::: Academy of Medicine - Singapore :::

Colleges | College of Radiologists, Singapore

COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGISTS, SINGAPORE

2 March 2004

Dear Fellow Academicians of the Chapter of Radiologists

RE: COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGISTS, SINGAPORE

I would like to update you on the progress of the formation of the College and its future plans in view of the recent dialogue session held last Friday.

I wish to personally thank the Master for taking time off his busy schedule to answer all the queries, as well as all of you who showed up. I felt that we had a very fruitful session.

For those of you who were not present at the dialogue session and have objection to the formation of the College of Radiologists, I am writing to invite you to send in your comments as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to email me at gdrtbs@sgh.com.sg or drop me a note through the Academy.

Objective for the Formation of the College

Our Chapter represents specialists from 3 SAB-recognised specialties. Under the current organizational structure of the Academy, it is difficult for the Chapter to look after the interests of the fellow academicians from different specialties as well as to develop these specialities professionally.

One of the ways to enhance the professional development is to transform the Chapter of Radiologists into the College of Radiologists, Singapore.

Preparation of Generic Memorandum and Articles (M&A) of Association for Single- and Multiple-Specialty Colleges

Preparation for the formation of Colleges started 3-4 years ago. The 2002-2003’s Academy Council undertook a major review of the Academy’s M&A. That was an essential and important exercise in the preparation for the setting up of Colleges. Many Fellows at the last Academy’s AGM spoke strongly and convincingly in favour of the amendments. Their presence and overwhelming support had resulted in the unanimous approval of all the amendments related to the formation of the College.

For the last 8 months, numerous meetings were held and intense preparation was made by Master, Chapter Chairmen and Council Members, Company Secretary and Academy’s admin staff, to prepare generic M&As for single- and multiple-specialty colleges.

This M&A has undergone many revisions, taking into account of the unique relationship between various Colleges and the Academy, a need for a common organizational structure for all Colleges, and potential growth for all Colleges/Chapters. Though not perfect, it is the product of hard work put in by all those mentioned above with inputs from our Chapter Committee members and past Masters. This proposed generic M&As were passed by the Academy Council on 9th February 2004 and is now awaiting approval and adoption by Academy Fellows at the coming EOGM to be held on 27th March 2004. The notice of EOGM with further details is enclosed in this mail.

Proposed Structure of the College

The proposed College of Radiologists will be an independent legal entity (registered with the Registry of Company and Business) with its M&A and organizational structure similar to that of the Academy. Three chapters, namely, Chapter of Diagnostic Radiologists, Chapter of Nuclear Medicine Physicians and Chapter of Therapeutic Radiologists, will be formed within the College. These Chapters will have the same status and privileges as current Chapters of the Academy of Medicine.

Each Chapter will be administered by a Specialty Board with elected Board Members. The College in turn will be governed by a College Council comprising elected Council Members and all Specialty Board Chairmen. In addition, with feedback from the recent dialogue, provision will be made for at least one elected Council member to be a Therapeutic Radiologist or Nuclear Medicine Physician. The College Council will also have provision to have appointed Council Members from the specialist society, in this case the Singapore Radiological Society (SRS).

Impact on Fellows of the Chapter of Radiologists with the Formation of the College

With the formation of the College, all current fellows in the Chapter will be “transferred” to the College, as there will no longer be a Chapter of Radiologists in the Academy of Medicine. To facilitate this “transfer”, admission as Fellows of the College will be automatic for Fellows of the Academy at the time of College incorporation. There will be no entrance fee and no annual subscription for the first 3 years. Subsequently, annual subscription will be determined by the College Council. Application to SMC for the use of FCRS (Fellow of College of Radiologists, Singapore) as an additional registrable qualification will be made by Academy on behalf of the College.

Involvement and Opportunity for Specialty Societies

The College and Specialty Chapters aim to collaborate closely with the SRS to enhance the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme for specialists (e.g. CME talks, on-line CME program, workshops). This collaboration could be formalized by signing an MOU between the College and the SRS. Representatives of the SRS who are Fellows of the College will be appointed to the Council.

The College will not replace the SRS in representing Singapore in regional and international organizations.

Proposed Work Plan for the College

If the General Body approves the College’s M&A at the EOGM, the following activities are likely to be carried out, before and one year after incorporation of the College:

• Submission of application to RCB
• Nomination & election of College Council Members
• Drafting of College By-Laws
• Designing of College Crest/Logo
• Application to SMC on the use of FCRS
• Nomination & election of College President and Office Bearers of the Council
• Nomination & election of Specialty Board Chairmen
• College’s 1st AGM
• Chapters’ 1st AGM and election of Office Bearers
• Inaugural College ASM, during Singapore-Malaysia Congress of Medicine
• Induction Comitia for College Fellows
• Preparation and signing of MOUs between College and Specialty Societies
• Strategic planning for College and Chapters, and implementation of strategic plans

Strategic Thrusts and Priorities

The strategic thrusts and priorities for the College would be to:
• Educate radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians
• Ensure excellence in medical care
• Improve postgraduate medical education & training
• Build and retain membership
• Maintain college revenue
• Promote radiology and nuclear medicine as a career

Concluding Remarks

This is an exciting and challenging time for the Chapter and all radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians in Singapore. With the formation of College, we will be able to take a proactive role in continuing professional development and self-regulation within our own specialty.

At the dialogue session, it was agreed that a reply form be sent out to all Fellows of the Chapter. Only those who object to the formation of the College need reply by 22nd March 04. Should less than half of the Chapter Fellows object to this move, the formation of the College of Radiologists, Singapore will be tabled for the forthcoming Academy EOGM. The motion will then need three-quarters of the vote at the EOGM to be carried through.

I look forward to meeting you during the Academy’s EOGM.

Dr Tan Bien Soo
Chairman, Chapter of Radiologists

cc Dr K Satku, Master, 2002-2004 Council
President, Singapore Radiologists Society