For over 100 years, RSNA has been synonymous with advancements in medical imaging—and 2017 saw that legacy continue. From research funding and machine learning development to the application of artificial intelligence technologies and more, RSNA is moving the specialty forward.
Created in 1984 to advance radiologic research and education across multiple subspecialties, the RSNA R&E Foundation provides a critical source of early support and protected time for young investigators to nurture their studies. It has awarded more than 1,300 grants and, thanks to donor support, blossomed from funding two grants totaling $100,000 thirty years ago to over $4 million in 2017 alone, much in part to the success of the Foundation’s Inspire-Innovate-Invest Campaign that raised $17.5 million to fund radiology research.
The R&E Foundation creates opportunity at all career levels, especially as funding from other major sources becomes scarce. Since its inception, it has funded more than $55 million in grants—but the real value is far greater. Surveys show that for every $1 granted by the Foundation, recipients have received over 50 additional dollars in subsequent funding from other sources like the NIH.
The impact of QIBA continued to grow in 2017 with increased citations to QIBA deliverables and efforts in the scientific literature, use of QIBA Profiles (in whole or in part) in clinical trials, and the highlighting of QIBA efforts by the Cancer Moonshot initiative. In addition, QIBA is now represented on selected National Cancer Institute (NCI) initiatives including the recently formed Quantitative Imaging for Radiation Therapy Working Group.
Also this year, the RSNA Board of Directors authorized a Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) collaboration with Accumetra to pilot a conformance certification program focusing on QIBA’s CT Small Nodule Volumetry Profile. The pilot establishes a program to test and validate CT scanner and acquisition protocols for clinical sites and equipment manufacturers.
Developed in 2005 to create a unified language for the organization of web-based imaging reports and medical records, RadLex offers radiologists a comprehensive, shared lexicon. From an initial set of more than 7,500 anatomic and pathologic terms released in 2006, RadLex now includes more than 68,000 terms. What’s more, in 2017, an updated Playbook that integrated new LOINC terminology and Epic’s Radiant radiology information system were incorporated.
In response to member feedback, RSNA upgraded its Online Learning Center in 2017, providing users with an enhanced, mobile-friendly user interface and over 600 courses offering SA-CME credit.
The new Online Learning Center also offers opportunities to earn CME from previous Annual Meeting sessions. RSNA recently released over 30 courses from the 2016 Annual Meeting and the Society will add 30 courses from the 2017 Annual Meeting in the Spring of 2018.
RSNA's Spotlight Course: MSK Interactivo con Casos, held in May in Bogotá, Colombia, drew 187 professional attendees from 16 countries and was conducted entirely in Spanish.
The Regional Committee for Latin America (RCLA), which is part of the RSNA International Advisory Committee, assisted in planning the course and recommended musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging as the topic based on the educational needs of RSNA members in Latin America.
RSNA publishes two of the most highly regarded journals in the field: Radiology, the authoritative reference for the most current, clinically relevant and highest quality research, and RadioGraphics, the top source for earning SA-CME credits with the best peer-reviewed educational material.
Building upon this tradition of publishing the specialty’s premier journals, in 2017, RSNA announced the launch of three new journals in 2019. Available solely online and free to members, these new journals are Radiology: Imaging Cancer, Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging and Radiology: Artificial Intelligence.
Published regularly since 1923, Radiology has long been recognized as the authoritative reference for medical imaging professionals. Each month, the journal publishes peer-reviewed original research, authoritative reviews, well-balanced commentary on significant articles and expert opinion on new techniques and technologies.
An series of Radiology articles selected to highlight developments in imaging science, techniques and clinical practice, Radiology Select focuses on a single specific topic with supplementation by commentaries, author interviews, podcasts and SA-CME opportunities in dedicated volumes.
In 2017, Radiology Select Vol. 8: Breast Imaging—Beyond Mammographic Screening was released. This volume features 32 articles that represent the important advances breast imaging has made in breast cancer diagnosis and in evaluation of women being treated for the disease. Subject areas include: breast density, tomosynthesis, ultrasonography, biomarkers and MR imaging in disease management.
Since its launch in 1981, RadioGraphics has been recognized as one of the premier education journals in diagnostic radiology. Each bimonthly issue features up to 20 practice-focused articles addressing topics ranging from diagnostic imaging techniques, radiologic-pathologic correlation, practice policy and quality initiatives, imaging physics, informatics, lifelong learning and more.
A special RadioGraphics monograph is published each October; the 2017 installment highlights the vast expanse of pediatric imaging and its broad impact on diagnosis and clinical care.
