2007 Year-End Article Index

It seems impossible, but another year has come and gone. 2007 was a groundbreaking year for the field of radiology. Innovative procedures, advanced techniques, cutting-edge research findings and top-notch medical conferences highlighted the accomplishments of radiologists, researchers, educators and technologists around the world.

As always, rt image was there every step of the way, providing readers a firsthand look at all the news shaping their rapidly changing field. But, if you missed a step along the way, our annual Year-End Article Index will bring you up to speed.

Arranged by category, each listing gives the article title, author and a brief description, along with the original issue date for easy reference. Also, visit www.rt-image.com and click on “Past Issues” to access these stories in their entirety.


Administration

Speaking up Is Hard to Do
Amy Storer
Colleagues who rely on intimidation aren’t hard to find. And if you find them in your workplace, studies say these bullies are making many professionals afraid to speak up and communicate ideas at work. Experts address this “fear of speaking up” issue, how it’s affecting your bottom line and how you can turn it into an improvement opportunity.
01-15-07

Transforming Healthcare
As the founder of both the Gingrich Group and the Center for Health Transformation, former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is a man on a mission. His agenda? Transforming 21st century health policy and endorsing proactive and preventative healthcare. In this transcribed speech, Gingrich shares his ideas for improving healthcare in the United States and presents the case for a paperless, intelligent health system.
02-12-07

Growing Tired
Amy Storer
A new study finds that fatigue in the U.S. workplace is common and costs $136 billion per year in health-related lost productivity. Experts explain how fatigue is ravaging the radiology profession, in particular, and how employers can extinguish tiring tendencies before they find themselves engulfed in a burnt-out staff.
02-19-07

The Customer Is Always Right
Jorge A. Casanas, MEd, RT(R)(CV)(QM)(ARRT), and Helena M. Coello, MEd, RT(R)(ARRT)
In this article that won first place in the Professional category of the 2006 rt image Writer’s Competition, the authors describe the importance of customer service in the radiology department and what facilities can do to make it part of their everyday outlook.
02-26-07

A Conversation with . . . Dick Clarke
Jane Kollmer
President and CEO of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, Dick Clarke, discusses ways hospitals and physicians can find financial solutions in powerful joint ventures.
04-02-07

A Novel Approach
Jon Mertz, MBA
In this article, which won second place in the Professional category of the 2006 rt image Writing Competition, author Jon Mertz discusses how radiology professionals can improve their imaging practices drastically by thinking outside of the box.
05-07-07

Marketing Matters
Peggy Wagner, CRA
How can you identify the key components of marketing and examine how all employees are integral to the marketing team? Read on and also learn how to build a marketing program, not only to increase financial performance, but also to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
06-11-07

A Conversation with . . . Jonathan M. Tanz
Tom Schaffner
What are the main reasons companies conduct employee career path planning sessions? Jonathan M. Tanz, vice president of research and consulting operations at Best Practices, answers that question, as well as other practices that companies should follow to ensure they retain the best employees.
08-20-07

A Conversation with . . . Scott Law
Tom Schaffner
Scott Law, CEO of Zotec Partners, tackles the medical billing questions we all have, including physician focus, high-deductible plans and revenue cycle management.
08-27-07

Planning for the Future
Jane Kollmer
You have so many big ideas for your facility. You realize your department desperately needs new equipment, updated technology, more space and a larger staff. But, it’s impossible to expect such changes to materialize overnight. However, the very success of a hospital or facility greatly depends on smart and comprehensive planning that is custom-tailored to a common vision shared by all those involved.
11-05-07


Association Coverage

NCBC Conference Preview
Jennifer Pilling, MA
The National Consortium for Breast Centers’ 17th Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Conference taking place from February 24-27 in Las Vegas provides attendees with plenty of educational offerings, as well as an opportunity to catch up on the latest in breast care.
02-05-07

HIMSS Conference Preview
Jennifer Pilling, MA
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s annual meeting, taking place from February 25 through March 1 in New Orleans, allows attendees to find out about the latest developments in electronic health records, discover how the latest technology transforms patient care, and acquire firsthand knowledge of the operating room of the future.
02-12-07

The New Wave
Jennifer Pilling, MA
Although Seattle is not usually considered a place to catch waves, the Society of Interventional Radiology will encourage attendees to surf the waves of the future, as this year’s national convention explores interventional radiology’s constant growth and innovation.
02-19-07

Stand out in the Crowd
Jennifer Pilling, MA
Held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City from March 15-18, this year’s American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine annual conference will offer educational, scientific, literary and professional activities, as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Big Apple.
03-05-07

Images of . . . HIMSS 2007
What better place to discuss the importance of emergency health records than New Orleans? Check out these pics from the conference.
03-12-07

