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, MolŽ, 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 infrastructure trends that affect today's hospital departments due to advanced medical imaging technology.
10-02-06

Case Study: Navigating the Digital Dashboard
To increase the referrals from physicians to their imaging centers, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center needed to improve its imaging services. Learn how this facility was able to use information technology to achieve faster turnaround times for imaging reports, aid radiologist efficiency and give referring physicians easy access to radiology reports while reducing the cost of producing them.
11-27-06

Danger in the Margins
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
Approximately 10 million Americans are walking around with a timer counting down to a heart attack or stroke – or, with an early warning signal that gives them time to work against these potentially serious cardiac events. The warning signal is peripheral arterial disease, and a new initiative indicates that African-Americans may be even more likely than other populations to develop it.
12-04-06

MAGNETIC RESONANCE

Playing It Safe
Andre Pascal, MS, RT(R)
Safety is of great concern to any facility. An MRI unit is no different when it comes to safety, maybe even more so. However, despite our best efforts, some people argue that all accidents cannot be prevented. Others may say we should always err on the side of caution. Learn why the best preventative measure a facility can take lies in education.
03-27-06

A Conversation with ... Helene Pavlov, MD, FACR
Amy Storer
RT Image talks with Helene Pavlov, MD, FACR, radiologist in chief at the New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), a renowned expert on the forefront of research and clinical services in the field of musculoskeletal radiology. But, Pavlov has big plans for HSS. Find out how this agenda could affect you and the future of patient care.
05-08-06

Addicted to Love
Keri Forsythe
Psychology experts have often questioned why passionate love prompts humans to act so uncharacteristically. But, now, thanks to fMRI brain scanning techniques, these professionals finally have a concrete answer to this question. Chances are, it's not what you think.
07-24-06

MRI News
Read the latest on MRI technologies on the horizon and how they can affect the industry.
08-07-06

Data Sheet ... MRI
Which vendor's MR scanner is the best fit for your facility? RT Image gathers the specs – you decide.
08-07-06

Staying in the Game
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
New research indicates that diagnosing shoulder tears can be accomplished quickly and accurately in a completely non-invasive imaging procedure involving 3 Tesla MRI.
08-07-06

Fighting Fibrosis
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
The liver: You only get one, and it's second only to the brain among your most complex organs. In the battle against fibrosis associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a new procedure utilizing existing MR technology with an innovative combination of contrast agents is saving livers – and lives – without the invasion or expenses of biopsies.
08-28-06

Brighter Futures for Babies
Cynthia E. Keen
The quality of life of individuals born prematurely may have the potential to be improved significantly with the use of MRI. Pediatric researchers found that MRI scans performed on preterm infants' brains are able to detect abnormalities in the white matter and gray matter of the brain. These findings enable neurologists to better identify risks and predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in their tiniest patients.
11-20-06

A Conversation with Mike Weiner
Mike Weiner, CEO of Biophan Technologies, West Henrietta, N.Y., talks about the safety of medical devices used in conjunction with MRI, his company's venture into nanotechnology and explains the definition of "SQUIGGLE."
12-18-06

MOLECULAR IMAGING

Data Sheet ... SPECT/CT & PET/CT
Searching for SPECT/CT or PET/CT for your facility? Then look no further. RT Image has assembled the stats on the vendors' product offerings for you to check out.
05-08-06

A Conversation with ... Michael Reitermann
Tom Schaffner
Michael Reitermann, president, molecular imaging, Siemens Medical Solutions, discusses Siemens' acquisition of CTI Molecular Imaging and what the future holds.
08-07-06

Revolutionizing the Future
Martin P. Sandler, MD, and Alexander J. McEwan, MD
Recent rapid advances in our ability to image the human body offer limitless possibilities for enhancing patient care. These advances have coincided with revolutionary changes in molecular biology, genetic and epigenetic phenomena, proteomics and metabolomics that are altering our understanding of disease and disease management. New techniques in PET and hybrid imaging – along with advances in probe methodology – offer unique opportunities to image the molecular biology of disease.
11-06-06

MAMMOGRAPHY

Data Sheet ... Mammography
Searching for a new analog or digital mammography system for your facility? Then look no further. RT Image has assembled the stats on vendor's mammography offerings for you to check out.
02-20-06

A Perfect Match
Michael Trambert, MD
In this special mammography supplement, radiologist Michael Trambert discusses the pros of integrating full field digital mammography with a best-of-breed RIS/PACS with integrated mammographic quality assurance based on his firsthand experience at the Sansum Santa Barbara Medical Foundation Clinic.
02-20-06

Proper Positioning
Tammy Coryell, RT(R)(M)
Breast positioning and its intended result – strong tissue acquisition – make for a high stakes game in mammography. Learn how patients and breast centers alike can benefit from the utilization of MammoPad, an adhesive foam cushion that reduces mammography-related discomfort and promotes improved tissue acquisition.
06-26-06

A Conversation with ... Bonnie Rush, RT(R)(M)(QM)
Christopher Ross
Bonnie Rush, RT(R)(M)(QM), founder of Breast Imaging Specialists, sits down with RT Image to look back on a life as a student, teacher and leader in the field of breast imaging, parse the complex world of mammography regulations, and explain the benefits of fluency in "legalese."
09-25-06

