Ambulatory healthcare is the pre-dominant method of providing healthcare in the U.S. Research has revealed that adverse events do occur in ambulatory care, from medication to treatment errors, and many of these events are considered preventable. Quality and safety in ambulatory care must be a priority.

This conference offers practical strategies and solutions for concerns in ambulatory care. Joint Commission initiatives will be outlined and track sessions devoted to ambulatory surgery centers, free-standing ambulatory care and hospital-based ambulatory care. Attendees will learn how to create a culture of superior customer service.

RSNA is a supporting organization for this meeting. For more information, go to www.jcrinc.com/29933.

RSNA-sponsored Session at ASTRO Translational Advances in Radiation Oncology and Cancer Imaging

October 17–18 • Westin Arlington Gateway, Virginia

RSNA will sponsor a session on MR spectroscopy at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) meeting, Translational Advances in Radiation Oncology and Cancer Imaging. Session presenters are Peter L. Choyke, M.D., of the National Cancer Institute and Cynthia Menard, M.D., of Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.

The ASTRO meeting will look at how increasing use of MR and PET imaging techniques is changing radiation therapy planning. Advances in molecular tracers, particularly those that address components of the cancer phenotype relevant to radiation therapy, are altering the ways that treatment response is assessed and recurrence is determined.

Also collaborating with ASTRO to present the meeting are the National Institutes of Health, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and SNM. For more information, go to www.astro.org/Meetings/UpcomingMeetings/Translational.

Financial Planning Opportunities at RSNA 2008

Saturday, November 29 • McCormick Place

RSNA will offer two investment seminars just prior to RSNA 2008. "Effective Estate Planning Strategies" will be presented by Barry Rubenstein, B.S., J.D., L.L.M., and "Effective Investment Strategies" will be presented by J. Michael Moody, M.B.A.

In simple and direct language these educational seminars, specifically tailored for the medical profession, will help attendees reach financial goals and plan a sound financial future. There is no sales pitch and each seminar comes with its own textbook.

Detailed seminar descriptions can be found at RSNA.org/Education/RSNA_shortcourses.cfm. Register online at RSNA.org/register or use the Registration and Housing Form 1 included in the Advance Registration, Housing and Course Enrollment brochure. You must be registered for the annual meeting in order to sign up for these seminars. An additional fee applies. These seminars do not qualify for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. For more information, contact the RSNA Education Center at 1-800-381-6660 x7772 or e-mail ed-ctr@rsna.org.

Writing a Competitive Grant Proposal

January 30–31, 2009 • RSNA Headquarters, Oak Brook, Ill. • Application Deadline—December 15

Registrations are being accepted for the second Writing a Competitive Grant Proposal program, designed for researchers in radiology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and related sciences who are interested in actively pursuing federal funding.

A limited number of slots is available for this 1½-day intermediate-level program. Topics to be covered include the NIH grant review process, developing specific aims and funding opportunities.

Guided by a faculty of leading researchers with extensive experience in all aspects of grant applications and funding, the program will focus on developing realistic expectations and provide tools for getting started.

The course fee is $175. Registration forms can be found at RSNA.org/CGP. Contact Fiona Miller at 1-630-590-7741 or fmiller@rsna.org for further information.