“Despite the recession more UK radiographers than ever are justifying the journey to America for RSNA.”
This was the message from the Society’s CEO Richard Evans as he welcomed the first UK delegates to the SoR stand at this year’s Radiological Society North America.
Billed as ‘the world’s premier annual medical meeting’, the event typically hosts nearly 60,000 attendees and this year’s early figures show a 4% increase in registration compared with 2008. Among them, 200 UK radiographers made the 3963 mile journey to Chicago – the largest contingent to date.
Delegates could choose from six days of educational programmes, including 1750 scientific papers in 16 subspecialties from breast imaging; cardiac; molecular imaging; musculoskeletal; and nuclear medicine.
On the exhibition floor, 706 technical exhibits occupied 456,525 square feet, alongside a host of educational stands, including that of the SoR.
The SoR has an important role to play at RSNA; not only can the organisation be on hand for members arriving from the UK, but it is one of the best ways to support industry partners and keep up-to-date with the latest advances and technical developments.
It is also, says Richard, “an unrivalled opportunity” to meet colleagues from around the world who are interested in the development of the radiographer role that is being led from the UK. “Talking to people face-to-face helps raise awareness, even if it is through casual enquiry,” he said.
On the programme for the first time this year was a new stream of symposia for radiological technologists – the US equivalent of radiographers. Speaking about opportunities for role development was the SoR’s director of professional policy Professor Audrey Paterson – who supported the introduction of this series of events – and Richard Price, editor-in-chief of Radiography.