A Conversation with ... Nathalie Duchesne, MD, FRCP(C)
Tom Schaffner
Nathalie Duchesne, MD, FRCP(C), founder and director of The Breast Course discusses the third annual meeting for breast imaging and intervention held in Key Largo, Fla., March 12-15, 2007.
10-23-06

The Simple Untruth
Christopher Ross
A recent survey conducted by the University of Michigan Health Systems suggests that the public's knowledge about mammography may be erroneous. The experts weigh in – and conclude that well-meaning, but overzealous ads promoting mammograms may account for a large percentage of women who don't have their facts straight on the limits and abilities of mammograms.
10-23-06

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Scanning for Sanity
Bill Wine
Radiology professionals and physicians both point to brain scanning as the best way to detect neurological changes. But, experts are still trying to answer whether it is possible to use imaging technology to consistently and accurately diagnose depression or bipolar disorder. Learn how techniques are allowing researchers to peer into the inner workings of the brain.
05-08-06

What Dreams May Come
Bill Wine
For many years, dream experts relied solely on sleep journals to gather information and track sleep and dream activity. But, the study of human sleep has been enhanced in recent years by visual data made possible by functional imaging techniques, such as PET and fMRI. Learn how dream imaging is breaking ground in the field of dream research and shedding new light on Freudian thought.
05-29-06

 
PACS

Examine | PACS: PACS Lite
Without capital expenditures, information technology support and an approved PACS budget, hospitals can transition to a filmless environment. One 185-bed hospital in Griffin, Ga., just outside of Atlanta, has quietly and efficiently been transitioning to a filmless environment and saving more than $100,000 a year, thanks to a solution that could be called "PACS Lite."
01-02-06

Examine | PACS: Monitoring Monitors
Manoj Tyagi and Thomas E. Hagen
When it comes to medical displays today, the world is flat. For soft copy reading on a PACS, convenient, versatile liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have become the norm. With new affordable LCD prices, rarely do medical professionals hesitate over a few extra dollars to enjoy the benefits of a thin, high-bright, long life.
02-06-06

Examine | PACS: A Sharper Solution
Sharp Imaging Centers in San Diego needed an automated way to send and receive images among their three locations – quickly, and without delay. By implementing a server appliance into existing network infrastructure, Sharp successfully enabled automated replication and transfer of images among the centers and hospital sites, and even tripled the transfer rate of images between sites.
03-06-06

Case Study: A Strategic Approach
Shannon Cates
With an on-site fitness and educational center, the Shawnee Mission Medical Center is on the cutting edge of healthcare. But it wasn't until its PACS implementation that Shawnee truly learned what it means to be cutting-edge.
03-20-06

Examine | PACS: Extreme PACS Makeover
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics knew it had to update its original PACS with a digital solution that could support advanced imaging modalities that produce high volumes of images, as well as provide redundant storage and disaster recovery. At the same time, the hospital's data center was running out of disk space. Find out why implementing an enterprise-wide solution allowed them to kill two birds with one stone.
04-03-06

Data Sheet ... PACS
Searching for a new PACS for your facility? Then look no further. RT Image has assembled the stats on vendors' PACS offerings for you to check out.
04-10-06

Case Study: Keeping Pace
In order to keep pace with an increasing amount of imaging data and continue to offer the most advanced image-intensive services available, Lourdes Medical Pavilion (LMP) needed to upgrade the PACS they purchased in 1999. But with the help of Plasmon Inc., LMP is no longer concerned about their back-end storage being able to meet the needs of their advanced frontline equipment.
04-10-06

IT Planning for PACS
David Wild
Information technology planning for PACS is an exciting and complicated project. Because every facility can have a different organizational structure with varying experience, creating a simple formula to install and plan for the IT component of PACS is not simple or straightforward. Discover ways to thoroughly prepare for a successful installation process.
04-10-06

Seeking Clarity
Todd Fender
The Willamette Falls Hospital PACS administrator became quite frustrated when he could not get the image quality he needed. Find out who Willamette turned to for help, the solution implemented and why images are a lot clearer these days.
04-10-06

Examine | PACS: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
When the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) moved from a centralized to a distributed environment, its existing PACS environment couldn't share images between facilities. But, with the help of Philips Medical Systems' iSite Enterprise, UPMC found a solution that could scale its entire health system.
05-01-06

Examine | PACS: Building a Foundation of Success
As an expanding enterprise, Foundation Surgery Affiliates (FSA) of Oklahoma City was in the market for a PACS solution that would allow them to efficiently and reliably manage images throughout their sites. Find out how FSA was able to implement a clustered server environment to provide complete disaster recovery and business continuity for all their locations.
06-05-06

Examine | PACS: PACS' Progress in China
Desiring to improve the quality of the imaging process, as well as the interpretation of images, the World Link Medical and Dental Centers, based in Shanghai, embarked on a program to upgrade its imaging equipment and, more importantly, the professional interpretations of those images. Discover how World Link brought their facilities into the 21st century.
07-03-06

Examine | PACS: Making the Move
Learn how one small practice in West Virginia overcame storage and workflow problems by adapting full-field digital mammography.
08-07-06

Examine | PACS: Beyond PACS
Tommy Roberson, BS, RT(R)(N)(CT), CNMT
Floyd Medical Center in Georgia saw the need for a RIS that would smoothly integrate with their brand new PACS. Learn how they accomplished their goal of improved patient care and workflow efficiency by implementing an integration module.
09-04-06

