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www.myESR.org | EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF RADIOLOGY 2013ESR: Chile is very diverse and multi-ethnic. Is that a challenge for a homogenous nationalradiology training?MAP: The main challenge is to increase the number of radiology residency programmes. Today,there are only eight in the country, training 40 residents per year. We need to double this number,as there is a deficit of radiologists that exceeds 300 positions, mainly at public hospitals. Also,there is nothing like a national curriculum in Chile, and there are big differences in terms ofprogramme quality. We need to advance into a national curriculum, and maybe the ESR couldbe a reference standard for us.ESR: What is the current state of radiological care in Chile? Do patients have access to thetechnology and expertise they need?MAP: Seventy-three percent of Chilean citizens are beneficiaries of the public health system,which has nationwide coverage. Sixteen percent of Chileans have private insurance. Most hospitalshave adequate radiological equipment, but the main problem is the shortage of radiologists. Mostradiologists prefer to work at private centres, because public salaries are too low. As a nationalradiological society, we encourage radiologists to split their work between private and publichospitals, because most Chileans cannot afford private institutions. Nevertheless, health indicatorsare among the best in Latin America.ESR: Have you already attended the ECR? If yes, what did you enjoy the most at thecongress?MAP: Yes, I have been at the ECR meeting several times. I think the scientific level is excellent,and, of course, I enjoy the city.Professor Miguel Ángel Pinochet fromSantiago, president of the ChileanSociety of Radiology, will lead theteam of Chilean experts for the ‘ESRmeets Chile’ session.ESR: Are you looking forward to any scientific sessions in particular at ECR 2013?MAP: As a breast imaging specialist, I am very interested in the Special Focus Session SF 15b, tobe held on Sunday March 10, about digital breast tomosynthesis. We expect to get new equipmentthis year, so I am very excited to see if it really has something new to add to cancer diagnosis.ESR: The ECR is a long way to go for South American radiologists. What do you think ofthe initiative ‘ECR Goes to’, which broadcasts live sessions from the congress online? Didsome of your colleagues make use of this new service during ECR 2012?MAP: Not really, as it is a new initiative. We will promote it among our nationals and members.ESR: Is there anything you would like to add?MAP: We are looking forward to having more and more cooperation with European radiologistsin the next few years. I am sure that there are a lot of opportunities to share education andresearch with our fellow European societies.Preliminary Programme EdiciÓn Invierno | ECR 2013 21