2006 Year-End Article Index

Chronicling the news and events from this year

It seems impossible, but another year has come and gone. 2006 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.

And don't miss the 2007 Editorial Calendar, hot off the presses,  for a glimpse into what we'll cover in the upcoming year.

ADMINISTRATION

Audit, Caught It!
Michael L. Stevens
Are you making simple mistakes? If so, you could soon expose your practice to costly distraction and public distrust. One expert explains how to audit employment practices so you can fix your simple mistakes now instead of being in a fix later.
01-30-06

A Conversation with ... Philip Goldfarb, CPA
Jane Kollmer
Tax time is quickly approaching, and imaging centers are looking to get the most out of their tax returns. RT Image talked with Philip B. Goldfarb, CPA, a partner with Weisberg, Mol?, Krantz & Goldfarb LLP, a certified public accounting firm based in Hicksville, N.Y. Goldfarb regularly advises radiology practices and imaging centers on all aspects of accounting, tax and financial management.
03-20-06

The Planning Process
Danielle M. McGuire, AIA, and Zelanna Goldberg, MD
Thinking about building a new imaging center? Or, are you worried about where that new MRI system is going to fit in your facility? The planning phase is the cornerstone to ensuring a project's success. With so many details to take into consideration, an improvement project can quickly become a nightmare. So, before calling up a contractor or overspending a tight budget, take a look at this step-by-step guide to mastering the planning process.
05-01-06

Crossing the Line
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
Sometimes, it is hard to be certain how you should act in your workplace. How do you know when a joke is inappropriate, or when personal preferences have crossed the line into favoritism or even discrimination? And what do you do if you think you've found your soul mate at work? To help clarify these issues, RT Image spoke to several human resources experts to shed light on some of these behavioral gray areas.
06-19-06

Creating Better Capital Improvement
Danielle M. McGuire, AIA, and Zelanna Goldberg, MD
As facilities age and technology improves, the need for capital improvement projects continues to increase. In RT Image's May 1 issue, a professional architect described how imaging centers and radiology departments can effectively plan and budget for improvement projects. In this second article of a three-part series, learn how to approach the next step: the design and documentation process.
07-03-06

Under Construction
Danielle M. McGuire, AIA, and Zelanna Goldberg, MD
As facilities age and technology improves, the need for capital improvement projects continues to increase. This final installation in a series of three articles will deal with the construction phase – including the selection of the contractor and the construction process. Radiologic professionals will learn the trade secrets from an architect and will soon be able to effectively participate in the selection of the contractor and aid in managing the construction process.
09-04-06

A Widening Gap
Matthew N. Skoufalos
A widespread combination of factors, including faulty planning and inadequate resources, threatens to crush a struggling healthcare system. With nearly 46 million Americans without healthcare, learn how the crisis developed and what some people are doing to resolve it.
10-16-06

Medical Tourism
Jennifer Pilling, MA
Many Americans have become increasingly frustrated with expensive healthcare plans that lack extensive coverage. Recognizing a dearth of service and an opportunity to bring in significant revenue, developing countries have begun to fill the gap, building state-of-the-art facilities and populating them with highly qualified physicians trained in Western medicine – and they're reaping the rewards of their keen foresight.
10-16-06

Patients Without Papers
Christopher Ross
One of the hardest hit sectors in 2005 was the healthcare industry, crushed by the gigantic costs for emergency care of undocumented immigrants. Learn how, one year later, hospitals still face staggering costs, but are learning how to cope.
10-16-06

ASSOCIATION COVERAGE

A Conversation with ... Melissa A. Vickery, LPN-B, RVT
Tom Schaffner
RT Image talks with the recently installed president of the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU), Melissa A. Vickery, LPN-B, RVT, who discusses her goals for her two-year term, advocacy issues, membership recruitment and the society's annual conference.
01-23-06

Soaking up San Diego
Jane Kollmer
From February 12-16, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) holds their annual conference and exhibition in beautiful San Diego. HIMSS 2006 promises to be the premier event for the healthcare IT industry, as today's most powerful thought leaders and product innovators gather to share the latest developments.
01-30-06

NCBC Hits the Jackpot
Heather Smithco
Move over, Wayne Newton! There's a new attraction in town. The National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC) hosts their 16th annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Conference from March 12 to March 15 at the Aladdin Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. Join your colleagues to learn the latest developments in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, benign breast disease, pathology, genetics, technology, breast center administration and new philosophies in patient care.
02-20-06

AIUM Conference Preview
Jennifer Pilling, MA
The American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine heads to the nation's capital for their annual meeting. With its many opportunities for education, the event will ensure attendees get a healthy dose of knowledge about the latest advances in sonography.
03-06-06

