The Society of Radiographers was well represented at the 111th Radiological Society of North America Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, with CEO Richard Evans and Diagnostic Radiographer Rosemary James presenting at the prestigious event.
Also in the SoR delegation were SoR president Katie Thompson, director of professional policy Charlotte Beardmore and professional officer Sue Johnson.
Taking place this year from 30 November- 3 December, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual gathering brings radiology professionals together to network and learn more about the radiologic sciences. It takes place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, each year.
Mr Evans presented on Monday 1 December in a session called ‘global radiography leaders vision for the future’, which was sponsored by the RSNA Associated Sciences Consortium. Ms James then presented on Wednesday 3 December, at a session called ‘multidisciplinary osteoporosis care and the radiographer’s role in fracture liaison services’. This session was part of the SoR partnership with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the counterpart professional body in the USA.
An incredible experience
During her presentation, Ms James spoke about the impact of fragility fractures and osteoporosis, and how radiology is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. She also explained the fracture liaison services model and outlined the technology that can diagnose osteoporosis.
A lead DEXA radiographer at Musgrove Park Hospital in Somerset, Ms James is also a fracture liaison service practitioner. She said that being invited to speak at the conference was an honour, and added that the reception to her presentation was very positive.
“It was an incredible experience,” she said. “I was extremely honoured to have been asked to speak on this really important topic, and I was nervous as I didn’t want to let anyone down at such a huge conference, but everyone was really welcoming and encouraging.”
“I got some lovely feedback that people found this to be a really interesting topic. The questions I received suggested that people are really interested in early diagnosis and how this can be integrated into different healthcare systems.”
Global outreach
SoR executive director for professional policy Charlotte Beardmore (second from left) and president Katie Thompson (third from left) visiting the RAD-Aid stand during RSNA
Other organisations exhibiting at the RSNA conference included RAD-Aid, a non-profit organisation that advances radiology healthcare in underserved countries. RAD-Aid has a fellowship in conjunction with the SoR that enables radiographers to work on short term projects in underserved countries.Diagnostic Radiographers, Therapeutic Radiographers and imaging technologists are all eligible to apply to register with RAD-Aid. When a suitable project is identified, the SoR member is supported with funds from the College of Radiographers to undertake the placement. More information is available here.