Our ASM through the Archives

The College will once again be heading to the city of Adelaide this year for the much anticipated Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), which will be held between 27–30 October 2022. Adelaide hosted the first ASM, which was held on 1 November 1950, and has hosted it many times since then.

On 6 October 1949, the College of Radiologists (Australia and New Zealand) was formed. The formation of a medical college for the field of radiology was regarded as formal recognition of the field at the time; and placed it on par with the longstanding medical colleges of surgeons and physicians.

The College began with only 193 foundation members. The inaugural scientific meeting was held at the University of Sydney in December 1949. At the first ASM, on 1 November 1950, various combined scientific sessions were held in conjunction with several social gatherings, much like the ASMs which have taken place more recently. The Roentgen Oration was delivered by Dr S W Pennycuick at the Bonython Hall at Adelaide University.

Itinerary

Much, of course, has changed in the past 72 years since the first ASM was held in Adelaide. For example, the College in those days was heavily male-oriented, with only seven female members at the time.

Government welcome and suggestions

The South Australian Premier at the time of the first ASM, Sir Thomas Playford, focused on South Australia’s agricultural industry and power production in his welcoming address to the Fellows who attended. South Australia’s colonial history, water supply, and its meat and wheat exports were also mentioned. With a population of only 680,000 at the time, the Premier portrayed a far more quaint picture of Adelaide than what we see today.

‘Growth following the war’ was a major theme of the first ASM in 1950, with a focus upon the positive contribution made by returned servicemen towards agricultural growth in South Australia.

One important South Australian attraction which has not changed since the 1950s is the beautiful wine country, including the Barossa Valley. Fellows are encouraged to pay a visit, and to sample some of the local produce, when you visit Adelaide this October.

Sign of the times

Some things have definitely changed since the 1950s. For example, the College will no longer be supplying cigars. The current ASM planning committee is no doubt thankful for the cost saving in that respect, not to mention the added health benefits!

Adelaide 2022

For the first time in a little while the Archives will be presenting at the ASM. Please come along and check out the various displays which will be on offer.

If you have any queries in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out at archives@ranzcr.edu.au

Natasha Ramrakha

College Archivist