Images of ... HIMSS 2006
With the annual conference at an end, photos of the premier event in health information management systems come out. Check out what went on at this year's festivities.
03-13-06

No Limits: SIR Annual Meeting
Dana J. Viall
Pack your bags, passport and program book – the 31st Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting, the first to be held in an international venue, takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 30 – April 4.
03-13-06

Images of ... RT in DC 2006
RTs, radiation therapists and students from around the nation congregated in Washington, D.C., from March 12-14 to attend the eight annual RT in DC meeting, an American Society of Radiologic Technologists-sponsored lobbying event to promote the passage of the CARE bill. Check out Webcasts from the exciting event.
03-20-06

SCAR Conference Preview
Jane Kollmer
This year, Austin, Texas plays host to the annual meeting of the Society for Computer Applications in Radiology (SCAR) from April 27-30. The capital of Texas is the perfect place for the industry's leading minds to gather and discuss the latest applications of technology in digital medical imaging and information management systems. The theme of this year's meeting is "Imaging Informatics in Focus," and you won't want to miss it.
04-03-06

Education First
Bill Wine
This year, the oldest radiology society in the United States takes their annual meeting to the largest city in British Columbia. The American Roentgen Ray Society will provide conference attendees with the latest in diagnostic radiology while taking in the beauty and energy of Vancouver.
04-17-06

Networking in the Sun
Heather Smithco
Attention radiology professionals: The Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) convenes in sunny San Diego next month. Join more than 4,000 of your colleagues from all around the world at this nationally recognized event from June 3-7 held at the San Diego Convention Center. Noted as "the world's largest event focused exclusively on the educational and networking needs of the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community," this year's SNM annual meeting is sure to please.
05-15-06

Images of ... SIIM 2006
If you couldn't make it down to Austin this year for the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine's annual meeting, we have you covered. Check out images and view a Webcast from the event that was held April 27-30, at the Austin Convention Center in Texas.
05-29-06

Images of ... Leading Edge 2006
RT Image attended the annual conference of the Leading Edge in Diagnostic Ultrasound on May 23-26 in Atlantic City, N.J. Check out photos from the event.
06-05-06

The Global Care Community
Keri Forsythe
On June 9-13, Denver plays host to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and Association of Educators in Radiologic Sciences' annual meeting. But, unlike previous years, the annual meeting has an exciting twist: the presence of the 14th World Congress of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists. With opportunities to network with colleagues and learn about groundbreaking research in the field of radiology, you won't want to miss this.
06-05-06

Images of ... ISRRT/ASRT/AERS 2006
Didn't make it to Denver for the joint meeting of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists? Don't worry, RT Image has you covered. For a firsthand look at all the excitement, check out images and Webcasts of the event that took place June 9-13.
06-26-06

A Good Bet
Tom Schaffner
This year, the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA) takes its act to the gambling capital of the United States: Las Vegas, with its annual meeting and exposition held July 30 – August 3 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. But rest assured, attending this conference offers the best odds of hitting the jackpot that you'll get in this town.
07-03-06

Images of ... SVU 2006
Vascular imaging professionals from around the nation congregated in Philadelphia from June 1-3 to attend the 29th annual Society for Vascular Ultrasound annual conference. Check out images from this conference dedicated to the advancement of knowledge of the vascular professional.
07-24-06

Images of ... AAMD 2006
Check out these images from the annual meeting of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists, held in June in Vancouver, British Columbia.
07-31-06

Images of ... AHRA 2006
See what went on at this year's annual meeting of the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators.
08-14-06

SDMS Conference Preview
Christopher Ross
The city that has seen the birth of the cheeseburger, housed Beat icons Neal Cassidy and Jack Kerouac and snagged the nickname "The Mile-High City," now accommodates the 2006 Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Annual Conference. Learn about Denver's lively downtown scene and how you just might see your fellow sonographers sing their hearts out, karaoke-style.
09-25-06

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Radiation Oncology
Jane Kollmer
Whoever said history has a habit of repeating itself was onto something. More than 230 years ago, this country's founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. This fall, another meeting of great minds occurs in the "City of Brotherly Love." The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology holds its 48th annual meeting from November 5-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
10-02-06

RSNA 2006: Strengthening Professionalism
Jane Kollmer
The theme of the 92nd Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2006 Annual Meeting, takes place Nov. 26-Dec. 1 at McCormick Place in Chicago, is "Strengthening Professionalism." Through scientific sessions and refresher courses, RSNA offers attendees various opportunities to fortify their profession by keeping up with trends and advances in the ever-changing field of diagnostic imaging.
11-13-06

