Japan and Peru Offer Perspectives During Country Presents

Each year at the annual meeting, RSNA recognizes select countries for their contributions to radiology and their role in helping shape the profession’s future. This year’s Country Presents sessions will feature Japan and Peru. 

Representatives from each country or from the local radiology organizations will be on hand at the meeting to share research and discuss the ways they are planning for the health care challenges ahead.

Japan's Unique Evolution and Global Influence

Presentations by representatives from the Japan Radiological Society (JRS) will cover the Japanese health care insurance system that ensures universal coverage.

“Japanese citizens not only enjoy full coverage but also have ‘free access,’ meaning they can choose any medical facility regardless of their residence location,” said Kei Yamada, MD, PhD, chair of the JRS International Liaison Committee. “Despite these generous benefits, Japan maintains a comparatively low health care cost compared to other advanced countries.”

One presentation will focus on the Japan-Medical Image Database for Data Science (J-MID). This organization continuously collects radiology images and reports from several university hospitals in Japan, maintaining a database to build a robust research infrastructure that supports both medical and engineering researchers.

“J-MID’s main goals are to foster interdisciplinary research, promote collaboration and serve as a valuable resource for objectively evaluating AI systems used in clinical practice,” said Toshiaki Akashi, MD, PhD, associate professor, Department of Radiology, Juntendo University, Bunkyō, Japan.

Japan’s accreditation system will be the focus of another presentation.

“This system promotes various safety issues such as proper radiation exposure management, MRI safety and AI accuracy in diagnostic imaging,” said Osamu Abe, MD, PhD, JRS treasurer. “It also enhances quality control by evaluating compliance with these guidelines, leading to safe, reliable and standardized diagnostic practices.”

The session will conclude with a presentation on diversity and inclusion within JRS.

“We have established a diversity quota in the election of board members to enhance inclusivity in decision-making, aiming to invigorate and ensure the society’s sustainability,” said Noriko Oyama-Manabe, MD, PhD, chair of the JRS Diversity and Work Style Reform Committee. “To further reinforce these efforts, we have introduced an Encouragement Award and we actively advance the academic careers of women and young radiologists by appointing them as session chairs and speakers at the society’s annual meetings.”

Radiologic Technology and Tradition in Peru

Radiology in Peru is shaped by the country’s geography, health care infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions. With a growing emphasis on teleradiology to improve access and quality of care across the country, the Sociedad Peruana de Radiologia (SOCPR) focuses on common conditions seen throughout the country. 

“Peruvian epidemiology is not only related to complex cases of infectious diseases, but also a significant number of cancer diagnoses, hereditary conditions and metabolic disorders, much like those encountered in the developed world,” said Luis Chávez, MD, SOCPR president. “Despite resource limitations, our specialty continues to evolve with innovation, resilience, and a dedication to delivering the highest level of care. Radiology in Peru is advancing through the hard work of its professionals striving to match global standards.”

The session will open with a presentation on MRI manifestation of pediatric brain parasitic infection. 

“Raising awareness of pediatric brain parasitic infections is essential as these conditions, primarily affecting resource-limited regions, carry high rates of morbidity and mortality,” said Carlos Ugas, MD, who will present on this topic.

Another presentation will look at cases of pneumoconiosis in Peru, including the reality of the diagnosis. 

“Pneumoconiosis often develops slowly, and symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred. Early detection is crucial but can be difficult due to limited resources and awareness,” said Luis Campos, MD, who will present on this topic. “This diagnosis can be fraught because in Peru workers diagnosed with pneumoconiosis have rights to compensation and health care under current labor laws and social security systems. However, navigating the legal and bureaucratic processes to claim these benefits can be complex and challenging.”

The session will also include a presentation on the imaging used on the Lady of Cao, a mummy found in the Moche culture in Northern Peru. What is unique about this mummy is that she may have been a high-ranking priestess or even a Moche ruler. Prior to this discovery, it was believed that only men held high rank in the Moche culture.

“Applying medical radiology techniques in a historical and cultural context would allow us not only to preserve heritage but also to obtain valuable information about funerary practices and the health of ancient civilizations,” said Pedro Tapia, MD, who will present on this topic.  

For More Information

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