive into their experiences and careers, and what we as a global society can do to impart meaningful change.

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