Images of ... ASTRO 2006
If you couldn't make it to Philadelphia this year for the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 48th annual meeting, we have you covered. Check out images of the event that was held Nov.5-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
11-27-06

Images of ... RSNA 2006
The Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, gave RT Image the opportunity to catch up with the latest news and events in radiology. Check out these photos from RSNA 2006 and see for yourself.
12-11-06

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Case Study: A Clear Diagnosis
Doug Clark, RT(R)(CT)
When a female patient presents acute abdominal pain of unknown etiology, multislice CT comes to the rescue and discovers a ruptured ovarian cyst.
01-23-06

Case Study: A Dire Matter
Doug Clark, RT(R)(CT)
When a pediatric patient presented with neuroblastoma of the skull, the radiology department at the San Antonio-based University Health System had to act fast.
03-20-06

Capturing the Heart of the Matter
Janine Kusza
A picture is worth a thousand words, and so is an image captured by cardiac MRI or multidetector CT technology. With the development of 3T MRIs and 64-slice CT scanning, it's no wonder that the current and projected use of cardiac MRI and CT is a hot topic of conversation.
06-26-06

Case Study: A Group Effort
Steven R. Renard, MBA
Cardiovascular CT angiography has been at the forefront of the diagnostic imaging industry for several years. Still, most U.S. outpatient facilities lack the capacity to fully utilize it. Learn how Liberty Pacific Medical Imaging reaped great benefits from the implementation of this technology and how you can, too.
07-03-06

A Deadly Combination
Anjali B. Chandra and A. Chandra, MBBS, BSc (Hons.)
Involved in a serious car accident, a previously fit 22-year-old man presented his physicians with a compound depressed skull. Learn how CT came to the rescue and allowed the radiology department to correctly diagnose his condition – before it was too late.
08-21-06

Data Sheet CT
Which vendor's CT system is the best fit for your facility? RT Image gathers the product specifications from the leading manufacturers in the industry for you to compare.
11-20-06

DISPLAY SYSTEMS

Data Sheet ... Display Systems
Searching for new display systems for your facility? Then look no further. RT Image has assembled the specs on vendor's display offerings for you to check out.
04-03-06

COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION

A Conversation with ... John Pavlidis
Jane Kollmer
RT Image talks with John Pavlidis, president and CEO of R2 Technology about the results of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network study and what it means for the future of CAD technology.
01-30-06

A Conversation with ... Andreas Muehler, MD, MBA
Tom Schaffner
The president of CAD Sciences discusses his company's growing image, the expansion of CAD for breast and prostate MRI, Full-Time-Point analysis and the secret of Fast Fourier Transformation.
03-27-06

EMERGENCY RADIOLOGY

After the Flood
Jane Kollmer
Months have passed since Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, leaving lost lives in her wake. Even though the media showed many images of the aftermath, it is difficult for those who were not affected by the hurricane to imagine the loss and despair that the residents of the Gulf Coast region experienced. One RT tells his amazing story of survival, hope and courage as the region slowly recovers from this natural disaster.
02-13-06

 

At Your Service
Deborah Bohanon, AS, RT(R)(CV)
In a critical care environment like Sarasota Memorial Hospital, optimal equipment performance is vital. Equipment malfunction and downtime delay the ultimate care patients have come to expect from the hospital. But with the help of Siemens Medical Solutions' Guardian Program, hospital physicians, technologists and staff members are free to focus their attention on patients.
09-18-06

COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY

Data Sheet CR
Looking 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.
10-30-06

A Conversation with Todd Minnigh
Tom Schaffner
Todd Minnigh, global director of marketing for Kodak's Health Group, sits down with RT Image to discuss new technology on the horizon, choosing computed radiography or digital radiography systems and the markets for these burgeoning technologies.
10-30-06

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

Case Study: Embracing Digital Radiography
Christina Bryarly, RT
At Mary Bridge Children's Health Center, they welcome some of the youngest patients to their outpatient care facility each day. And from the moment a patient steps inside, one aspect is clear: Everything from the wallpaper to the technology in the labs was designed with a child in mind. This includes a state-of-the-art imaging suite equipped with two Siemens Medical Solutions' Axiom Multix M digital radiography systems.
10-30-06

Data Sheet DR
Looking 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.
10-30-06

DOSIMETRY

Case Study: Remote Treatment Planning
Jennifer Buskerud, CMD, Jeffrey P. Limmer, MS, and Dawn Henrich, CMD
Three years have passed since the joint venture for remote treatment planning of a hospital and cancer center in Wisconsin was completed. Find out why the concept of remote treatment planning was a challenge for the authors and what steps they took to make their venture a success.
06-12-06

