IIC Special: Bridging Technology and Healthcare: A Look Into IIC 2024 with Dr. Ram Senasi

The latest episode of Axrem Insights podcast dives into the upcoming International Imaging Congress (IIC) 2024, where hosts Melanie Johnson and Sally Edgington interview Dr. Ram Senasi, Chair of the IIC Advisory Board and Consultant Pediatric Radiologist. Dr. Senasi shares insights into his passion for education, the role of technology in healthcare, and the upcoming IIC event. A major highlight of the congress is the addition of a third stream dedicated to AI, HL7 integration, and technology innovations, supported by Axrem’s Innovation Hub. Dr. Senasi focuses on the importance of community and collaboration in advancing the medical technology field.

The episode also spotlights Axrem’s active participation in the IIC, with a focus on industry engagement, sustainability, and education. The IIC aims to foster deeper conversations between healthcare professionals and technology providers. Dr. Senasi expresses his vision for IIC to grow into a global platform while maintaining its collaborative atmosphere, offering opportunities for future leaders in the healthcare industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of AI and sustainability in revolutionizing patient care and NHS workflows.

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Transcript

Not all words are accurate this is an auto generated Transcript meant to aid the listening of the podcast please refer to the podcast episode for accuracy.

Mel: Hello, I'm Melanie Johnson and I'm here with Sally Edgington.
Welcome to our International Imaging Congress special, also known as the IIC.
Today we have the pleasure to be speaking to Dr Ram Senasi, Chair of the Advisory Board
and Conference Chair of IIC 2024 and Consultant Pediatric Radiologist at
Hull University Teaching Hospitals. So welcome Ram, thank you for being on
the show and allowing us to get to know you a little better. With our podcast theme being IIC,
I will start by handing over to you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
And obviously I'm just checking you are okay with me calling you Ram. 
Dr Ram: I've been told you, I Ram, I Ram.
You know what, that's something I always insist. So my hashtag is call me Ram and that really is
the way the industry knows me. But to be formal, I'm Dr Ram Senasi. I'm proudly an NHS Consultant
Radiologist working at Hull University Teaching Hospitals. I'm also the Chair of the Advisory
Board and the Chair for the IIC Congress that's happening on the 7th to 8th of October 2024.
And I'm really excited about that. Of course, I hold several other positions, but today really
we're going to be talking about IIC and our fantastic relationship with AXREM.
Sally: Great, thanks Ram. And I always call you Dr Ram and you always say you don't have to say doctor,
but I don't know, I just feel like maybe I'm kind of billing you to be like a TV doctor, Dr Ram.
So I just think there's a bit of a ring to it. But Ram, from the dealings I've had with you,
it's very clear to see that you're passionate about education. Can you tell us a little bit
more about where that passion comes from and what are your drivers?
Dr Ram: I think my passion for education comes down to myself really. One of the key things I've learned
during my journey as a doctor is and becoming a consultant is the realisation that I still
don't know enough. There's so much out there. And I think with COVID, with the avalanche of information,
we've realised that the knowledge gap between what we know and what we need to know is widening.
And that's because of the amazing technologies and innovations that's taking place, having to
keep up not just patient pathologies, but the technologies that support it. So there is a
selfish purpose for me really with IIC and it is to not only support myself, but to support
the knowledge growth for both my colleagues and all the amazing staff in the NHS.
Sally: Great, thank you. And I know that you were saying like, obviously, innovations are coming through
and things are changing. And I think that's what I quite like about our industry and my role actually
is that no two days are ever the same because it's constantly evolving and changing. And I think
obviously COVID was a game changer for all of us in lots of ways, in the ways that we work
and how we interact with people. You know, like now we're doing podcasts and I spend a lot of time
on online meetings and I think we definitely have kind of changed how we do things. So predominantly
you're here to talk about the International Image in Congress, which we're super excited to be
headline partners to. So what should attendees expect from the event? And can you tell us more
about some of the headline sessions and attractions for the event? 