Examine | PACS: The Ultimate Distribution Tool
Austin Radiological Association (ARA), a private radiology practice in Texas with 62 radiologists reading more than 1.2 million procedures annually, encountered problems maintaining the quality and level of service while simultaneously supporting their high level of growth. Since adding additional radiologists and staff was no longer an option, ARA decided the only way they could continue to fuel the growth of their practice and achieve a high level of efficiency was to invest in a technological infrastructure at the heart of which was an advanced PACS.
10-02-06

Examine | PACS: Imaging Little Ones
Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging is the result of requests over the last few years by a number of Milwaukee pediatricians for better community options in outpatient radiology services for children. In an effort to reach out to these pediatric patients, Robert Wells, MD, interim chief of radiology at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and his partners developed the only imaging center in the Milwaukee area designed specifically for children.
11-06-06

A Conversation with ... Mark Schwartz
Wireless, is it a fad or a reality of the future? Mark Schwartz, president and CEO of IMCO Technologies, Pewaukee, Wis., believes it is a very important next step that the healthcare industry needs to address when responding to non-routine findings, as well as addressing the need to be mobile in today's world. Read what else he has to say.
12-04-06

Examine | PACS: King of Hearts
Processing a large volume of cardiac CT and MR studies, the cardiologists and administrators at Cabrini Medical Center (CMC) in New York City quickly realized the need for a PACS solution that could handle both the department's high-volume workload and stringent budgetary requirements. Learn how CMC was able to get the storage space they needed, with access to always-online images - and still remain within their budget.
12-04-06

A Conversation with ... Ed Smith, ScD, FACNP
Edward M. Smith, ScD, FACNP professor of radiology, division of nuclear medicine at the department of imaging sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, discusses the creation of two groundbreaking conferences on PACS and women's health.
12-11-06

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Natural Resources
Arin Greenwood
When traditional medicines and methods bear no fruit, many turn to pharmacies and health food stores filled with everything from vitamin A to zinc.
02-27-06

The Natural Cancer Fighter
Matthew K. Lang
A variety of amino acids are considered "non-essential," including glutamine. Radiation therapy student Matthew Lang prepares to debunk the myths surrounding glutamine and explain why this amino acid deserves a better rep.
05-29-06

Nourishing a Vitamin D Curiosity
Heather Smithco
From tanning salons claiming to provide anti-cancer benefits from its UVA rays to the dairy industry citing its benefits, it seems like vitamin D has taken on super-human qualities. So what's the truth? Decide for yourself.
06-26-06

A Minding-Your-Body Experience
Amy Storer
Working in the fast-paced healthcare industry, your own health isn't always top priority. Experts explain how proper body mechanics can thwart abnormal stresses that, over time, can lead to degeneration, back pain and discomfort.
07-24-06

Friend or Foe
William J. Lynott
Taking a few simple measures with your credit card, improving your credit score and canceling old credit cards for example, can save you money and trouble. Learn how to avoid debt and beat the system.
08-14-06

Introducing Spleen ...
Heather Smithco
Most people know the spleen as a generally uninspiring organ located somewhere in our abdomen. But locals from Columbus, Ohio, have a different definition of it. To this community, the word "spleen" is synonymous with rock stars.
08-21-06

Spiritual Healing
Amy Storer
Can spirituality improve health? RT Image investigates this debate that's heating up controversy from the ivory tower to the SPECT systems imaging sick patients who put their faith in the healing power of prayer.
08-28-06

PATIENT RELATIONS

A Breathtaking Gender Divide
Amy Storer
Mortality for lung cancer is declining significantly among men, but the rates of women fighting this disease have substantially increased. Experts dive into this recent phenomenon and how they plan to sniff out new reasons for lung cancer's gender bias.
01-09-06

Scaling a Higher Purpose
Amy Storer
Jason Bercot's boots were made for walking ... and fighting lung disease. The challenges of surviving a rare form of cancer strengthened Bercot to reach a soaring goal: to trek 14,410 feet up an ice-encrusted mountain in the name of lung health. Hear how he embarked on a daring journey to help those who made his story possible.
01-09-06

Connecting with Patients
Amy Storer
Radiology departments across the world are striving to make patient care accessible and accommodating to all patients, regardless of size, shape or disability. New technologies are making this goal a reality. Find out how entire centers are incorporating state-of-the-art systems to try and improve the experience for their patients enduring a trying time.
01-30-06

Actions Speak
Heather Smithco
The human language can be a seemingly simple part of life, yet nearly impossible to master. How many times has the original meaning been lost in translation when passing from person to person? Read on to discover how you can use your body language to convey confidence and authority in all aspects of life.
02-06-06

Starving for Perfection
Keri Forsythe
It just seems so unnatural. As humans, we're wired to fight for our basic needs: food, clothing and shelter. So to intentionally starve yourself appears to go against every innate survival mechanism. But, for anorexic patients, starvation is the only way of life. For them, the ultimate goal is emaciation – and sadly, the ultimate price could be their lives. Read on to learn more about the growing epidemic of anorexia and how radiology professionals can help patients stop their path to self-destruction.
03-20-06

Imaging a Nip/Tuck Nation
Amy Storer
Gone are the days when body image problems are solved through friends, exercise and counseling. Increasingly, more people are turning to the operating table to conquer battles over self-image. Find out how this mainstream trend of plastic surgery affects you and the future of imaging.
05-22-06