So You Want to Become a Dosimetrist ...
Nishele Lenards, BS, CMD
Historically, medical dosimetry education has been primarily "on-the-job" training. Learn about several initiations the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists has taken to assist in providing educational support to future and current medical dosimetrists.
10-09-06

EDUCATION

Viewpoint: The Next Step
Ellis W. Blanton, MEd, RT(R)(N)
Many professional organizations and associations exist in the field of radiology, and they all have one thing in common: a dedication to promote patient care. One instructor explores his theory that the key to achieving professional status for RTs is through a unified medical imaging professional society.
03-20-06

Learning Made Easy
Christina Boer
This firsthand account of a radiology student's trek through clinical rotations takes her on a learning experience and provides a sound set of teaching strategies for technologists to use.
04-24-06

Phantoms of the Imaging Suite
Christopher J. Bachler
Unlike that misty specter that haunted Shakespeare's Hamlet, some phantoms are about as real as you can get. Neither elements of the supernatural nor creations from a brilliant writer's imagination, these phantoms are products of the more extraordinary magic of medical technology. Discover how the latest developments in the phantom industry are providing students with the invaluable opportunity to safely and effectively learn imaging procedures before they enter the field.
04-24-06

HOSPITAL PROFILES

Small Patients, Big Ideas
Amy Storer
RT Image takes a step through the doors of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, one of the most proactive, progressive and forward thinking pediatric institutions in the nation. Learn how Cincinnati Children's is making advancements to not only help their patients, but the radiology field in its entirety.
08-14-06

Snapshot: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Keri Forsythe
Under the umbrella of a $2.9 billion healthcare enterprise, the Philadelphia-based Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) certainly has made its mark on both the "City of Brotherly Love" and the radiology field. Because of this, RT Image wanted to see what sets this facility apart and spent the day exploring HUP's MRI and ultrasound departments.
09-25-06

A Hospital for the Future
Chris Boivin
Empowered to create a radiology department from the ground up, Chris Boivin was determined to make Banner Estrella Hospital completely paperless and filmless from the start. In the short time since the facility has opened, it has achieved turnaround times that have enabled throughput and facilitated improved patient care. Learn how this metamorphosis materialized.
10-30-06

The Smallest Surgeons
Christopher Ross
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, are developing a state-of-the-art nanotechnology program that could revolutionize the way ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated. Learn how this groundbreaking technology works and how Rush's program is a glimpse of the future in healthcare.
11-27-06

IMAGING AGENTS

Unheralded Heroes
D.M. Lamontanaro, PhD
Challenged by new conditions in their field, chemists search for chemical compounds that can meet the needs posed by radiology and biochemistry and create high-resolution images. Enter specialized imaging agents, the true catalysts behind the dramatic improvement in imaging technology. Learn how the new vanguard "contrast" agents are quietly changing the way imaging is done today – and how tomorrow, they could diagnose, treat and confirm diseases in one fell swoop.
08-28-06

A Conversation with ... Al Beardsley, PhD
Tom Schaffner
Robert "Al" Beardsley, PhD, president and CEO of Kereos Inc., St. Louis, a developer of targeted therapeutics and molecular imaging agents, discusses his company's plans to target nano-emulsion technology to deliver imaging and treatment agents for cancer directly to disease sites and the launch of C-TRAIN.
08-28-06

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Case Study: A Physician's Assistant
Jennifer Pilling, MA
It is becoming more commonplace in the healthcare industry for physicians to carry around a personal data assistant (PDA). PDAs and the like have been available for a while as a tool to make important information easily accessible to physicians, but the systems that operate these PDAs can vary vastly in their effectiveness and offerings.
02-06-06

A Conversation with ... John Hansen
Tom Schaffner
The director of engineering at Cerner Corp. discusses healthcare information technology, the company's heavy involvement in local charity work and what's next with its product development line.
05-15-06

A Conversation with ... Matt Revis
Tom Schaffner
The director of product management for dictation solutions at Nuance Communications Inc. discusses his company's recent acquisition of Dictaphone Corp. and the future of speech recognition in the healthcare IT industry.
05-22-06

 

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Case Study: Columbus' Latest Discovery
John P. Cheatham, MD
Columbus Children's Hospital (CCH) works with Toshiba America Medical Systems to make CCH the home to the country's first two hybrid cardiac catheterization suites.
02-13-06

A Conversation with ... Jeff Timbrook
Tom Schaffner
Jeff Timbrook, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Acuo Technologies, discusses storage and