Dr Ram: Yeah, well, in terms, I'm going to work backwards. In terms of attractions, I think everything is going to appeal to everyone. We've got a mixture of different types of sessions. We're going to have some really engaging panel sessions where we're going to have key stakeholders and key opinion leaders up on stage. But what we're
trying to do different is to give a lot of time for audience engagement. So what I try to do as a
chair is to involve all the delegates, whoever they are, to be part of the conversation. We're
also going to have some really insightful discussions and presentations done by a variety
of industry leaders and experts in the NHS. One thing that we're doing slightly different this year
is including a third stream. Now you know, Sally, we have had two streams really, and last year we
had the imaging and oncology stream, and then we had a pathology stream, and both of the streams,
we received excellent feedback. But you said we did. And what I mean by you said was
speaking to a few of the stakeholders, there was clearly a need for a third stream. And that
third stream was to have just some really high quality CPDs for those either entering into the
world of technology or trying to understand radiology. And this is something that we talked
about and we felt, you know, this is something that should be led by AXREM. And because of that,
we're really thankful for AXREM for sort of supporting the third stream. And we're calling
it the AXREM Innovation Hub. And here we're going to have a lot of the AXREM members supporting
public education for anyone who wants to understand a bit about AI, a bit about HL7 integration,
which I think I will probably be attending that lecture because I also need to learn a bit about
it. So I think to look out for definitely our two main streams, but I think the third stream is going
to be very exciting. 
Sally: Sounds fantastic. And actually for us, it's a bit of a new world as well,
because this will be the first time that AXREM has ever exhibited at an event. So we're super excited
and we've got a bit of a theme for our stand being community, because we feel that our role is to
bring our whole community, not just industry, but clinicians such as yourself and the societies and
royal colleges, et cetera, together. So we've got a few kind of planned activities on our stand around
community. But the other thing that we're going to be doing as well is launching a digital pathology
special focus group, which is a new special focus group for AXREM and actually sits really well
between the kind of imaging and the pathology almost in the center of that. So we've obviously
got a panel session around that and our Future Leaders Council have worked really hard to bring
that together. 
Dr Ram: So I'm really excited to come and watch that and hear what they've got to say.
And I have to congratulate you, Sally, for working with the AXREM leadership to developing the Future
Leaders Council. I think mentoring and supporting future leaders to continue the conversation is
critical. I think AXREM's certainly taking a lead in industry to do this. I'm trying to do the same
with AXREM support and of course with IIC support. We have the apprentice program
at IIC and we have two fantastic junior doctors joining us. We're hoping by next year we can
widen the application to other people in industry. And I have to say, Sally, I was inspired by what
you did at AXREM. When you did the Future Leaders Council, I said we need to do something at IIC.
And I think that's where cross-pollination occurs between industries and partners.
Sally: Absolutely. And I have to give the kudos to Mel for that because Mel has worked really hard on
the Future Leaders. That's kind of what I call her little baby. And she's kind of really working
hard behind the scenes. And the Future Leaders Council has found so much focus on and they
actually wrote a State of the Nation report that we launched the same day as our strategic priorities
in parliament. And it was a really complimentary document to the strategic priorities. And actually
we're going to have copies of both of those documents handing out at the IIC.
And I liked how you talked about community and that's what's sort of driving AXREM message this
year. 
Dr Ram: Sally, they say it takes a village to bring up a child. And I think that's where the community,
especially the industry leaders and industries that are represented by AXREM, play a vital role.
The Future Leaders Council is, you know, the purpose ultimately for IIC for me is to support
future leaders and to support our future stakeholders and key opinion leaders to continue
these conversations. And I think that's where IIC is really unique. We have, together with AXREM,
have a concerted effort to make sure that we create a clear pathway for some of the amazing
radiology trainees, radiographers, trainees and those early on their careers to come to a safe
space, which to me is IIC, to really engage and to be part of the community and to realise that
there's so many amazing organisations and people out there to support their growth. And I think
to me that's one of the fundamental key ethos at IIC. 
Mel: You know, and it's great to hear that. And I know this might sound a bit corny, but it is true what they say. Together, obviously, we have a stronger voice and obviously we can bring around change. So no, it's good to hear that. So obviously, in terms of figures, how many exhibitors, delegates are currently signed up?
And obviously, I know the event is obviously offering free tickets to NHS staff. What impact
has that had? 
Dr Ram: In terms of figures, I'll talk about last year's figures to start off with. We had
about 1,100 delegates and I think we've just had over 30 exhibitors. In terms of exhibitors,
we have now signed up close to 45 exhibitors, a lot more earlier than back to before. And we're
expecting this number to grow. So certainly, our list of exhibitors have increased. One of the
more satisfying things about this is a lot of the exhibitors are return or repeat exhibitors. They
actually saw real value last year and they say, you know what, we actually know this is going to
be bigger and better. We want more space. In terms of delegates, we had just over 1,100 last year
and we're hoping to match that. I think we're very close to 1,100. We still have a few weeks to go
and we know there's a lot of people who will usually decide a few weeks or a few days before
coming to the event. Our location makes us really, really strategic. We are the largest
imaging conference in the south of UK, south of England. And of course, there are other fantastic
events taking place around the UK, but at least for the south in London, we are very strategic.
