CAIC-ACCI President’s 3-Month Progress Update
Over the past three months, we have made meaningful progress across several strategic priorities that are strengthening CAIC-ACCI’s national presence, expanding our international reach, and advancing our mission in education, advocacy, and clinical research. I am pleased to share the following key updates.
1) International Partnership with the Saudi Arabia Society of Interventional Cardiology
- We have successfully established a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Arabia Society of Interventional Cardiology, anchored in a three-year staged plan for collaboration.
- This partnership will begin with a focus on education, including participation of Saudi interventional cardiology fellows in the CAIC-ACCI Fellows Course.
- This marks an important step in building global relationships and extending the influence of Canadian interventional cardiology internationally.
2) New CAIC-ACCI Website Nearing Launch
- Significant progress has been made on the development of a new CAIC-ACCI website, which is now nearing completion and is expected to be unveiled in April at the CAIC-ACCI Summit.
- This refreshed digital platform will better represent the CAIC-ACCI brand, improve member engagement, and provide a modern foundation for communications, education, and advocacy.
3) Advocacy with the Royal College
- CAIC-ACCI has submitted a letter of concern to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada regarding the goals, objectives, and duration of cardiac surgery trainees in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
- This reflects our commitment to ensuring that standards of training remain aligned with the needs of interventional cardiology, patient care, and the integrity of cath lab education in Canada.
4) CAIC-ACCI Quarterly Lecture Series for Interventional Cardiology Fellows
- We have launched a CAIC-ACCI quarterly online lecture series for interventional cardiology fellows with the help of our fellows representative Golnaz Roshankar.
- This initiative is designed to create a consistent national educational platform that connects fellows across the country, supports core and emerging content, and reinforces CAIC-ACCI’s leadership in trainee development.
5) CAIC–SCAD Scientific Statement
- Work is moving forward on a CAIC–SCAD scientific statement, with Dr. Mina Madan serving as CAIC-ACCI lead.
- This initiative provides an important opportunity for CAIC-ACCI to contribute national expertise to an area of growing interest and relevance, while further establishing our voice in scientific leadership.
6) Early Collaboration with SCAI on Radiation Safety
- We have begun early discussions with SCAI regarding a potential joint scientific statement on radiation safety and occupational hazards, with a particular focus on promoting a lead-free cath lab environment.
- This is an important emerging priority for the field and an area where CAIC-ACCI can help shape best practices for operator safety and workplace innovation.
7) VISIBLE Grant Submission Through the CAIC-ACCI Clinical Trials Network
- Under the CAIC-ACCI Clinical Trials Network, a VISIBLE grant submission has been advanced through the LEAP/Gates Foundation program to support the development of a national coronary physiology registry in partnership with European collaborators.
- This important effort is being led by Dr. Steve Miner and Dr. Erick Schampaert and reflects the growing maturity and ambition of the CAIC-ACCI Clinical Trials Network in advancing collaborative, high-impact research infrastructure.
These early accomplishments reflect strong momentum across CAIC-ACCI’s strategic pillars: education, advocacy, scientific leadership, international partnership, and clinical research development. I am grateful to the many members and leaders contributing to this work, and I look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead as we continue to strengthen CAIC-ACCI’s voice and impact nationally and internationally.
With purpose and resolve,
Kevin Bainey, MD, MSc, FRCPC
President, Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology – Association Canadienne de Cardiologie d’intervention