Since its introduction at RSNA 2011, Diagnosis Live has enjoyed growing popularity as a highly-interactive educational platform that allows participants to engage in friendly competition, receive immediate feedback and retain more of what they learn.
At RSNA 2017, Diagnosis Live was featured in 90 courses and seven case-based competition sessions—a 15 percent increase in content as compared to 2016.
Diagnosis Live also continued to gain traction as a valuable tool within medical residency programs in 2017 and over 100 individual programs worldwide made use of the technology. The excitement surrounding the gaming technology was also apparent at the 2017 annual meeting, where University of Cincinnati won the first ever Diagnosis Live Resident Competition.
True to its mission to promote excellence in patient care through education, research and technologic innovation, RSNA contributed to the well-being of patients around the world in 2017.
Developed and funded by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR), RadiologyInfo.org provides a wealth of imaging information for the public, including easy-to-understand descriptions of over 230 imaging exams and treatments.
The award-winning site is available in both English and Spanish and draws well over 1 million visitors each month. In 2017, it added many new patient-focused videos on topics including cardiac MRI, cardiac screening, voiding cystourethrogram, pediatric sedation and anesthesia, CT of the heart, Radioiodine I-131 therapy, CT of the sinuses and colorectal cancer screening. Several new Spanish-language videos focused on pediatric imaging and treatment were also added.
Designed to help lower the amount of radiation used in medically necessary imaging studies, eliminate unnecessary procedures and, ultimately, optimize radiation dose, Image Wisely® pledges may be made by medical imaging professionals and imaging facilities as well as associations and educational programs.
Pledges are due for renewal on an annual basis, with all pledges expiring on December 31. In 2017, a total of 36,883 individuals, 158 associations and education programs and 1,257 facilities made the pledge to Image Wisely.
Image Wisely is an initiative of RSNA, ACR, AAPM and ASRT.
RSNA is also a proud Alliance Organization supporter of the Image Gently® Campaign, which is dedicated to the creation and promotion of pediatric imaging practices designed to increase safety through adjusted radiation dose rates while still maintaining imaging efficacy.
Through prominent coverage by outlets like the New York Times, National Public Radio, WebMD, NBC Nightly News and more, RSNA continues to increase public understanding of radiology and the radiologist’s role in patient care.
Among the year’s articles with the most impact, the June 2017 Radiology article, “Patient-centered radiology: Where are we, where do we want to be, and how do we get there?” received the 2017 Minnies Award for Scientific Paper of the Year in the annual event sponsored by AuntMinnie.com.
As the leading professional organization for medical imaging specialists around the globe, RSNA brings together the specialty’s best and brightest.
With over 54,000 members from 146 countries, RSNA is an international society of radiologists, medical physicists and other medical professionals all dedicated to advancing excellence in patient care through education, research and innovation.
In 2017, approximately 72 percent of RSNA members came from North America, 12 percent from Europe and the remaining balance spanned South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
In addition to this impressive global reach, RSNA also has a very loyal member base. Over 20 percent, in fact, have been members for at least 25 years.
The mission to achieve excellence in patient care through education, research and innovation is one that cannot be reached alone. RSNA is grateful to the 1,000+ dedicated volunteers who serve on committees and donate their expertise to achieve this shared goal—the Society’s success in education and research is a direct reflection of the medical imaging specialists who so generously share their scientific knowledge and administrative abilities.
Since making its social media debut in 2008, RSNA has enjoyed a steady increase in overall presence across multiple platforms. In 2017, the Society’s Facebook page, for example, reached 85,132 fans and its Twitter account had 32,961 followers, figures that represent year-over-year growth of 11 percent.
Other social media milestones include the Society’s continued growth on LinkedIn, experiencing an audience growth rate of 10 percent after being initially launched in 2015, and expanded social media coverage during RSNA 2017 with more live-tweeting, tweet-up events and live-streamed video. This level of engagement reaped rewards; over 7,200 participants made 227 million Twitter impressions on #RSNA17.
RSNA has a long history of promoting excellence in radiology abroad and 2017 saw the organization increase its international reach even further.
Countries of international focus this year included Indonesia, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and Sri Lanka, where RSNA’s International Visiting Professors (IVPs) gave lectures, visited hospitals and offered hands-on teaching to radiology trainees.
Explore. Invent. Transform. RSNA’s 103rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting encouraged over 52,000 attendees to explore—and create—the future of medical imaging. The year’s premier forum for radiology, RSNA 2017 hosted over nearly 700 exhibiting companies across more than 422,000 square feet in Chicago’s McCormick Place. Over 140 companies were present as first-time exhibitors.