In terms of NHS staff, this is something that was probably one of the main reasons I joined IIC.
The NHS is an amazing organisation going through significant change in our people at the moment,
especially with Lord Darzi's report about the investment that needs to go in. But we also have
to remember the NHS also invests into its staff and part of this investment is through education
and upskilling, but there is a limited pot. There is no magic money tree, just to quote someone
in politics, but the pot is limited and we in industry and we as conference organisers
need to find ways to support the NHS. So that sort of precious funds that's available for NHS staff
are used for other key critical upskilling courses. As a doctor, I'd rather some of those courses go
to upskill amazing radiographers in reporting or radiology registrars or scientists to go and do
another course and we can then provide them. So the main aim is to support the NHS to provide
free education and CPD for their staff and to create an environment where they can continuously
learn without us draining precious NHS resources. 
Mel: Yeah, and it's great to hear that it is growing.
So, and I'm really looking forward to go in as well. So I'll see you there.
So obviously, you've touched on this a little bit, but why obviously, why else did you decide
to get involved in the IIC and what are you most looking forward to? 
Dr Ram: I think one of the reasons I joined the IIC is it's an organisation with a lot of different people with a lot of different ideas. And we, one of the things that we do within our advisory board is we're not afraid to ask very difficult questions. And we have, for example, on the advisory board, someone called Sharon Pick,
Dr Sharon Pick, and she's a human factors expert and human factors is a critical component in
healthcare, especially when we're dealing with technology and innovation. And so she is one of
the key members of our team to head on this discussion. And of course, we know that she's
working closely with AXREM, again, patient safety. I can't say, I would say all the sessions are going
to be great. But if I could choose one session, I think it's the session of morality and AI. I think
this is going to be an interesting session. And that's why I liked IIC. I came up with this
left field session and said, look, could we have this conversation about morality and AI? There's
so much taking place just because we can, should we? And that session, I think, really is to be a
left field session, which I'm hoping a lot of people will find really, really insightful.
The other thing I think that people should be looking forward to at IIC or things that I'm
looking forward to is the opportunity to engage. Ultimately, the one thing we realized in COVID
is, yes, there's so many online courses and conferences we attend, but we're humans and we
need to connect. We need to collaborate. And to quote Sally, we need to create communities. And
the only way we can do that is at IIC, where one of the unique features of IIC is all our
exhibitors are on the same floor as where the sessions are. That allows a lot of great food
traffic for people to pop in and pop out between sessions, speak to colleagues, speak to exhibitors,
and to create this very precious community. So, and I'm really looking forward to engaging with
as many people as possible. And I always say, if we meet, don't forget to hashtag call me around.
Thank you.
Sally: And I think you're totally right. I think one of the downsides of COVID is that we do
probably meet in person face to face less. But I think especially for industry, those interactions
are so important to building relationships. And I think that events like this that bring our whole
community together are so important. And like you say, I think being in the South, being very
accessible is also a real plus side to this. So, yeah, I hope that it kind of has that community
feel and hopefully with our standard involvement, we can help with that. So, as you know, Ram,
there's so many excellent events on the market, if you like, in our industry. What do you think
this means for the industry in terms of the different events that there are and how that
kind of relates with the IIC? 
Dr ram: It's a really interesting question. And I'm glad you asked
that question, Sally. I think there are so many good events in the UK and that's what the UK is
really good at, high quality content. And we have events dot around the UK. What IIC said to do was
me too. We wanted to be different, but we wanted to be complementary to the other events. So,
we have events by large societies and other organisations talking about particular aspects
of imaging where we support those events to support the technology and the discussions
on technology and innovation that supports healthcare. So, this to me is the tech conference
for imaging, oncology and pathology. And because of that, it is the perfect place for
partners in industry, especially those from AXREM and also outside of AXREM. This is their home. This
is where we are talking about you, our industry partners, the technology providers, those that
innovate. This is where we exchange ideas. So, we don't see ourselves as a competitor to the
market. We see ourselves as an essential support to the market to drive the discussion. And that
is why our format is very different. We've definitely gone more towards panel discussions,
fireside chats, because that's where that sort of corridor conversations really can impact patient
care. When people feel that in an environment that's comfortable, they will speak their mind.
