Throughout my involvement with AEIRS, one of the greatest sources of excitement has always been the anticipation of our meetings and the opportunity to connect with colleagues. Many of these colleagues live thousands of miles away, yet distance has never diminished the sense of connection we share.

Regardless of geographic location, program size, or institutional differences, we experience many of the same challenges, frustrations, successes, and victories. Knowing that others understood those experiences gave me a profound sense of belonging. It reinforced what I came to realize early in my AEIRS journey: These are my people.

I encourage you to reflect on your own experience within this organization. How many colleagues have become trusted friends, mentors, sounding boards, or sources of guidance? I suspect each of us can think of someone we rely upon for expertise, encouragement, or simply understanding during difficult times.

That is the true strength of AEIRS.

As we enter the 2026-2027 year, I hope we continue to strengthen that sense of community. I want AEIRS to remain a place where members feel supported, mentored, challenged, and celebrated, and where no one feels they must face professional challenges alone.

The need for that support has never been greater. Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare and education, healthcare systems continue to face complex pressures, and academic institutions confront financial and operational challenges. These realities create uncertainty, but they also create opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

Building upon Dr. Clark's vision of expanding our global network, I hope to further broaden our connections by engaging colleagues across all disciplines. As someone whose professional foundation is rooted in ultrasound, I bring a perspective that reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Although our modalities may differ, our mission as educators is remarkably similar.

Each specialty brings unique expertise, experiences, and perspectives. By sharing those strengths, we can learn from one another, support one another, and collectively advance medical imaging and radiologic sciences education. The challenges facing academia do not recognize modality boundaries, and neither should our solutions.

One initiative I hope to explore during my presidency is the development of regularly scheduled virtual opportunities for collaboration. These forums could give members opportunities to share successful strategies, discuss common challenges, celebrate achievements, and develop solutions together. More importantly, they could strengthen the relationships that make AEIRS such a valuable professional home.

As I begin my term as President, my commitment is to foster that sense of support and connection among all imaging and radiologic sciences educators. Together, we can face the challenges confronting academia, create pathways forward, and ensure that no member feels alone in the process.

My hope is that every AEIRS member experiences the same sense of belonging I have found. I want AEIRS to be a catalyst for meaningful connections, professional growth, and lasting relationships. I want it to be the place where you find your people.

Find your people. Find purpose in your work. Find joy in the journey.

And when you come to the AEIRS table, know that you are among colleagues, friends, and a community that is genuinely glad you are here.

Bobbi Kowash, MHSc, RDMS, RVT

2026-2027 AEIRS President