That's a Wrap on AI in MI Networking Night 2026!
The Department of Medical Imaging hosted another successful AI in MI Networking Night on May 28! Thanks to all our sponsors and guests who made this another night to remember!
This year, AI in MI focused on networking and creating connections between U of T’s renowned faculty, trainees, and industry partners at the forefront of medical imaging and artificial intelligence. The event was held at the Atrium at Ricarda’s in the heart of downtown Toronto, featuring floor to ceiling windows and a unique, modern, open atmosphere. The night kicked off with a cocktail hour with drinks and canapés, which was followed by opening remarks and speeches from MI faculty, including MI Chair Dr. Michael Patlas, VC, Research Dr. Kate Hanneman and a keynote delivered by Professor & Radiologist-in-Chief, The Hospital for Sick Children & RSNA Board Liaison for Science, Dr. Birgit Ertl-Wagner.
Following Dr. Ertl-Wagner’s inspiring keynote about the uses and challenges of AI in medical imaging, guests were served a three-course meal while a live band accompanied the room full of conversation.
Dr. Patlas welcomed guests and thanked sponsors during his opening remarks, before announcing Dr. Kate Hanneman, who delivered a presentation delving into the hidden risk of under-reliance on correct AI, the different ways it has been integrated successfully into different radiology divisions, and how the Department of Medical Imaging at U of T is fairing against other prestigious universities in both research citations and output regarding AI – and we’re doing pretty great!
Following this presentation, Dr. Ertl-Wagner was welcomed to the stage to deliver her much-anticipated keynote speech, which started off with a quote from Geoffrey Hinton, who famously said in 2016 that radiology was like Wile E. Coyote: “You’re already over the edge of the cliff, but you haven’t yet looked down,” and finished with a quote from the current Pope Leo XIV, who stressed the importance of humanity while calling for control, regulation, and safeguards on AI.
Dr. Ertl-Wagner’s keynote took guests through AI implementation in healthcare and specifically radiology, from explaining gaps that still exist, benefits and shortfalls it provides and experiences in medical imaging, challenges facing radiologists, and how radiology is at the forefront of AI implementation. She also explored existential threats to humanity and society posed by rapidly advancing AI, and underscored her speech with the integral role radiologists and healthcare providers have in implementing useful AI while protecting patient safety, health outcomes, and patient-centred care.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed live music and took snapshots at a FIFA-themed photobooth.
The Department of Medical Imaging would like to thank it’s sponsors for our 2026 AI in MI Networking Night:
Silver Sponsors
Novartis
UMIT VIR & Cook Medical
Bronze Sponsors
BRACCO IMAGING Canada
Canadian Association of Radiologists & MD Financial Management & Scotiabank
Canon Medical Systems Canada Limited
Jacobian
Ontario Association of Radiologists
Sectra
Site Sponsors
Etobicoke General, William Osler Health System
North York General Hospital
Sunnybrook Medical Imaging Association
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto Radiology @ St. Michael’s Hospital
University Medical Imaging Toronto (UMIT)
Thank you to everyone who helped organize this event and to all of our guests who came together to network and connect over AI in MI. Without the support of our sponsors and guests, our success would not be possible.
To get a glimpse of the evening’s fun, see the photo carousel below. See all photos from the evening here.