And we know in the NHS about freedom to speak up, we provided that platform at IIC.
Sally: Great, thank you. And you talk about obviously IIC being the tech conference, if you like,
for imaging. So, how do you think AXREM's members' innovation and innovative technologies can help
healthcare professionals in the future? 
Dr Ram: Well, in my experience and my interaction speaking to AXREM members across the board, I know they've always been in the forefront of developing technologies. As a radiologist, I've seen with a lot of the technologies come out there from Pax providers to AI solution providers or even just providing for monitors, for example. They help radiologists like me and my colleagues improve our diagnostic accuracy,
helping us streamline our workflows. We know we are at a critical stage with patient care in the
NHS with a rising ageing population. We've got increasing cancer wait times. We are not keeping
up. We know that. And that is where technology will help us. And that's where AXREM plays a vital
role. And now everyone's talking about AI, but there's also other technologies and innovations
that are being developed by AXREM members can really have a positive impact on patient care.
And I think the adoption of these innovations is critical. And that's why IIC allows us to have
those really honest conversations about technology, AI innovation. And to quote, you know, to me,
one of my gurus is Rizwan Malik. We've got to look at impact and we've got to look at outcome. And I
think IIC allows us to ask those questions and ask them honestly. 
Sally: Yeah. And I think you've kind of touched on it a little bit, but how do you think the technologies that our members provide can impact the workforce in the NHS? And I've probably spoken before on these podcasts around, you know, some of the AI products that our members provide where the algorithm reads the scan and can
triage that. So the AI is not there to replace people, but absolutely can create those efficiencies.
So is that the sort of thing that you see and could be helpful to the workforce?
Dr Ram: Yes, absolutely. So let's just talk about AI because everyone, that's where the primary focus
right now. I think a few years ago, the conversation was AI will replace doctors. And I think we've,
that is a distorted view and we have to spell that view. What we're learning now is there is
real world evidence that there are positive outcomes from AI, but this is AI with radiologists.
And so to paraphrase something that everyone has said, it's not about AI replacing the radiologist
or the radiographer or the clinician. It's AI with those clinicians, radiographers and radiologists
that may replace people who don't use AI. As a radiologist now, the conversation has evolved
how AI can augment our workflow, our workforce and our workload by helping us be more streamlined
in the work we do. And you talked about triaging. We've got a cancer, we have a cancer screening
program in the UK. We have thousands to hundreds of thousands of x-rays that we need to go through
alongside CT scans. And we know a lot of the x-ray members are part of this drive. How can we
produce all these x-rays and imaging and CT scans and triage to make sure that the patients who need
care first get that care at the right time with the appropriate treatment. And that's where AI can
support us. Alongside some of the high quality equipment that we have to use, we need technology
that is sustainable, is environmentally friendly and is efficient. And that's where some of the
members of AXREM, I know mostly the OEMs. That's one thing I think we all have in common amongst
all the OEMs. I think is that's where they're striving to efficiency with a focus on environmental
sustainability and also positive social values. So I think that's where I can definitely support.
Outside AI and those sort of technologies, I think it's bringing people around the table and
sharing ideas and sharing problems. And I think AXREM has done a very good job at that. So
kudos to you and the team, Sally. 
Sally: Thanks, Dr. Ram. And I think that you touched there on the sustainability piece. And it'd be wrong of me not to mention that last Friday, we actually launched our sustainability and social value manifesto. And we've got a very active sustainability special focus group. And our members are really committed to being on the roadmap to net zero with the NHS and helping them achieve their ambitions. So that's a really positive thing. I've got a slightly different question now. So if you could hop into the Dr. Who TARDIS and you could go three years
ahead, kind of what are your hopes and ambitions for the IIC and how would you like the event to
expand and evolve over the next three years? 
