My Turn

Our Past as Prologue: 1991–2010

When I mention 1991, it doesn't seem like such a long time ago. However, when considered in the context of a seemingly endless cascade of technological advances—like PACS, high-field strength MR, multidetector CT and molecular imaging—the two decades since RSNA News was first published have been amazingly full.

Bruce L. McClennan, M.D.

Born in 1991 at the behest of the RSNA Board of Directors as a quarterly printed newsletter, the purpose of RSNA News was improving the Society's communication with its membership. Lacking widespread electronic means of communication, RSNA relied on a Radiology section called "Bulletin Board" to disseminate information. A new outreach vehicle was sorely needed.

RSNA tapped Robert E. Campbell, M.D., to serve as RSNA News Contributing Editor, charged with overseeing publication of activities of the now 25-year-old RSNA Research & Education Foundation. Dr. Campbell has been the "glue" of the Editorial Board ever since—such a consistent publication history brings us to our 20-year celebration, which we will showcase throughout 2010.

Think back to your life and practice in 1991 and then look ahead as RSNA News shares the specialty's success with past stories, including annual meeting chronicles—did you know we first made use of the North Building at McCormick Place in 1991? You'll easily recognize that the people, clinical advances and technological milestones we detailed are now part of your everyday professional lives.

There is plenty of which to be proud. Each month, as a new issue is sent to more than 40,000 people worldwide, you'll find some of the best news from throughout RSNA history—handpicked by the RSNA News Editorial Board—to remind us all that our first two decades are a striking prologue for the present day and a template for even brighter times ahead for RSNA.