ROYAL COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGISTS BREAST GROUP
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London
Monday 3 November 2008
Chair: Dr Michael Michell
Approximately 66 members in attendance.
1. Apologies
None received.
2. Minutes of 2007 meeting
Accepted as a correct record.
3. Matters arising (not on agenda)
None.
4. Officers
The current Treasurer and Honorary Secretary will reach the end of their three-year tenures in November 2009. Both Nicholas Ridley and Anthony Maxwell have indicated their willingness to continue for a further term. No objections were raised. Michael Michell concludes his term as Chairman in November 2009 when Fiona Gilbert will take over. A new Vice-Chairman will therefore be required. There will be a call for nominations in the spring of 2009.
5. Treasurer’s report
Nicholas Ridley presented the accounts. There are currently 539 members. The cash balance as of 3 November 2008 is £26.082.05. In addition approximately £21,000 is held in the Hampton Medical account.
6. UKRC
It was noted that an increased number of breast abstracts were submitted in 2008. Trainees should be encouraged to submit their work for the 2009 meeting at which there will be three breast lectures.
7. BIG Professorship
Three candidates were recently interviewed by Mike Michell and Mathew Wallis. Barbara Dall was offered and has accepted the post. A proposal from the Executive Committee for a Training Development Representative was discussed and there was general support from the floor. Ross Given-Wilson proposed a register of Breast Fellowships. Expressions of interest in the new post are invited.
8. Breast imaging reporting classification
This has previously been circulated. A paper has been submitted to clinical radiology.
9. Breast radiology training curriculum
Not discussed.
10. Cancer Reform Strategy
Discussed earlier in the day in the scientific session.
11. NICE guidelines
Comments were sent to NICE by Mike Michell regarding the respective guidelines on early and advanced breast cancer. These will be posted on the group’s website for information.
12. Screening extension
Not discussed.
13. Constitution – membership categories
There is a proposal from the Executive Committee to remove charges for retired members and to introduce a new membership category of overseas membership. In view of the difficulties experienced in collecting the annual subscription fee from overseas members, it was agreed that overseas members would not pay a joining or membership fee but do not have voting rights and are charged a non-members registration fee for the Annual Scientific Meeting. Following discussion from the floor it was agreed that members resident in the Channel Islands, The Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland would not be eligible for overseas membership. The constitution will be revised accordingly.
14. Clinical Excellence Awards
Mike Michell reiterated the current system. Members seeking a higher award should submit their applications to the RCR by mid-October. If support from the RCRBG is sought then CVs should be sent also to the Chairman. Mike Michell has received a number this year. These will be ranked by Mike Michell, Matthew Wallis and Fiona Gilbert and submitted to the RCR by 13 November. It was noted that the RCRBG is more influential acting through the RCR then we would be if we obtained recognition as an independent nominating body.
15. Breast Imaging Research Network
The first meeting of this group was held on 2 November 2008. The intention is to promote radiological research in the field of breast imaging. A register of research sites and individuals interested in taking part in multi-site studies will be produced. The presentations from the meeting will be posted on the website.
16. Website
Members were encouraged to visit the website which is frequently updated. Chris Flowers is providing regular content summarising recent articles of interest. It was agreed that other breast imaging sites could provide links to the RCRBG website. Dr Lorna Duddy has agreed to assist Chris Flowers in maintaining the website.
17. EUSOBI young investigator
EUSOBI is currently developing a school of breast imaging. There is a young researcher session at the 2009 EUSOBI meeting. No submissions have been received for the EUSOBI young investigator, and eligible members were encouraged to apply.
18. Critical incidents
Sue Barter reported that apart from ones submitted by herself, no reports have been received in the last year. It was agreed that monitoring of critical incidents is still worthwhile, and members are encouraged to send these to Sue Barter. A link is to be provided on the website.
Mike Michell agreed to write to Julietta Patnick asking that critical incidents be standing agenda items for QARCs. Sue Barter will provide a report on critical incidents in the next Annual Scientific Meeting.
19. Honorary Membership proposals
A written proposal had been received for Stephen Duffy and this was approved by a majority on a show of hands. Verbal proposals were also received for Debra Ikeda and Tom Stavros. Both of these were similarly approved.
21. Breast Group Bursary/Pump Priming Grants
An application for the bursary has been received from Dr M. Al-Attar and this has been approved.
22. Survey of breast MRI provision
Dr Julia Scarth presented the results of a survey of Breast MRI provision. 31 responses have been received. Those who have not responded are encouraged to do so.
23. Annual Scientific Meeting 2009
This will be held at the Europa Hotel, Belfast on 2-3 November 2009. The options of dinner at the Baronial Hall or on a steam train were discussed, and the majority view was in favour of the latter.
24. Any other business
The Breast Disease Management application to PMETB on behalf of the Breast Clinicians has been rejected. There is shortly to be a meeting between representatives of the Breast Clinicians, Mike Michell and the RCR Warden Dr David Lindsell. There was a long discussion. Mike Michell will seek views of the Breast Clinicians prior to the meeting.
There has been a request from some Breast Clinicians for the right to attend the Annual General Meeting (without voting rights). A long discussion ensued, particularly with regard to the relationship between the RCR Breast Group (a Level 1 SIG) and the RCR. Mike Michell will discuss this with representatives of the Breast Clinicians.
25. Date of next meeting
Monday 2 November 2009 in Belfast.