Patrizia Cornacchione, Assistant Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and President of the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), discusses the evolving role of radiographers in Europe.
Cornacchione notes a growing recognition of radiographers as clinical professionals shaping patient outcomes. She emphasizes their increasing involvement in protocol optimization and service quality improvements.
At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2026, themed 'Rays of Knowledge', she highlights the importance of knowledge sharing across borders and disciplines. Radiographers are now more active in research, education, and AI integration.
AI is a central focus at ECR 2026. As co-chair of the session on clinical AI use, Cornacchione stresses that radiographers must lead in AI governance and implementation. Their insights into image acquisition and clinical context make them essential to safe AI deployment.
Cornacchione sees EFRS as a vital bridge connecting professionals, institutions, and ideas across Europe. She advocates for leadership competencies in clinical practice, education, research, and patient-centered communication-especially for young radiographers.
Her vision for ECR 2026 is clear: tangible improvements in patient safety and care quality that radiographers can implement immediately upon return. The event is shaping a European movement where knowledge becomes action.