The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) yesterday announced plans to restructure a strategic integration initiated 20 months ago into to a “strategic alliance.” In the new scenario, the ACR and the ARRS will no longer be one entity and will serve their respective memberships under separate governance structures and operations. However, they will each independently choose to provide and/or purchase products and services from the other where increased impact or efficiencies may be achieved. By contrast, the strategic integration strategy entailed a “meshing” of the two societies’ educational missions, with ARRS developing and delivering scientific and educational programs for members of both organizations. ACR Director of Public Affairs Shawn Farley said leadership of both organizations consider this transition a positive one, adding that it stems from a mutually acknowledged desire to better meet the needs of their own membership contingents, as well as to achieve other new objectives. “A flexible alliance” will allow each society “to more effectively serve their individual memberships and honor the cultures and traditions that each organization has developed over many decades,“ Farley told imagingBiz. “Both organizations hold important roles in the radiology field and will continue to do so. We will, of course, work together when it benefits radiology, and will continue to serve the best interests of our members and their patients. Current plans call for the restructuring to occur over the next several months, with ACR and ARRS leadership currently assessing all phases of operations in order to determine the best course of action. Farley said ACR and ARRS alike can members can expect uninterrupted access to the offerings that they have previously received as members of their respective organizations. The ACR and ARRS will keep both membership sectors informed of major developments as the restructuring process moves forward.