ACC Conference Preview
Jennifer Pilling, MA
Reach the summit with this year’s annual American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Session held March 24-27 in New Orleans. Just like the revitalized city that will host it, the ACC conference will revitalize and re-energize cardiovascular professionals to continue to provide appropriate, innovative and exceptional care to their patients.
03-19-07

Images of . . . AIUM 2007
Check out the pics from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine’s annual meeting.
03-26-07

Data Sheet . . . Professional Associations
Thinking about joining a professional association? With so many to choose from, how do you know the best fit for you? Let our comparison chart of radiology organizations guide your decision. Also, go online at www.rt-image.com/datasheet to check out this and our other product/services comparison charts.
04-09-07

Images of . . . RT in DC 2007
RTs, radiation therapists and students from around the nation congregated in Washington, D.C., from March 18-20 to attend the ninth annual American Society of Radiologic Technologists-sponsored RT in DC advocacy event. Check out these photos from the event.
04-16-07

ACR Conference Preview
Jennifer Pilling, MA
This year’s American College of Radiology Annual Meeting and Chapter Leadership Conference will invite radiology professionals to Washington, D.C., to partake in a similar forum to discuss policies, ideas and practices specific to the field of radiology.
04-30-07

New Name, New Focus
Jennifer Pilling, MA
A name change for the society, a pre-course for CIIP’s in the making, and an opening keynote on biomedical informatics are only the beginning. Learn what’s in store for attendees headed for the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine’s annual meeting, held June 7-11 in Providence, R.I.
05-07-07

A Capital Affair
Jennifer Pilling, MA
Now in its 54th year, the annual Society for Nuclear Medicine meeting promises to offer a combination of up-to-date information, paired with plenty of engaging social events, to give attendees a full spectrum of involvement. Hosted in Washington, D.C., from June 2-6, this event should not be missed by anyone in the field of nuclear medicine.
05-14-07

ASRT Conference Preview
Keri Forsythe
Attention RTs: The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is heading west. Together with the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Science, the ASRT is hosting its annual conference from June 1-4 in Albuquerque, N.M. Earn CE credits, network with some of the brightest minds in radiologic technology and make lifelong memories.
05-21-07

AHRA Conference Preview
Tom Schaffner
Disney World has been called the “happiest place on Earth,” so what better town to host the 35th annual meeting of the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators than Orlando?
06-04-07

Down Home Dosimetry
Jane Kollmer
Learn what the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists has in store for its 32nd annual meeting in New Orleans.
06-04-07

Images of . . . Leading Edge in Diagnostic Ultrasound 2007
rt image attended the Leading Edge in Diagnostic Ultrasound annual conference on May 1-4 in Atlantic City, N.J. Check out photos from the exciting event and view Webcasts from the conference.
06-18-07

Images of . . . SIIM 2007
If you couldn’t make it to Providence this year for the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine’s annual meeting, these photos and exclusive Webcasts from the event will catch you up to speed.
06-25-07

Images of . . . AAMD 2007
Check out photos from the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists’ annual meeting in New Orleans.
07-02-07

Images of . . . SNM 2007
If you couldn’t make it to Washington, D.C., this year for the Society of Nuclear Medicine’s annual meeting, these photos and Webcast from the conference will catch you up to speed.
07-09-07

Images of . . . ASRT/AEIRS 2007
If you couldn’t make it to Albuquerque last month for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists’ annual meeting, these photos from the event should bring you up to speed.
07-16-07

Images of . . . AHRA 2007
Best known for being a family vacation hot spot, Orlando played host to the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators’ family. Check out these photos and Webcasts from the conference.
07-23-07

A Conversation with . . . AIUM
Jane Kollmer
rt image talks to Joshua Copel, Lennard Greenbaum and Carmine Valente of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine about the importance of uniting members of the ultrasound community for a practice forum.
08-20-07

A Joint Affair
Keri Forsythe
From September 8-11, Providence, R.I., will play host to the greatest minds in molecular imaging at the Academy of Molecular Imaging and the Society for Molecular Imaging’s 2007 Joint Molecular Imaging Conference. From networking opportunities to technological innovation, you won’t want to miss out. 
08-27-07

Sonography off the Strip
Jane Kollmer
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography takes on Las Vegas this year for its annual conference. With all of the educational sessions, technology showcases and guest speakers, this meeting promises to be as exhilarating as the city that hosts it.
09-24-07

On the Way to L.A.
It’s off to Los Angeles for the 49th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. This year’s theme: “Treating Cancer While Preserving Quality of Life.”
10-08-07

Images of . . . AMI/SMI Joint Molecular Imaging Conference 2007
If you couldn’t make it to Providence, R.I., for the AMI/SMI Joint Molecular Imaging Conference 2007, these photos from the event will bring you up to speed.
10-08-07