Privacy Revealed
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
HIPAA is a far-reaching effort that has changed the way healthcare providers, administrators and plans operate. But exactly how much has it changed healthcare since its launch three years ago, and what changes still lie ahead?
05-29-06

Quality of Life: Dying to Live
Amy Storer
The healthcare field is no stranger to death. But what happens when the death, dying and grief gets to be too much for those radiation therapists in the trenches?
07-10-06

Quality of Life: Keeping up Appearances
Jane Kollmer
Facing the mirror and confronting a sick reflection can cause severe psychological damage to a person's outlook on treatment. But, by arming patients with tools and techniques that put their best face forward, medical makeup artists are giving patients the gift of feeling normal again.
07-10-06

Quality of Life: Lean on Me
Keri Forsythe
A cancer diagnosis is among the most devastating news a person can receive. But one option that's becoming increasingly popular among cancer patients is joining a support group.
07-10-06

Quality of Life: Quality Control
Ryan Ferrier
Currently, a revolution is underway within the healthcare community to manage acute and chronic pain in patients. Increasingly, healthcare professionals are not only focusing on prolonging a patient's life, but also improving the quality of that patient's life.
07-10-06

Se Habla Español
Jane Kollmer
The ability to communicate with patients is crucial for medical professionals. When culture and language create barriers, how can they be overcome in order to provide patients with the fair treatment they deserve? Learn how radiology administrators are finding ways to transcend language and speak the universal language of healthcare.
08-14-06

A Head Turning Display
Amy Storer
"Turning Heads: Portraits of Grace, Inspiration and Possibilities" – a collection of 59 artistic pictures by 59 famous photographers – is cancer survivor, Jackson "Jackie" Hunsicker's personal tribute to women experiencing chemotherapy-induced hair loss. The book is meant to help women stop feeling frightened and ashamed about going bald during their fight with cancer.
10-23-06

When a Little Goes a Long Way
Janine Kusza
Today, healthcare consumers are more demanding about their care, and it has become apparent that the responsibility to offer quality customer service has not sidestepped the medical community. Learn how two departments at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in South Carolina have risen to this challenge, taking steps to acknowledge the importance of customer service by implementing a new program – Talk, Listen, Care (TLC).
12-11-06

RADIOLOGIST ISSUES

You've Been Served
Leah R. Troiano
For many physicians, it may feel nearly impossible to go through a medical career without getting sued. But for physicians in high-risk specialties, such as mammography and interventional radiology, the fear is even greater. Find out how you can protect yourself and your practice from frivolous lawsuits.
07-31-06

The Battle Within
Keri Forsythe
In a society constantly attempting to blow the smokescreen on potential scandals, it's no surprise that the radiology suite has taken a hit. In the past few years, the imaging profession has received a considerable amount of attention for its so-called "turf wars." Citing blurred lines between the individual roles of each specialty, some claim these battles are deeply rooted in the desire to maintain the status quo. Read on to learn more about this controversial issue.
12-04-06

RADIOLOGY INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Case Study: Giving up the Book
John L. Sherman, MD
When Colorado Springs Imaging went searching for a RIS that could improve the patient experience, decrease the time lag between patient examination and report transmission to the referring physician and create an innovative report capable of incorporating images, they found the solution they needed from InStar Systems.
09-04-06

Data Sheet RIS
Looking for a radiology information system for your facility? Then look no further. We compile the stats, so you can find the best fit for your organization.
11-06-06

RADIATION THERAPY

Breaking Ground in Brachytherapy
Keri Forsythe
A few decades ago, the thought of a one-week radiation treatment would have seemed highly unrealistic. But that was all before Martin Kiesch, MD, came onto the scene. Keisch has headed up a 10-year study that utilizes accelerated partial breast irradiation with MammoSite™ balloon brachytherapy to treat breast cancer patients after they have undergone standard lumpectomy or mastectomy. Read on to learn more about this groundbreaking technique and what it can mean for breast cancer patients.
01-09-06

Electronic Brachytherapy
Leah R. Troiano
A new technology called electronic brachytherapy holds potential to change the face of high dose rate brachytherapy and may change the way radiation therapy is provided.
02-27-06

Battling Secondary Cancers
April Ayala
This third-place winning entry in the Student category of the 2005 RT Image Writer's Competition examines secondary cancers and possible treatments, including intensity modulated radiation therapy.
03-27-06

A Hot Topic
Jane Kollmer
Recent studies are showing the effectiveness of a procedure called hyperthermia in conjunction with radiation therapy. This often-overlooked method of treatment greatly increases the effectiveness of radiation and has promising applications for the combined treatment of cancer. Find out why hyperthermia is giving patients with recurring cancer a second chance at life.
03-27-06

A Ray of Hope
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
It's a challenge that continually faces those who design cancer treatment: how to target a tumor with malignancy-killing impact, while doing as little damage as possible to the surrounding healthy issue. Learn about the promise of laser accelerated ion beam therapy and how this future treatment is casting a ray of hope for cancer patients.
05-01-06

Lymph Notables
Amy Storer
Lymphedema is a notoriously debilitating condition with no known cure. But there is hope in sight. Read on to learn about the early warning signs, possible prevention and innovative treatments offering a better way of living with lymphedema.
05-22-06

The Possibility to Predict
Bill Wine
The role of post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in the management of breast cancer was controversial when it was introduced more than 50 years ago. And, a half-century later, this practice continues to stymie cancer experts. Still, much research has demonstrated that PMRT results in a consistent relative risk reduction in local-regional recurrence after surgery. Learn how the possibility to predict breast cancer is shedding light on PMRT and breaking ground in the field of radiation therapy.
07-24-06

