The clinical day at CARS: philosophy, strategy, and the future.

Purpose: For over three decades, the Computer-Assisted Radiology and Surgery (CARS) International Congress and Exhibition has provided a forum for the presentation of innovations in computer applications in radiology, medicine, and surgery. A unique feature of the CARS meetings is the interplay between scientists, engineers, and physicians. Since 2007, a Clinical Day program was introduced to the Congress highlighting the practical applications of new technology within the context of clinical medical and surgical practice.

Methods: The Clinical Day of the CARS Congress allows cross-fertilization of ideas between technologically oriented engineers and clinically oriented physicians; two groups who typically have little interaction. Activities of the Clinical Day include presentations by invited speakers, presentations of Innovative Clinical Investigations, a Panel Discussion and Open Forum, and, most recently, real-time clinical presentations with professionally prepared scholarly videos. Special consideration is given to young researchers and students. There has been an explosion of interest in the Clinical Day with continued and growing interest in Artificial Intelligence, Computer-Assisted Surgery, and new scientific breakthroughs as they become linked to clinical applications.

Results: Success of the Clinical Day is emphasized by increased participation and efforts to expand the scope and depth of Clinical Day activities. The Open Forum has proven to be highly effective in identifying important new technologic challenges in medicine and promoting discussion among those whose expertise likely can lead to solutions.

Conclusions: The original goal of the Clinical Day, to provide an effective means to "bridge the gap" between the engineering community and practicing physicians and surgeons, has been realized through the presentation and discussion of real-life, clinical material that utilizes advanced technology. The program has served to inspire young researchers by allowing them to see the end results of their laboratory investigations, thereby gaining a greater appreciation of the importance of their work.