Radiologists Must Lead AI Integration, Warns New ARRS President

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical imaging is no longer a future prospect—it is a current reality. During the ARRS 2026 conference in Pittsburgh, the new president of the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), Christine Glastonbury, MD, issued a clear call to action: radiologists must actively shape how AI is integrated into their practice rather than passively observing the transition.

Appointed as president on April 12, 2026, Dr. Glastonbury emphasized that the medical community’s role in this evolution is critical. For AI to be effective and safe, the radiologists who use these tools must be the ones deciding how they are implemented in clinical workflows.

The Danger of Passive Adoption

One of the most pressing warnings from Dr. Glastonbury is the risk of professional obsolescence or loss of agency. She cautioned that radiologists who choose not to engage with AI technology will eventually be forced to adapt to choices made by others. When clinicians step back from the decision-making process, the development of AI tools may be driven by interests that do not align with the practical needs of radiological practice or the best interests of patient care.

By taking a leadership role, radiologists ensure that their expertise remains the central pillar of clinical decision-making, ensuring that technology supports the physician rather than dictating the process.

Drawing Parallels: AI and the PACS Transition

To put the current AI shift into perspective, Dr. Glastonbury compared the current phase of AI integration to the earlier adoption of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Just as PACS fundamentally changed how images were stored, shared, and viewed, AI is poised to transform the diagnostic process.

The transition to PACS required a shift in mindset and workflow; similarly, AI requires radiologists to evolve their approach to diagnosis and data management. Those who led the PACS transition were better positioned to optimize their workflows, and Dr. Glastonbury suggests the same logic applies to the current AI revolution.

Balancing ‘Actual Intelligence’ with Artificial Intelligence

A recurring theme in Dr. Glastonbury’s address was the distinction between technology and clinical judgment. She highlighted the necessity of combining “actual intelligence”—the nuanced, experience-based judgment of a trained physician—with the processing power of AI.

The goal is not to replace the radiologist but to create a balance where AI handles data-heavy tasks while the physician provides the essential oversight and final interpretation. This synergy ensures that technology enhances accuracy without sacrificing the critical thinking required for complex medical cases.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Field

As AI continues to evolve, the medical imaging landscape will likely see more specialized tools designed to streamline operations and enhance diagnostic precision. However, as Dr. Glastonbury noted, the value of these tools depends entirely on the guidance of the professionals who use them. The future of radiology will be defined by those who embrace these changes and lead the integration process, ensuring that AI serves as a powerful ally in patient care.