Treating Fire with Fire
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
Recent findings raise hopes that a combined treatment of radiation therapy with thermal ablation when treating early stage non-small cell lung cancer may double the life expectancy of patients, with indications that the therapies in synergy may have effects beyond their individual strengths.
10-02-06

Getting in "Sync": CyberKnife with Synchrony
Christopher J. Bachler
The CyberKnife System with Synchrony boasts the ability to "zap" tumors anywhere in the body, blasting lung tumors from all directions and delivering about 10 times the radiation levels that are typical of conventional radiotherapy.
10-09-06

Radiation Therapy News
Get the latest news from the radiation therapy industry.
10-09-06

Data Sheet ... Treatment Planning Systems
Which vendor's Treatment Planning System is the best fit for your facility? RT Image gathers the specs – you decide.
10-09-06

Setting It Straight
Carol L. Kornmehl, MD, FACRO
For the radiation therapist, here are a few questions you can expect to be asked by your patients before and during treatment.
10-09-06

PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Finding Peace from Hiroshima
Matthew N. Skoufalos
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Radiation Oncologist Ritsuko Komaki, MD, was literally born into the atomic age. When she was only an infant, her family watched an atomic bomb devastate their ancestral home in Hiroshima, Japan – exposing residents to lethal levels of radiation. Tragically, Komaki's childhood friend Sadako became a casualty of World War II and contracted leukemia as a result of radiation exposure. But young Sadako's death spurred something inside of Komaki: the desire to heal people with the technology that killed her friend.
03-13-06

Father Radiology
John Rhatigan
In John Rhatigan's family, radiologic technology is more than an occupation: It is a way of life. Learn how this man earned the nickname "Father Radiology."
04-17-06

Charting the Uncharted
Beverly Riley, CMD, RT(T)
Deciding to take a career leap is never an easy decision. As humans, we're often comfortable with the status quo and avoid change. Proton Therapy Dosimetrist Beverly Riley tells how she learned the value of charting uncharted territory.
04-17-06

Overcoming Obstacles
Keri Forsythe
Recent statistics indicate that approximately 20 percent of Americans live with disabilities. Ranging from mild to life-altering, disabilities affect these individuals differently. In light of this, two RTs share their inspiring stories of how they approached adversity in the workplace and remained optimistic during the most difficult circumstances.
06-05-06

From Iraq to the Arena
Tom Schaffner
In most of our articles, we cover the radiology professional from the hospital setting. In this cover story, RT Image looks at five individuals who use their medical imaging expertise to go beyond the hospital walls to help their patients. Encompassing an RT imaging U.S. soldiers in Iraq, a veterinary radiologist, an RT working in major league sports, a physical therapist and a forensic radiologist, these professionals demonstrate how radiology plays a role in many different aspects of life.
06-12-06

Shaping Success
Matthew N. Skoufalos
Since its spin-off as a quality management entity, Six Sigma has taken root in the minds of entrepreneurs, engineers, statisticians and private-sector trendsetters as a beacon of corporate philosophy. But now Six Sigma has its sights set on another sector: the healthcare setting. Learn how implementing Six Sigma ideology can greatly benefit your healthcare facility.
07-31-06

RT Image's Most Influential in Radiology
Keri Forsythe, Jane Kollmer, Tom Schaffner, Amy Storer and Christopher Ross
We read the studies. We scoured the Net. We interviewed, contemplated and debated. And then we debated some more. But most importantly, we asked our readers for their opinions. RT Image is proud to present the 2006 roster of radiology's most powerful people, institutions and organizations. Whether their influence comes in numbers or from the dedication of one, all those on our list demonstrate the drive, character and integrity that deserve the title, "Most Influential."
09-11-06

National Radiologic Technology Week
National Radiologic Technology Week™ was created by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to commemorate the discovery of the X-ray by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895 and recognize the dedicated professionals of the radiologic sciences. This year's theme is "Seeing More Than Meets the Eye." To celebrate the radiologic professionals who play such a vital role in healthcare, we've asked techs around the country to share their story on why they chose their profession.
11-06-06

REFURBISHED EQUIPMENT

Why Refurb?
Tom Schaffner
Experts in the refurbished radiology equipment marketplace sit down and discuss the advantages of purchasing refurbished equipment, what to look for before you buy, warranties and the burgeoning marketplace.
04-17-06

The Repair Man
Desiree Mitchell
John Znalezniak reflects on the trials and tribulations of bringing Infinum Technologies Corp. from a television-fixing hobby to an X-Ray consulting, design, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning services company.
07-31-06

Staying State-of-the-Art
Bill Wine
In all healthcare facilities, with some regularity, imaging equipment either becomes damaged, obsolete or needs to be replaced. Or, given the ever-changing technological landscape and the need for imaging departments to stay in the state-of-the-art status, it gets in the way of an upgrading plan. So, what's the best way to handle your unwanted equipment? Learn some helpful tips to ensure that your discarding process runs smoothly and efficiently.
09-18-06

REGIONAL FOCUS

Special Focus: Southeast Region
Beth Puliti
Nowhere else in the country can you walk along a gorgeous beach as the Atlantic Ocean laps at your feet, play a round of golf at the world-renowned Masters™ golf course, visit different cultures and countries at Walt Disney World and learn about the nation's past through the architecture and hospitality of small southern towns. Discover Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia and watch magnificent beauty and history unfold.
01-16-06