2017 was the fourth year of the RSNA Image Contest and, throughout October, visitors were invited to view submissions on the RSNA website and vote for their favorites. More than 275 creative submissions from around the world were judged in three categories: Radiology Art, Radiology Hobbies and Best Photo.
Top vote-getters were announced during the annual meeting and the top five winners in each category were on display at RSNA 2017 and posted online.
Radiology Art
"Bad Omen or Wise Advisor"
Junren Ong, Singapore
Radiology Hobbies
"The 'Need To Know' Adrenal, Renal and Hepatic Pediatric Malignancies"
Belen Del Rio, MD, Spain
Best Photo
"Planet Crowded Outer Space"
Yu Luo, MD, PhD, United States
Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence are harbingers of new frontiers in healthcare and new roles are emerging for these technologies to serve as intelligent assistants to radiologists in their clinical workflows. At RSNA 2017, the Society further solidified its position as the leader promoting these groundbreaking new technologies. Hotspots like the Machine Learning Showcase served as an opportunity for meeting attendees to not only learn about this emerging area, but also to network with companies on the forefront of this technology.
Also new this year, RSNA introduced its first Machine Learning Challenge to showcase the creation of algorithms for the assessment of pediatric bone age based on hand radiographs. The RSNA Pediatric Bone Age Challenge began with an online competition that drew more than 250 participants comprised of radiologists, technology companies, computer scientists, engineers and other medical specialists. These participants worked in 29 teams to submit the outcomes of their algorithms and the teams with the most accurate predictions (one winning team and two runners-up) were announced at RSNA 2017 in December.
A vital component to the annual meeting, both for on-site attendees and medical professionals worldwide, the RSNA 2017 Virtual Meeting featured over 130 live-streamed and on-demand courses with the opportunity to earn up to 85.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for the live-streamed sessions. The Virtual Meeting also included access to Cases of the Day, scientific presentations and education exhibits; 23 CME-eligible courses on demand; and extended access through February 28, 2018.
With more than 10,000 international professional attendees, the RSNA annual meeting continues to support research from around the world. This year, at RSNA’s 103rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, the Society honored Colombia and Israel with its Country Presents series, acknowledging the nations that are helping shape the global future of radiology.
In the session, “Colombia Presents: Diagnostic Imaging in Tropical and Infectious Diseases,” presenters from Colombia discussed advances in diagnostic imaging in treating infectious diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, Chagas Disease, African trypanosomiasis and dengue, among other diseases.
“Israel Presents: Radiology in Israel—Experience from the Land of Innovation,” highlighted developments, advanced technologies for bowel imaging, deep learning algorithms, interventional radiology, MR-guided focused ultrasound (US) technology, 3D printing and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury patients.
June 30, 2017
Cash and Short-Term Investments | $11,034,942 |
Receivables and Other Current Assets | 7,889,790 |
Long-Term Receivable | 17,206 |
Long-Term Investments | 128,129,652 |
Property, Furniture and Equipment | 23,191,054 |
Total Assets | $170,262,644 |
Liabilities and Net Assets | |
Accounts Payable and Short-Term Debt | $6,450,034 |
Deferred Revenue | 23,845,178 |
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Liabilities | 361,341 |
Net Assets: | |
Unrestricted: | |
Undesignated | 62,693,277 |
Designated-Research and Education Foundation | 50,899,511 |
Restricted: | |
Temporarily restricted | 2,398,327 |
Permanently restricted | 23,614,976 |
Total net assets | 139,606,091 |
Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $170,262,644 |
Year ending June 30, 2017
Membership Services | $6,299,483 |
Publications and Educational Materials | 13,478,620 |
Annual Scientific Assembly | 25,549,883 |
Investment Earnings | 3,909,105 |
Contributions | 2,605,355 |
Total Revenue | $51,842,446 |
Membership Services | $7,796,365 |
Publications and Educational Materials | 16,779,794 |
Annual Scientific Assembly | 16,879,276 |
Research and Education Foundation | 5,690,342 |
Depreciation | 1,434,771 |
Total Expenses | $48,580,548 |
Excess of operating revenue over operating expenses | $3,261,898 |
Federal and state income tax expense | (118,965) |
Non operating income | (331,313) |
Increase in net assets before unrealized gain (loss) on investments | $2,811,620 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on valuation of investments and interest rate swap | 5,152,031 |
Increase in Net Assets | $7,963,651 |
Net Assets at beginning of year | $131,642,440 |
Net Assets at end of year | $139,606,091 |
Gifts between October 1, 2016–September 30, 2017
RSNA Board of Directors, Executive Staff and Corporate Partners
© 2018 Radiological Society of North America
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