Early Career & Professional Development - 02 - CMR Around the World (Joint with ASCI & EACVI)-Panel Discussion: Expanding CMR Around the World

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panel discussed how to build and expand cardiac MRI (CMR) services across different regions. Speakers from South Africa, India, Hong Kong, and elsewhere highlighted shared challenges: limited scanners, outdated equipment, too few trained technicians and expert readers, poor report quality, weak cardiology-radiology collaboration, and limited access outside the private sector. Key solutions included strong collaboration, training programs, fellowships, conferences, case discussions, and research on local clinical questions.  <br /><br />Malcolm emphasized how MRI transformed care in iron overload patients by enabling risk assessment, monitoring treatment, and reducing mortality by 70%. He also stressed patient advocacy as a major driver of access and policy change, especially in India. Other examples included mobile MRI units and large-scale screening efforts in Sardinia.  <br /><br />Overall, the panel agreed that while CMR techniques are universal, successful service delivery depends on local adaptation, education, shared vision, and advocacy.

Keywords

cardiac MRI

CMR services

training programs

patient advocacy

MRI access

global collaboration