RSNA 2007
Bob Stott
While hosting an array of different radiology disciplines and specialties, this year’s Radiological Society of North America conference guidelines remain consistent in the drive to improve healthcare quality through professional communication and cooperation. See what these changes in the industry may mean for you.
11-12-07

Images of . . . ASTRO 2007
As Los Angeles recovers from the annual meeting for the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, check out these pics from the event.
11-26-07

Images of . . . RSNA
The Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Nov. 25-30, gave rt image the opportunity to catch up with the latest news and events in radiology. Check out these photos and Webcasts from RSNA 2007 and see for yourself.
12-10-07

Computer-Aided Detection
A Conversation with . . . Marc Filerman
Marc Filerman, vice president of global marketing for iCAD, discusses his company’s target markets, customer benefits and digital mammography’s impact on CAD.
04-02-07

Battling Cost and Time
David W. Fontaine, MD
When Catholic Medical Center in New Hampshire decided to purchase a new CAD system to help with their imaging needs, they turned to iCAD to get the best fit for their facility.
07-23-07


Computed Radiography

A Conversation with . . . Alan Davalou
Alan Davalou, chief marketing officer at Radlink, Redondo Beach, Calif., discusses the benefits of CR systems, his company’s CR product line, as well as their new PACS offering.
08-06-07

Data Sheet . . . CR
Searching for a CR system for your facility? Then look no further. rt image compares some of the biggest vendors in the industry so you can decide the best fit for you.
08-06-07


Computed Tomography

Case Study: A New Slice of Trauma
James W. Langston, MD
In 2005, the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center decided to upgrade its existing single-slice CT systems to improve diagnostic capabilities and purchased two Aquilion 32-slice CT systems from Toshiba America Medical Systems.
 01-22-07

CT for Lung Cancer Screening
Leah R. Troiano
The results of the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) – the largest long-term study ever conducted to explore the early detection of lung cancer – have rocked the industry. Never have clinicians been offered so much hope in treating one of the most deadly cancers known and the leading cause of cancer death among both genders. But some say this study may not be accurate.
03-19-07

Getting Inside Baseball
Matthew N. Skoufalos
Researcher and entrepreneur David Zavagno investigates the Major League Baseball home run controversy by imaging the insides of game-used baseballs to see if steroids could have played a part in some of the game’s stars’ high batting statistics.
03-19-07

To the Rescue
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
Every year, approximately 6 million people in the U.S. visit the emergency room with chest pain. Although at least half of these patients have inconclusive early-test results, about 65 percent of this population is not found to have suffered a heart attack. Learn how physicians are utilizing mutlislice CT to diagnose chest pain earlier, and prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary procedures.
05-28-07

2-5-6
Amy Storer
In a single rotation, Toshiba America Medical Systems’ 256-slice CT is designed to acquire a large volume of data that can cover the brain or heart. Find out how one medical center is gaining a “tremendous advantage” with this system’s volume acquisition and providing more accurate images and lower doses, resulting in more accurate, quicker diagnoses.
07-09-07

Data Sheet . . . CT
Searching for a new CT system for your facility? Then look no further. rt image has gathered the stats on vendors’ CT systems for you to check out. Also, visit www.rt-image.com to compare these and our other product charts.
11-19-07


Digital Radiography

Data Sheet . . . DR
Searching for a DR system for your facility? Then look no further. rt image compares some of the biggest vendors in the industry so you can decide the best fit for you.
08-06-07


Display Systems

Data Sheet . . . Display Systems
Searching for new display systems for your facility? Then look no further. rt image has assembled the stats on vendors’ display systems’ offerings for you to check out. Compare these and our other product charts.
05-21-07


Dosimetry

Full Speed Ahead
Susan Cagle, BS, CMD, RT(R)(T)
Learn why the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists is hoping the shortage of medical dosimetrists is decreasing as this increasingly popular profession is growing.
02-19-07

A Conversation with . . . Alex Plowman, BS, CMD, RT(T)
Alex Plowman, BS, CMD, RT(T), vice president of Online Dosimetry Inc., tells rt image readers what makes his company different from the rest and its vast array of intensity-modulated radiation therapy solutions.
06-11-07


Education

So, You Want to Be a CIIP?
Matthew N. Skoufalos
rt image delves into the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine’s certified imaging informatics professional (CIIP) course to address the knowledge gap experienced by many PACS administrators by introducing and exploring the blend of competencies required for imaging informatics administration. Read on and see if you have the qualities needed to become a CIIP.
05-07-07

A Conversation with . . . Chuck Socia, RT(R)(CT)(QM), CIIP
Tom Schaffner
Chuck Socia talks about the new certified imaging informatics professional (IIP) exam, the governing body of the American Board of Imaging Informatics and what we can expect from the IIP exam.
09-03-07

