Medica Sponsors The Room: Radiology Edition

Medica proudly sponsored The Room: Radiology Edition, an exclusive event bringing together the UK's leading minds in radiology. Held on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at the historic Oxford and Cambridge Club, the gathering welcomed fifty senior figures from clinical practise, policy, research, education, and industry for an evening of candid discussion, collaboration, and forward-thinking debate.

A unique forum for honest dialogue

The event was an intimate, invitation-only setting where leaders could engage in open, unstructured dialogue. As Professor Shafi Ahmed, Master of Ceremonies, noted, "The Room is where vision meets vulnerability, and honest dialogue becomes the launchpad for real change."

Key themes: AI, workflow, and workforce

Discussions revealed a profession at a crossroads. While AI holds great promise for radiology, participants agreed that its adoption remains slow, hampered by unresolved workflow issues and the need for robust data standards. The consensus was clear: AI must be integrated as part of a holistic approach to clinical processes, not as a standalone solution. Attendees emphasised that before scaling up AI, the specialty must address foundational challenges in workflow and implementation pathways.

The conversation repeatedly returned to workforce shortages. Radiology departments across the UK are under immense strain, with escalating imaging volumes and insufficient numbers of trained radiologists creating conditions that foster burnout and risk. Leaders warned that without addressing these systemic pressures, even the most advanced technologies will fail to deliver meaningful improvements.

Another pressing topic was the shifting boundaries between radiology and other clinical disciplines, raising questions about clinical governance and patient safety. The challenge of demonstrating a clear return on investment for AI integration was also discussed, with participants noting that optimal approaches differ between NHS and private settings.

Human-centred innovation and workforce resilience

Attendees stressed that technology cannot replace people. AI may support efficiency, but it cannot substitute for the expertise and judgement of radiologists. Workforce resilience emerged as a critical priority, with calls for strategic investment in training, recruitment, and retention. Solutions such as teleradiology were highlighted as vital to bridging gaps and reducing backlogs, but participants agreed that these must complement and not replace the efforts to expand and sustain the workforce.

Dr Annabel Bentley, Chief Medical Officer at Medica reflected on the event: "What resonated most for me was the shared recognition that technology alone cannot solve systemic challenges in healthcare - workflow optimisation, workforce resilience, and patient-centred design must remain at the heart of innovation."

This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, as participants agreed that sustainable progress in radiology depends on collaboration between clinicians, industry, and policymakers. The discussions highlighted the importance of open dialogue and shared responsibility in ensuring that advances in AI and digital health translate into meaningful improvements for both patients and healthcare systems.

Looking ahead

Medica is committed to supporting innovation, collaboration, and excellence in radiology.

As advances in AI and teleradiology continue to shape the future, Medica will work alongside clinicians, industry partners, and policymakers to ensure that technology and human expertise combine to deliver better outcomes for patients and healthcare systems alike.

Click here to access the Intelligence Brief for a detailed overview from inside the room, highlighting key themes and expert perspectives that shaped the conversation from the evening.