Special Focus: Mid-Atlantic Region
Karen Schubert
Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., make up the heartbeat of the East Coast. Some of the country's most important decisions are made in the nation's capital; New York City stands as the economic giant of the world; and Philadelphia is steeped in history, setting the backdrop for some of the most important steps toward freedom.
02-13-06

Special Focus: Southwest Region
Janine Kusza
Welcome to the Southwest, a part of America that is full of natural wonder and beauty. Whether you find yourself gasping at the awesomeness of the Grand Canyon, walking the sandy beaches of Texas, steeping yourself in Native American history or admiring the artwork of one of the nation's most influential artists, the Southwest will keep you enchanted.
03-13-06

Special Focus: North Central Region
Karen Schubert
Welcome to Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska – enchanting states seeped in American history. Whether touring a world-famous brewery, taking a journey along the Oregon Trail, shopping in the nation's largest mall or strolling down the bridges of Madison County, visitors will find the North Central region an invigorating atmosphere.
04-24-06

Special Focus: West Region
Karen Schubert
From stunning desert beauty to sun-drenched shores, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah prove that it truly is best in the West.
05-22-06

Special Focus: South Central
Karen Schubert
Southern charm abounds in the South Central states of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. From country to city and everywhere in between, this region offers surprises around every turn.
06-19-06

Special Focus: Mountain Region
Karen Schubert
From mountains to plains, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming tell the tale of outdoors America. Find out some of the little known niches these states have to offer.
07-24-06

Special Focus: Midwest Region
Karen Schubert
Visitors to the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin will be overwhelmed by their brilliant natural wonders, thrilling sporting events and breathtaking historical landmarks. From the land that brings us the nation's first McDonald's, freshwater beaches, the country's fastest speedway and year-round Christmas spirit, the heart of America never ceases to amaze.
09-18-06

Special Focus: New England Region
Karen Schubert
New England is a region that travelers return to again and again. Not only is it impossible to ever truly exhaust its options for recreation and exploration, but the changing kaleidoscope of its four distinct seasons paints each Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont destination in wonderfully different hues throughout the year.
10-02-06

Special Focus: Northwest Region
Karen Schubert
Whether it's bordering the Pacific Ocean or home to the tallest peak in the entire continent, the Northwest region of the United States has it all. Explore the rugged beauty of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Plenty of excitement and adventure awaits you.
11-20-06

STAFFING ISSUES

Examine | Staffing – Present Yourself
Desiree B. Mitchell
From the moment a potential hire walks into the door of your facility, they are getting a feel for the environment to decide if it's the right place for them to work. This is why employers should make a conscious effort to leave a lasting impression with them. RT Image discusses ways that hiring managers can improve their communication skills in order to find the right person for the job.
01-16-06

Feedback: Under Construction
Arin Greenwood
Managers and employees communicate on a daily basis; however, sometimes they experience meltdowns in communication, resulting in unclear expectations and disappointment in work performance. Learn ways in which you can confidently approach a coworker with constructive feedback.
01-16-06

Examine | Staffing: Operation Recruitment
Karen Hart, RN, BSN
Deep shortages of qualified healthcare professionals have made the landscape even more competitive for healthcare recruiters. Because of this, successful recruitment programs are increasingly vital and require the tenacious preparation of two components: a strategic recruitment plan and an annual recruitment and retention plan.
02-20-06

Examine | Staffing: Leading Those Left Behind
Janice Eurton, BA, RT(R)(M)
One of the most difficult situations a manager must deal with is the decision to downsize. First place winner in the Professional category of the 2005 RT Image Writing Competition Janice Eurton examines the aftereffects of downsizing on an organization's remaining employees.
03-20-06

Examine | Staffing: Job Boards
Scott Brown
Job boards are an important part of a comprehensive job search strategy. But, the trick is to use them effectively, which very few job seekers do. Job search expert Scott Brown shares some hot tips for job seekers looking to get responses.
04-17-06

Conversation with ... Jason Lander
Tom Schaffner
Jason Lander brings years of healthcare staffing industry experience to ShiftWise. As the company's founder and vice president of business development, Lander applied his industry knowledge to create ShiftWise's one-source vendor management service, which delivers automated staffing solutions to the healthcare industry. In this one-on-one session, Landers discusses Shiftwise's role in the ever-changing staffing industry.
04-24-06

Examine | Staffing: Promotion Precautions
T. Elaine GagnŽ, EdD, MCC
Good healthcare professionals are hard to find. Business consultant T. Elaine GagnŽ demonstrates how a good assessment process will give you more predictability and confidence in your promotion and job placement decisions.
05-17-06

The workplace bully might not be beating you up for your lunch money, but he is certainly out to make your life at work a nightmare. Second place winner in the Professional category of the 2005 RT Image Writing Competition JoAnna L. Perucco identifies what to expect when encountering a bully in the workplace.
06-12-06

A Conversation with ... Greg Coir
Tom Schaffner
Greg Coir, co-founder and president of Clinical One, a division of Vedior NA, discusses the staffing giant's specialized services, the power behind its recent acquisitions and an outlook on the allied healthcare staffing market.
06-19-06

