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.

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.

Vision, Compassion, Education

Dr. Ron Shnier, a distinguished figure in radiology, currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of I-MED Radiology Network, Australia's largest diagnostic imaging provider. His extensive career began with a radiology fellowship at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), followed by specialized fellowships in neuroradiology at RPAH and musculoskeletal radiology at UCLA. After working as a consultant specialist at RPAH, Dr. Shnier pioneered one of Australia's first private MRI practices with Sydney Imaging group, showcasing his early adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shnier has held significant leadership roles, including General Manager of Mayne's Diagnostic Imaging and National Director for many years. He currently serves as Vice-President of ADIA (having previously been its president) and sits on the boards of innovative companies like Annalise.ai, Vectus Biosystems, and Lumitron. His international influence is evident through his participation in various MRI advisory boards and his lectures both in Australia and overseas.

In this RABcast, Dr. Shnier shares his vision for radiology, emphasizing high-quality, patient-centric care and the importance of giving back to the community. He advocates for supporting emerging nations globally through radiology services and champions organizations like Radiology Across Borders. Dr. Shnier's insights on technological advancements, particularly in AI and MRI, reflect his keen interest in adopting and implementing new imaging technologies and biotechnology.

Looking to the future, Dr. Shnier predicts a shift in radiology towards clinical management, research, and patient ownership, with AI and radiomics playing pivotal roles. He encourages aspiring radiologists, highlighting the field's constant evolution and potential for meaningful impact. His professional philosophy emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning, stressing the importance of work ethic and dedication to patient care.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Shnier draws inspiration from his father's teachings on respect and involvement. He maintains diverse interests outside of medicine, including gardening, reading, music, and film. Throughout his career, Dr. Shnier has been a strong advocate for inclusivity and has consistently underlined the power of education in changing the world and addressing poverty.

Dr. Shnier's multifaceted career, combining clinical expertise, technological innovation, and compassionate leadership, positions him as a visionary in the field of radiology, driving advancements that promise to shape the future of healthcare imaging