March Update From President's Desk

This month has seen the Annual General Meeting take place in Hobart in conjunction with another of the AIR's Research Symposium.  Thank you to all who presented, showcasing yet again the breadth and diversity of research activities and experience within the AIR.  We are truly a profession in every sense of the word.  George Beaton, in an article titled 'Why Professionalism is Still Relevant', defined professionalism as "a combination of knowledge, skills, trustworthiness and altruism found in those who commit themselves to a life of service to others". This exemplifies the attitudes and beliefs of our members.

I would also like to express my thanks, and that of the Board and our members for the work done by the Professional Standards Manager, Ms Lori McLeod, and her team in bringing these two day seminars into existence as the highly productive and exciting functions they have become.  Again they characterise the changes taking place across the AIR.

This month also has seen the pilot of the leadership training programme run immediately following the AGM with attendees from across Australia taking part in a short form of what will be a comprehensive leadership training programme run by the AIR for our members. In a recent recommendation from "A Report of the Advanced Practice Working Group (APWG) to the Board of Directors of the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) May 2009, it was clearly highlighted that; "the AIR invests in the development of a programme of leadership training and supports locally-based leadership training opportunities for its Members".

In response to this, the pilot Leadership Development Program was developed by a member for the members. This three day development program is experiential in nature and designed to challenge on both a mental and physical level. This not only engages the brain, but serves to anchor that information into the nerve networks located throughout our bodies. Effective leadership is not simply based on a set of attributes, behaviours, or influences, but more so about personal influence and serving others.

The philosophy behind this programme is to build situations where leadership issues can be explored and discussed without any negative impact on the daily operational work of these leaders. The outcome is that participants will demonstrate a confidence and an assuredness in their workplace / branch committees, and that participants' will gain strength professionally to develop further in specific areas. Participants will also be better able to contribute to the leadership team in the Institute and identify where they are going and what further development and growth they might need.

I mention this activity in some detail if only to highlight just how much is happening quietly but comprehensively throughout the AIR.  Later this month there are meetings of various panels, all of who are looking at new developments and opportunities for members, next month is the training programme for a 'Presentation to Schools' programme designed to encourage secondary school students to fully consider the Medical Radiation profession as their opportunity for the future.

On another front I am very pleased to be able to announce that Guild Insurance have issued a comprehensive, revised professional indemnity insurance for our members, The Medical Radiation Professionals Liabilities Insurance Policy.  This can be seen on our website, and on that of Guild.  Of particular note is the change if you are travelling which means that you need only notify the AIR and Guild of your travel plans and you are covered for no extra charge.  Please check the website for other changes.  These are the benefits of increasing our membership numbers so thank you to all who have joined since this time last year.

Tim Way
President