Dr Ram: That's a really interesting question. If I could
jump into the TARDIS and go three years or five years or 10 years into the future, I think I would
like to see the IIC be a global event. It is the event where people come and have honest conversations
about technology. It's where anyone can come and find their place in part of the wider global
community and having discussions. And I said, the UK has always been at the forefront of having
these discussions. And I think IIC is perfect. It's in the south of the UK, but it makes it
really strategic. And I think it is where it will be the key platform discussing and implementing
groundbreaking technologies. And with the support of AXREM and the members, we can certainly achieve
that. I think last year we had 1,100 delegates. We're hoping to exceed that this year. I think
three years' time we'll be going beyond two or three thousand delegates with a lot more
exhibitors. But we have to be careful. We don't want it so big that we can't have conversations.
So we will have to evolve. And that's why the Future Leaders Council that we have at AXREM
and the apprentice programme, we're bringing in, how we say, new blood to come up with new ideas.
So there will come a time when someone may take over my role at IIC. And what I would like to see
is IIC evolve into something very different. If that happens, then I think I have done my job
as the current chair to lay the foundations for an organisation that is always evolving
and always adapting to its needs. So I think if I could see anything, I would like to see that.
An IIC that is evolving and adapting. 
Sally: Great. And are you going to wear your t-shirt this year,
your Superman t-shirt? As they say, not all heroes wear capes. You know what? I'm not going to answer
that question, but it's certainly going to be something that people can look out for.
Dr Ram: You know, what is the look this year? I think every year I will have to consider what I wear,
depending on the moods and emotions and discussions. But Sally, you will be the first
to find out when I see you at IIC. We'll take a photo together. You'll be the first person
I take a photo with. 
Sally: Great. I look forward to it. I'm intrigued.
Mel: Right. So now over to my quirky question, which I must say, actually, I feel like I'm becoming a
little bit famous for now. So if you could hang around with any famous person, dead or alive,
who would it be and why? 
Dr Ram: Any famous person, to be honest,
I know it's a bit corny or it's probably sort of in right now, but I absolutely love Ryan Reynolds.
I think he's just a fantastic person. Not only because of what he did with Deadpool,
but his entire life. Anyone who understands his journey, he starts out in Hollywood,
has a bit of a dip, but he just kept on pushing, pushing and pushing. And now we are with him.
And it was really successful movies. But what was really important about what he did and what
inspires me is the way he values people around him. And, you know, I can read this up online.
He gives out most of his salary sometimes to make sure his writers are with him when he's
doing his movies. So I think he's someone that values the people around him. And that's why I
really inspire. And he just doesn't take no for an answer. He just keeps on pushing forward because
he believes he's passionate. And I think that's what we need in our future leaders and what the
discussion we have. We need to have passion in what we do within healthcare. We need to ask
questions and sometimes don't take no for an answer, which is like him. But most importantly,
again, going back to what Sally said about community, I think he understands the value
of community, how there is no one person that is ahead of everyone. We all work as a group.
Xtreme works as a fantastic group. Myself, yes, I am here today doing the interview, but behind me
are some amazing group of people at IIC that are doing 99.9% of the work. My job's made easy
because of them. So because of that, for me, Ryan Reynolds is the person I'd love to have dinner
with one day and find out more about how he brings people together.
Sally: You're absolutely right with that because when you look at how he's handled the Wrexham situation, he brought the community along with him on that journey. I mean, I'm a huge fan of the Wrexham programme and I
actually went and met a few of the players and the manager recently when I was up in the area.
And you can just see that, you know, the people are on board of Wrexham and they're on that journey
with Ryan Reynolds and it's really lovely to see and important. So yeah, absolutely plays
into the community piece, I think, Dr. Ram. 
Dr Ram: One day you'll call me Ram, Sally.
Sally: Never, never. You're Dr. Ram. Dr. Ram. Ram, thank you so much for all your time today.
And before we finish, I think it's worth me just mentioning the members that are actually supporting
the International Imaging Congress. So members from Axrem that will be there exhibiting or
are sponsors to the event are AGFA Healthcare, Bracco, ergéa, Fujifilm, Gleamer, Magentus,
Merge, Probo Medical, Siemens Healthineers, Soliton, Synapse Medical and Vertex. So Ram,
thanks so much for your time today and for being our guest. And I'm really looking forward to
attending the event and seeing you there. And I hope to see everyone that's listening there too.
And we look forward to speaking to you soon. 
Dr Ram: Thank you very much, Sally. And thank you very
much, Melaine. I really enjoyed the conversation today. 
Mel: Join Sally and I in a couple of weeks when
we begin series five, our collaborations podcasts, starting with David Lawson and discussions on the
medtech strategy. If you've enjoyed today's podcast, don't forget to hit subscribe or feel
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