RT Education
Kimberly Likens Perry, EdD, RT(R)
With the 2009 deadline for radiology program educators to obtain their master’s quickly approaching, educator and researcher Kimberly Likens Perry reveals data from her study that shows many teachers may take an early exit from the education field.
09-17-07

Certifiably PACS
Kelsey Archer, BS
Omaha, Neb.-based Clarkson College’s launch of a two-level certificate specialization in PACS was done to fill the expanding need for PACS-trained professionals in the marketplace. With a full curriculum offered both on-campus and online using state-of-the-art distance learning tools and top-notch teaching staff, Clarkson is ensuring that its students are well-prepared to be active participants and leaders in the world of the 21st Century.
09-24-07

The Radiology Classroom of the Future
Lawrence P. Davis, MD, FACR
In January 2008, the American College of Radiology will launch a new education center that will serve as a mini-university, offering next-generation educational resources and teaching methods unavailable elsewhere.
10-08-07


Emergency Radiology

Disaster Recovery
Gary Reed
When it comes to disaster recovery, the key is being prepared. Learn how you can arm your facility to handle almost any situation that comes your way.
01-15-07


Facility Profiles

Snapshot: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Check out this mini-photo album of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and their recognized excellence in patient care.
01-08-07

Deck the Halls
Suffering from post-holiday depression? Have no fear, rt image will keep the holiday spirit alive. We asked you to send in pictures of your decked-out radiology departments and imaging centers. See how our readers go the extra mile to spread holiday cheer.
01-15-07

Education at Work
Marlene Johnson, MEd, RT(R)
Building and retaining a successful team of highly competent technologists is a continuously difficult task. There are many obstacles to recruiting the right people into your system and more challenges when faced with how to keep them. Read how the University of Utah Health Care’s department of radiology used education as a recruitment and retention tool in its imaging departments and developed technology programs to provide a consistent supply of qualified technologists. 
01-22-07

Snapshot: Paoli Hospital
Amy Storer
The Neurodiagnostic/Vascular Center at Paoli Hospital in Pennsylvania performs a wide variety of non-invasive, diagnostic tests of the brain, nervous system and circulatory system. Check out this mini-photo album of their facility.
01-22-07

Snapshot: Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Check out this mini-photo album from Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which operates as a Level 1 trauma center and serves as a beacon of excellence in its community.
02-12-07

No Satisfaction
Amy Storer
University of Kentucky’s director of diagnostic radiology, Sheryl Abercrombie, is never satisfied. She explains how that helps her in many ways when managing her radiology department – from staying on the cutting-edge of technological advances to weathering a brutal storm of staffing shortages.
02-26-07

Beating Consumerism to the Punch
Janine Kusza
Fortune magazine recently ranked Griffin Hospital 21st on its annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list – the eighth year in a row that the facility has been given the honor. Find out why more than 600 other facilities across the nation have visited Griffin with the goal of unlocking the mystery of their phenomenal success in patient relations and their unrivaled passion for promoting the “Griffin family.”
03-26-07

A Two-Way Street
Janine Kusza
The University of California – Los Angeles’s (UCLA) radiology department is comprised of individuals with strong backgrounds in research that has allowed them to rapidly implement new, and sometimes revolutionary, imaging and therapeutic innovations. Through a unique partnership with Siemens Medical Solutions, UCLA’s cardiovascular imaging program has become one of the country’s most cutting-edge imaging facilities – one of many programs that have put UCLA on the map.
04-23-07

Snapshot: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) provides its patients with advanced cancer care, groundbreaking research and top-notch educational programs. Submitted by MSKCC is this mini-photo album.
04-30-07

Saving Children
Jane Kollmer
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is, by no means, an ordinary children’s hospital. At St. Jude, the patients come for top treatment at a world-class research facility. And St. Jude will accept any patient, regardless of their ability to pay. rt image recently discussed some of the driving forces that make St. Jude stand out among children’s hospitals with representatives from the St. Jude radiology, radiation therapy and oncology departments
05-28-07

Snapshot: Huggins Hospital
Devon W. Bloom, RT(R)
One look at these pics and you’ll see why the radiology staff of Huggins Hospital is so proud to show it off.
06-18-07

A Prime Location
Amy Storer
For Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, the old adage “location, location, location” certainly rings true. See how this facility is leveraging its proximity to Stanford University’s research and education resources, and access to state-of-the-art technology to be a premiere pediatric teaching hospital internationally recognized for its education, research and patient care.
06-25-07

Technology Central
Jane Kollmer
For the millions of Americans who live in and around the New York metropolitan area, there are an abundant number of healthcare facilities, each with its own network of hospitals and imaging centers. In this hospital profile, find out what drives New York University Medical Center to constantly improve its radiology department.
07-23-07

Purging Prostate Cancer
Virginia ‘Ginya’ Carnahan, APR, CPRC
Michael Dattoli and Richard Sorace have shared a challenge for more than two decades. The radiation oncologists have sought a better way