Vital Conversations
Judith E. Glaser
The term "vital conversations" refers to the freedom to speak up about what's on your mind without fear of criticism. It addresses the level of openness that everyone yearns for at work, yet often finds challenging to create. Learn how your organization can reap a plethora of benefits from developing such an environment.
07-17-06

Data Sheet Staffing
Staffing is constantly on everyone's mind in the radiology industry – from technologists hoping to make the next step on the career ladder to the radiology director trying to keep the department fully staffed. RT Image compares 28 of the industry's top staffing and employment companies for you to decide who can best handle your career.
07-17-06

Examine | Staffing: Landing Your Next Job
Brad Karsh
Brad Karsh, president of JobBound.com, talks about 10 common mistakes potential hires make when going in for a job interview, and how to make sure they don't happen to you.
08-21-06

The Devil Wears Scrubs
Leah R. Troiano
If you have ever worked for an inept boss, then you understand how problematic that can be. You may have felt trapped, with few options. Many people opt to leave, hoping for a better work environment. But before throwing in the towel, RT Image suggests several effective ways to deal with a difficult boss.
08-21-06

Examine | Staffing: In the Mood for Work
Desiree Mitchell
Many studies have shown that negative moods and mood swings hinder employee performance on the job and at home. Job satisfaction is crucial for you and your technologists. In this segment of "Examine | Staffing," learn how to better control your mood and emotions so you can demonstrate positive mood management skills and techniques to your staff.
09-18-06

Digital Dirt
Ryan Ferrier
The current Internet craze, social networking sites serve to connect users by providing a forum for people to meet one another on the Web. But, for employers, they provide an increasingly popular way to screen potential job candidates. Learn how administrators are utilizing Web sites, such as MySpace.com, Facebook.com and Friendster.com, to dig up dirt on potential employees.
09-25-06

Examine | Staffing: Secrets to Successful Employee Retention
Jane Kollmer
Employee retention is an issue that is not addressed as much as it should be. Organizations often spend all of their time and resources recruiting new hires instead of focusing on implementing ways to keep their current employees around, which is much more cost-effective. Mastering employee retention is easy, once you read these commonsense tips from career experts.
10-16-06

Examine | Staffing: Revving up Rural Care
When radiologist William Portner saw one of his two other associates leave the practice at Western Maine Radiology at Stevens Memorial Hospital, he turned to teleradiology provider NightHawk Radiology Services to supply some relief to his caseload. Read how this service provided the optimal solution to a rural facility.
11-20-06

 
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

The Year Ahead
Vasileios Voultsinos, MD, Ersan Altun, MD, Richard Semelka, MD, Barbara Whitefield, BS, RT(R)(CV), Joyce Sensmeier, MS, RN, BC, CPHIMS, FHIMSS and Jane Kollmer
This past year was filled with exciting advances in the radiology field that set the pace for what lies ahead. As the year 2006 begins, RT Image explores the future of several hot topics in radiology. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover what the future holds for staffing, education, certification, radiation, MRI and multislice CT.
01-02-06

Case Study: The Science of Speech
Donald T. Fallati
Today, 35 radiologists throughout the Crozer-Keystone Health System's network are using Dictaphone PowerScribe™ speech recognition to dictate and self-complete more than 300,000 reports a year. Learn how your facility can also benefit from this state-of-the-art system.
01-09-06

The Art of Imaging
Matthew N. Skoufalos
Enter the incredible world of Anatomical Travelogue's Alexander Tsiaras, who blends photography and imaging technology to produce medical art that blows the mind, but more importantly, provides an education to the medical personnel who need to visualize the innermost workings of the human body in order to treat patients better.
01-16-06

Congregating for a Cure
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
In 2005, more than 10,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and nearly 4,000 died from this debilitating disease, according to data obtained from the American Cancer Society. While this cancer is not the most prevalent or publicized of diseases, it does have one unique characteristic: It is within our abilities to eliminate entirely. Learn how the non-profit, bi-partisan group Women in Government is fighting for a cure and the ultimate elimination of cervical cancer.
02-06-06

Proton Therapy
Leslie Henry Spencer
In this first-place winning entry of the 2005 RT Image Writer's Competition, the author explores the attributes and limitations of proton therapy as a treatment for cancer and other tumors.
02-27-06

Inside Immortality
Keri Forsythe, Jane Kollmer and Amy Storer
Dead bodies are storming major cities throughout the United States, and will be showcased at a museum near you. No, this is not the ploy of a major movie studio, in hopes of promoting the latest horror flick. These bodies are part of Gunther van Hagens' Body Worlds exhibit, which shows visitors something that most have never seen up close – the inside of the human body.
05-15-06

Alaska or Bust!
Matthew N. Skoufalos
Albert Swank Jr. is not your typical neighbor. This 55-year-old civil engineer has some members of his Anchorage, Alaska community up in arms over his mission to install a nuclear particle accelerator on his residential property. Read how – and why – he plans to make this happen, and the long road he has traveled to make this lifelong dream come true.
05-22-06

Dental Restoration
D. M. Lamontanaro, PhD
Whether you know it or not, dental implant technology is revolutionizing the art of dental restoration. In fact, dentists are now able to provide replacements for natural teeth, which are not salvageable due to extensive decay or damage. Learn how 3-D imaging is breaking ground in the field of dentistry.
06-19-06

Preparing for Reverse
Amy Storer
When it comes to breast cancer treatment, there is usually a standard sequence of events. First, a woman has surgery to remove the tumor. Then, if necessary, she has chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells in the body. But some experts suggest a role reversal. Learn how this seemingly backward method of treatment is providing breast cancer patients with a new alternative.
06-22-06

