Reflections from the 2026 SIIM Board of Directors Retreat: A Vendor Perspective

Participating in the 2026 Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) Board of Directors Retreat at SIIM HQ in Leesburg, VA was both energizing and thought‑provoking, particularly from an industry perspective, as we work with our partners every day to optimize imaging informatics solutions for better patient care. The retreat reinforced for me that given the current state of rapid and heightened technological change, SIIM has a unique opportunity to deliver its differentiated value across Enterprise Imaging. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of the retreat was the open discussion and brainstorming exercise around SIIM’s strategic initiatives and committee structure. The willingness of SIIM’s Board, Committee Leadership and Staff, to re-examine how the organization is structured, and whether those structures still best and efficiently serve the mission, reflects a healthy, forward‑looking mindset. From a vendor perspective, we’re incredibly fortunate that SIIM actively promotes (e.g., “lives”) their core values, particularly including Belonging and Collaboration, which allows vendors to contribute in so many ways that’s simply not possible with other imaging societies. I highly encourage industry leaders to consider bringing their expertise and personal contributions to SIIM! Clear focus and well‑aligned committees make it easier to engage productively, contribute expertise, and participate in ways that are both meaningful and impactful. 

A pivotal decision discussed during the retreat was the Board’s vote to disband the HIMSS/SIIM Enterprise Imaging Community, but to importantly fold its ongoing work into the SIIM Enterprise Imaging Committee. The up until now joint initiative produced an impressive body of work over the past decade, and that work will carry on and thrive at SIIM. Consolidating the go forward work at SIIM creates an opportunity to refocus energy and more directly translate thought leadership into practice.  

The retreat also highlighted SIIM’s commitment to inclusivity across disciplines. The decision not to hold the winter SIIM Board of Directors meeting during RSNA26, for the first time, was more than just a scheduling change. It was emblematic and an acknowledgment of the diverse Enterprise Imaging professionals who are Board Members and contributors to SIIM, but do not attend traditional radiology‑centric meetings. This action reinforces SIIM’s identity as a home for Enterprise Imaging and imaging informatics professionals, spanning all image generating specialties, including Cardiology, Pathology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, etc. 

Many discussions underscored how dramatically the technology landscape is evolving. Reflections on multimodal agentic AI, vibe coding tools, frontier models and the convergence of imaging, clinical data, and other knowledge sources painted a picture of an innovation renaissance. At the same time, there were thoughtful conversations about potential existential risks, particularly as the EHR absorbs more subspecialty workflows and data types, SIIM must continue to articulate what makes imaging informatics unique and indispensable to the delivery of state-of-the-art patient care.  

Some of the most inspiring moments came from reflecting on SIIM’s own history, and hearing from long standing SIIM “icons”, including Jim Whitfill, MD, Brad Erickson, MD and Eliot Siegel, MD [Fun Fact: I was raised in Randallstown, MD which is northwest of Baltimore. While at medical school, Eliot was roommates with my next-door neighbor from Randallstown! The world is incredibly small – I learned this years later because of my involvement in SIIM.]  

Eliot reminded all of us that in the earliest days of the society, they acted as “rebels”, blazing a path they were forced to pioneer. There were no rules to follow, they were establishing the rules. They were pushing the limits of possibility, and creating the future, overcoming one hurdle at a time, whatever got in their way. Standing among visual reminders of RISC, SCAR and the society’s evolution over decades, it was clear that SIIM has thrived most during periods of disruption. Each technological wave has created fresh relevance for SIIM. That perspective was energizing and served as a reminder that change, while anxiety producing and challenging, also presents incredible opportunity. 

As Co‑Chair of the SIIM Vendor Advisory Committee, I left the retreat encouraged by the depth of engagement between SIIM leadership and all of the participants. Working with SIIM, vendors are not simply third-party, transactional solutions providers. We are true partners, working hand-in-hand, shaping the future of Enterprise Imaging. The retreat reaffirmed that SIIM values our partnership and understands its importance in advancing imaging informatics. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in these discussions and optimistic about SIIM’s strategic direction. With focus, inclusive leadership, and continued multi-disciplinary collaboration, SIIM is best positioned to lead in the next era of Enterprise Imaging innovation. You belong at SIIM!