As RSNA marked a successful 2009 annual meeting, the Board of Directors met at the McCormick Place Convention Center and looked forward to the 2010 annual meeting with optimism. We had the pleasure of welcoming William T. Thorwarth Jr., M.D., as the new Board liaison-designate for publications and communications.
Annual Meeting Plans for 2010
Despite the weak economy, attendance at RSNA 2009 was very strong, with a record number of radiologists attending. The Board was extremely pleased with the continued quality and value of the science, education and technology offered at the meeting.
 George S. Bisset III, M.D. Chairman, 2010 RSNA Board of Directors |
Because of the popularity of the new early morning Special Focus Sessions offered at RSNA 2009, the Board approved increasing the number of early session days from two to four. At RSNA 2010, the sessions will be offered at 7:15 a.m. each day, Monday through Thursday.
In addition, the afternoon focus sessions will be grouped by topic. On Monday, sessions will focus on important medical issues, such as radiation safety. On Wednesday, point/counterpoint sessions will be held, while Thursday's sessions will be hot topics in cutting-edge science.
Attendees at the RSNA 2009 annual meeting responded enthusiastically to the quantitative imaging opportunities offered. In 2010, those opportunities will be further expanded.
A new Residents and Fellows Committee is being launched to provide input on development of courses and other annual meeting activities that are relevant to radiologists-in-training. In addition, committee members will participate in discussions about Internet tools offered to RSNA members, as well as social networking opportunities.
Remembering a Colleague
The 2010 RSNA Annual Meeting program will be dedicated to 2003 RSNA President Peggy J. Fritzsche, M.D., who died last September at her home in Redlands, Calif., at the age of 68. Dr. Fritzsche was a renowned radiologist, educator and a strong champion of organized medicine. Her passion for effective communication left an enduring mark on RSNA through the development and expansion of many of the Society's communications programs.
Foundation Celebrates Successful Silver Anniversary Campaign
At the annual meeting, the RSNA Research & Education (R&E) Foundation announced it had not only met, but also exceeded its goal to raise $15 million during its Silver Anniversary Campaign. More than $15.6 million was raised from 2005 to 2009, thanks to the dedicated efforts of individuals on the R&E Fund Development Committee and Subcommittees and the thousands of donors who came forward to support our specialties.
Collaborations
One of RSNA's strategic plan goals is to shape and advance the future of radiology. Another is to foster productive relationships with other organizations to strengthen radiology. To meet these goals, RSNA has strengthened its relationships with organizations within and outside of radiology.
Each year, RSNA hosts the International Trends Meeting at the RSNA annual meeting (see the January issue of RSNA News) at which nearly three dozen leaders from around the world gather to discuss trends on a particular topic. In 2009, it was hybrid imaging. The 2010 meeting will focus on the radiology research enterprise.
RSNA is now a member of the International Society of Radiology.
A collaboration with the American Academy of Family Physicians resulted in "Radiology and the Family Physician," a course that explored ways to build professional bridges by helping radiologists and family physicians learn what they expect and need from each other. The program complemented RSNA's "Patient-Centered Radiology" program and RSNA's support and involvement in the American College of Radiology's "Face of Radiology" campaign and the "Image Gently" campaign, all aimed at improving patient care.
RSNA and the European Society of Radiology are developing an oncologic imaging program—a daylong course that will be conducted at RSNA 2010, as well as at ECR 2011.
RSNA will cosponsor the SNM Molecular Neuroimaging Symposium this May and will collaborate on a joint session at the 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting called "Enhancing Quality Through Innovation."
Residencies in Imaging Physics
The RSNA Board has approved partial financial support for two imaging physics residencies.
With a shortage of imaging physics residency slots and a growing need for appropriately trained imaging physicists, RSNA is working with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine to help create programs in which imaging physicists can acquire "on-the-job" clinical experiences similar to radiology residents.
More Robust Financial Disclosure Policy
The Board has approved recommendations by the editors of Radiology and RadioGraphics to require all journal authors to complete and submit the Uniform Disclosure Form for Potential Conflicts of Interest offered by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. The form is a more robust financial disclosure document that extends to financial relationships involving an author's spouse and children.
In my new role as RSNA Board chairman, I look forward to serving you—our members—and to advancing RSNA's mission of promoting and developing the highest standards of radiology and related sciences through education and research.
George S. Bisset III, M.D.
Chairman, 2010 RSNA Board of Directors
Note: In our continuing efforts to keep RSNA members informed, the chairman of the RSNA Board of Directors will provide a brief report in RSNA News following each board meeting. The next RSNA Board Meeting is in March 2010.