Searching for a Silent Killer
Donna Schratz
Imaging technology and its shortcomings/achievements weigh heavily in medical circle debates about whether cancer patients are occasionally being diagnosed and treated to their own detriment. While some physicians adhere to an aggressive plan of attack, others have adopted a "watch and wait" approach.
07-10-06

A Rheumatic Revolution
Things are very different for the rheumatoid arthritis patient today. Find out how different, as rheumatologist Arthur Kunath, MD, spans the past 100 years of the disease and sheds light on the imaging modalities that could help with a much earlier intervention in the future.
07-31-06

The Bomb Squad
Christopher J. Bachler
A new technology called "magnetoencephalography" is helping neurologists distinguish healthy from defective brain tissue in epileptic patients.
08-07-06

A Conversation with ... Heinrich Kolem, PhD
Jane Kollmer
In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Heinrich Kolem, PhD, the new president and CEO of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, with responsibility for sales and service of Siemens' healthcare business in the United States, including imaging, healthcare IT, consulting and service solutions, discusses the vision for his company in the medical imaging industry. He also speaks of the company's recent acquisitions and the biggest challenges Siemens expects to face moving forward.
09-04-06

RSNA Product Preview Section
With a plethora of vendors showcasing their newest technology and equipment for all modalities, the RSNA exhibit hall will be bustling with excitement. RT Image provides you this special sneak peek so you can navigate through the halls of McCormick Place. Learn what these vendors have in store this year.
11-13-06

A Conversation with ... Jon J. Snyder
Jon Snyder, vice president of marketing and sales at Imalux Corp., Cleveland, talks about the emergence of optical coherence tomography, and what it has to offer in clinical diagnostic and treatment procedures.
11-27-06

Code Red
Ryan Ferrier
In August, officials uncovered the terrorist plot to bomb nine different airplanes heading to the United States from the United Kingdom. Utilizing liquid bombs, these terrorists hoped to evade security by passing their cocktail-like concoctions through airport scanners; they then planned to detonate the bombs mid-flight. Learn how state-of-the-art imaging technology may soon play a key role in screening liquids for explosives – and combating terrorism.
12-11-06

News from RSNA 2006
If you missed the big RSNA show in Chicago, have no fear. RT Image was there, collecting breaking news that stands to change the face of radiology. From MRI and SPECT to ultrasound and PACS, big changes lie ahead.
12-11-06

TELERADIOLOGY

A Conversation with Frank Seidelmann, MD
Frank Seidelmann, MD, co-founder and CEO of Franklin & Seidelmann Subspecialty Radiology, discusses the issues facing subspecialty radiology, the factors that drive radiologists to subspecialize and the challenges that radiologists encounter today.
04-03-06

Gaining an Edge
Christine Boehm
Geodax Imaging operates several imaging centers that are located outside of major metropolitan areas, with procedure volume levels that are typical; yet they needed an "edge" to attract referring physicians who were sending patients to the competition. Find out how subspecialty radiology solved their problem.
07-17-06

ULTRASOUND

The Power of Sound
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, have begun researching a technique that could bring patients one step closer to an easier way to treat cancer, an ultrasound probe. And the effect it has on the vascular support system for a tumor may finally help bring about the happy ending many patients hope for.
01-23-06

Scanning Pains
Matthew N. Skoufalos
An increasing loss of sonographers due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders worsens an already existing shortage, affects productivity and negatively impacts patient care. Learn how to economically implement an ergonomic setup that keeps these in-demand sonographers – and their bodies – healthy and happy.
03-06-06

Data Sheet ... Ultrasound
Searching for a new ultrasound system for your facility? Then look no further. RT Image has assembled the stats on vendor's ultrasound offerings for you to check out. Compare these and our other product charts.
03-06-06

A Conversation with ... Gordon Parhar
Gordon Parhar, director, ultrasound business unit for Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc., discusses ultrasound's greatest achievements, its impact on patient care and the standardization of ultrasound exams.
05-01-06

A Conversation with ... Thomas Tomsick, MD
Tom Schaffner
Thomas Tomsick, MD, director of neuroradiology at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati's University Hospital, and co-principal investigator of Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) II Trial, discusses the significance of the trial and the use of a micro-infusion catheter and ultrasound technology in opening blocked brain arteries in patients with ischemic stroke.
05-15-06

Ultrasound-Guided Paracentesis
Laura Asbeil
Radiography student Laura Asbeil discusses how ultrasound helps radiology professionals locate fluid during paracentesis, which is a procedure involving the extraction of fluid found within the peritoneal cavity for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.
06-12-06

WORKSTATIONS

Data Sheet Ergonomic Workstations
Which vendor's ergonomic workstation is the best fit for your facility? RT Image gathers the product specifications from the leading manufacturers in the industry for you to compare.
12-04-06

X-Ray

Unlocking the Future of Radiography
Amy Storer
What "has always been done" or what was "learned in school" isn't cutting it anymore. Radiography hit the high road to intense advancement, but it's up to radiographers to strive to be involved in the discipline's progression. Several experts put their heads together to help you unlock the secrets of keeping pace with the future of radiography.
01-23-06

Proceed with Caution
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
A new study shows that, with patients carrying the breast cancer genes, less may be more when it comes to X-rays.
10-23-06