SAR Portfolio Directors
2023-2024 Society of Abdominal Radiology Portfolio Directors

Mahmoud Al-Hawary, MD, FSAR
Clinical Practice & Innovation


Kathryn J. Fowler, MD, FSAR
Meeting Education


Rajan T. Gupta, MD, FSAR
International & External Relations


Avinash Kambadakone, MD, FSAR
Science & Research


Lejla Aganovic, MD
Member Engagement


Aya Kamaya, MD, FSAR
Lifelong Learning

Board Liaison: Director of Clinical Practice (Kate Maturen)
Veritas Partner: Ryan O’Sullivan
Committees: DFP/ETC Oversight Committee
Hands on Course ad hoc Committee
Thematic Mission: Function in support of DFP/ETC oversight chairs and DFP operations; lead strategic initiatives pertinent to advancing Abdominal Radiology clinical practice through efforts of the DFPs, ETCs, and Hands on Courses; and report to the SAR Executive Board through communications with the Director of Clinical Practice and Veritas Partner.
Committees:
- Education Program Committee
Thematic Mission: Assist the SAR President Elect in creation of the Annual Meeting plenary sessions, support the two educational workshop coordinators’ efforts; help to create and facilitate other special educational events at the annual meeting; and report to the SAR Executive Board through communications with the President Elect and Veritas Partner.
Portfolio Director Responsibilities: The Meeting Education Portfolio Director will work directly with the President-elect to shape the format and content for the SAR Annual Meeting. This Portfolio Director will work closely with the Education Program Planning Committee and the Workshop Coordinators to populate the plenary and workshop sessions of the meeting. They will oversee the content and layout of the Annual Meeting webpage as well as the meeting management software. The Meeting Education Portfolio Director will liaise with the multiple Portfolio Directors and committees to ensure a well-rounded program in education, science and experience.
Board Liaison: Director of Education (Frank Miller)
Veritas Partner: Carrie O’Connor
Committees:
- Online Education Committee
- Website Oversight Committee
- CME Committee
- Informatics Committee
Thematic Mission: The thematic mission for the Lifelong Learning Portfolio is to provide high quality online education resources to the SAR community. This is accomplished through 1) work in conjunction with Meeting Education in the creation of enduring material programming after the annual meeting, 2) providing oversight of the society’s website and all web-based education including webinars and on-demand materials and other resources, 3) ensuring that the educational needs of the SAR community are addressed in developing learning resources, and 4) leveraging informatics and technology to enhance educational activities.
Portfolio Director Responsibilities: The Lifelong Learning Portfolio Director will assist the Director of Education in supporting the Chairs of the committees and providing oversight of committee functions. Examples include assisting the Chairs in developing and implementing new initiatives, serving as a sounding board for the committees, and promoting collaborations between committees both within the Lifelong Learning Portfolio as well as across other relevant Portfolios. Another key responsibility is facilitating communication between committee chairs and the Board and Veritas Partner to ensure timely information exchange.
Board Liaison: Director of Science (Erick Remer)
Veritas Partner: Carrie O’Connor
Committees: Scientific Program Committee
Research Awards Committee
Thematic Mission: Assist the Director of Science in creation of the Annual Meeting scientific sessions; support the two scientific program coordinators’ efforts; lead the process for selection of scientific presentation and poster awards; facilitate research incubation efforts; and report to the SAR Executive Board through communications with the Director of Science and Veritas Partners.
Board Liaison: Director of Finance and Engagement (David Kim)
Veritas Partner: Carrie O’Sullivan
Committees: IEC/Laufer VP Selection Committee
International Task Force
Social Media Committee
Corporate Support Committee
Thematic Mission: Assist the Director of Finance and Engagement on the society’s outward facing affairs by working to support the committee chairs; help with future strategic initiatives related to outreach; collaborate with the ACR councilor and (new) ad hoc Practice Parameters Committee; and report to the SAR Executive Board through communications with the Director of Finance and Engagement.
Board Liaison: Director of Finance and Engagement – David H. Kim, MD, FSAR
Veritas Partner: Carrie O’Connor
Committees:
- Rules and Bylaws Committee
- Early Career Committee
- Resident and Fellows Section
- Membership Committee
- Ethics Committee
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
- Ad Hoc: SAR Medical Student Outreach (SARMO)
- Ad Hoc: Wellness Committee
Thematic Mission: To oversee the committees and activities that internally impact our members. Committees in this portfolio seek to engage new and existing members, to maintain a well-balanced society structure, and to develop a diverse and inclusive society. Member Engagement encourages our members to be active participants in the shape and direction of our society.
Portfolio Director Responsibilities: Assist the Director of Engagement by supporting the chairs of the 8 thematically related, wide-ranging committees. Examples of chair support include assistance with committee function, acting as a sounding board, and working with the chair on new or special committee projects. Facilitate communication between committee chairs and the Board via the Director Engagement to insure information flow both from the board to committee leadership and from committee leadership to the Board. Germinate and help implement engagement-related strategic initiatives.
The 6 SAR Portfolio Directors will each operationally supervise a thematically related set of activities and committees, and work closely in a triad with a single SAR Board member and Veritas staff member.
Key details:
- Portfolio directors will play a critical role in the new structure of the SAR, addressing member and Society needs, bringing forth new ideas and helping to expand the mission of the Society
- A second major goal of the program is the development of SAR’s future leaders
- Ideal candidates will have experience as an SAR committee member or chair, possess excellent skills for communication and collaboration, and understand that this is a time commitment requiring daily or weekly attention and prompt availability
- The initial terms began in July 2021. In later years, applications will be solicited in June and terms will begin at the SAR spring meeting
- Interested SAR Fellows may self-nominate or nominate colleagues
- The application is simple: a CV and your letter of interest regarding the specific position
- Portfolio Directors will be invited to serve for a 3-year term, with the possibility of extension based on SAR and portfolio needs
- We are eager for your feedback and questions – please use the comment box below.