State of the Central Chapter Technologist Section
I
am proud to inform that your technologist section of the Central Chapter
of the Society of Nuclear Medicine is very healthy. The areas we are excelling
in are membership, leadership and quality of scientific programs. We are
the largest chapter of all 13 chapters in the society with a robust 1475
members. We are ahead of the Southeastern Chapter by 184 members.
In March you elected a new Executive Council and you are represented by 8 very talented and energetic men and women who bring talent from all areas of the nuclear medicine community. We have a combination of talent from staff technologist, senior technologists, managers, educators, researcher, quality control and people who work in hospitals, clinics and sales. The advantage of having such a diverse representation is that your area with all of your special challenges is being represented and to make sure your point(s) of view are being heard.
I want to remind you that your board works for you and please support us with your ideas, concern, your wants and needs about any issues or topics that you want to have addressed. We are only as good as you want us to represent you at the chapter level and/or the National level.
Just brief reminder that the National governance meetings will be May 30 through June 2, 2007 in Washington, DC. Please plan to attend or convey your ideas, questions, concerns and/or wants to me, Lyn Mehlberg who is our National Council Representative or any member of the Executive Council. At the National governance meeting there will be representatives from the National Society level, leaders from all aspect of the Nuclear Medicine community and if you have an idea or a question that you want to have it addressed by the National leadership or scientific community please let us know so we can represent you and get it addressed and then an answer back to you.
The 2007 Annual Spring Scientific program was a variety of scientific papers and presentations. The topics covered were:
- The profession of nuclear medicine is transtioning from a functional to a molecular imaging modality; and what are the barriers to the transition.
- The latest in SPECT/CT and PET/CT protocols and procedures as well as the future advances in cameras, radiopharmaceuticals and software technology.
- SPECT/ CT and PET/CT reading with the experts.
- The potential of MIBG in nuclear cardiology.
- Recent changes in Coding and reimbursement of nuclear medicine procedures.
When we received the evaluations there was an overwhelming approval for the quality of the presentations and the speakers.
At the Central Chapter level we have some areas that I want to help improve for you and the membership so that we as the Central Chapter will continue to grow and thrive during these times of transition. The first is an increase of communication from the Central Chapter committees to you the membership. This will come in the form of emails, letters to your home, letters in the ammo boxes at work and reaching out to you in the form of phone contacts at work or home. The purpose of these contacts will be put in place a way to increase your awareness about new challenge(s) and/or to get your input about a program or initiative that the Central Chapter wants to improve on.
Please do not consider this to be intrusive but as a complimentary service and to know we are interested in your current and future issues and concerns. In addition we want you to know what we are doing for you and we want to know what you are thinking and feeling about a special issue(s), challenge(s), concern(s) or product(s) in the form of CE credits or informational gatherings.
The second area of improvement will be a new leadership development program for the Central Chapter. This program was originally designed and created by our own Lyn Mehlberg and was used at the National level to mentor new leaders. I am proud to have Lyn’s help and information on implementing this important program. The value in this program will continue to encourage new participation in many of our long-standing committees and/or to start new projects.
I feel that our members have a lot of talent and leadership and we want to foster their talent and to support them in becoming the true leaders they were meant to be. This will benefit them and then benefit the Central Chapter and possibly onto the National level. This program will support and develop members as new committee members or into leadership positions within the Central Chapter Technologist Section. The program is based on developing a mentorship between a new committee member and a leader who will provide information about what is expected and guidance on relevant issues and topics that the new member(s) will need to know in order to perform the project or task. The program will consist of special email contact, conference calls and special gatherings at the Central Chapter’s meeting(s). The program is designed to be informative, supportive, personal growth stretching and provide a social aspect.
We are looking for members NOW who are interested in this special and supportive challenge. Please contact me for more information at Paul_Reaume@comcast.net. Thank you for your help and assistance in helping the Central Chapter Technologist Section grow and thrive during these times of transition.
CCSNM 2007 Fall Educational Symposium to Be Held in Columbus, Ohio
After
two very successful Fall Educational Symposiums, the CCSNM Board of Governors
has authorized additional Fall meetings for 2007 and 2008.
The 2007 Fall Educational Symposium will be held Oct. 13-14, 2007 at The Columbus, a Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Mary A. Morgan, MS, CNMT, Program Coordinator, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Columbus State Community College in Columbus and Christopher Mitchell, CRA, CNMT, Manager, Medical Imaging, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton have volunteered to chair the program along with a nuclear medicine physician, yet to be named. The preliminary title for the program is “Multi-modality Imaging: Nuclear Medicine Progresses and Opens the Door to CT.”
As nuclear medicine transitions into molecular imaging and technology creates more useful tools for diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary for practitioners to step out of their comfort zone and forge into unfamiliar territories of multi-modality imaging. Although a bit overwhelming at times, and certainly imposing new challenges for all professionals in the field, multi-modality imaging needs to be revisited from a novice perspective: the images are great, but the theory has been left behind.
The 2007 Annual Fall Meeting seeks to provide insight into the basics of multi-modality imaging, while not forgetting where we came from and including some purebred nuclear medicine theories. This program will not only provide a starting point for the fusion of nuclear medicine with CT, but it will also allow us to enjoy our glory as the premier provider of functional data—and fusing anatomy is the future.
- Mammography and PET Mammography
- PET Imaging of Lymphoma
- CT Physics
- Contrast Agents: When, Why, How
- Clinical Aspects and F-18 FDG PET in the Evaluation of Dementia
- PET/CT Protocols
- Radiopharmaceutical Update
- Pulmonary Embolism: Is There a Role for both Ventilation/Perfusion Scanning and Chest CT Angiography?
- Diuretic Renography in the Pediatric Patient
- Prostascint update
- PET/CT case studies with audience response
Watch your mail, email and the Chapter’s web site, www.ccsnm.org for further announcements and registration.
Learn How to Protect Yourself from Liability in Medical Imaging at the April 2008 Central Chapter Spring Meeting
The Central Chapter’s Spring Meeting, scheduled for April 4-6, 2008 in Milwaukee, WI, is entitled Protecting Yourself from Liability in Medical Imaging: Providing Superior Patient Care, While Reducing Your Personal Risk.
- Have you been paying attention to the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals?
- How is your department adopting medication management standards? How about USP 797, national standards for the compounding of medications?
- Have you ever been trained on proper documentation and how to chart in the patient’s medical record?
- Have you ever considered the scope of practice of a NMT when learning a new skill?
- Have you ever considered purchasing additional medical liability insurance?
- Are you familiar with the dozens of federal statutes and regulations that impact medical imaging?
- Are you familiar with the Stark laws and anti-kickback legislation?
- Have you ever sought answers to a practice issue you are facing, but not sure where to turn to find answers?
If you are interested in learning more about these topics and more, then mark your calendars and plan on joining your colleagues at the 2008 Annual Spring Meeting of the Central Chapter, Society of Nuclear Medicine to be held April 4-6, 2008 in exciting downtown Milwaukee at the Intercontinental Hotel. Located in the heart of the theater district, the hotel is within walking distance of scores of restaurants, bars, clubs, and theaters to suit any taste.
This meeting is designed to provide participants a forum to understand the forces that are impacting the delivery of patient care; specifically how these forces impact medical imaging. Speakers with expertise in a variety of medical-legal, regulatory, and compliance topics will share what every member of the imaging team should know and understand about these hot topics. We will describe the current culture and share how these issues will impact you and your daily practice.
This interactive program is sure to provide physicians, technologists, pharmacists, scientists, nurses, managers, and administrators alike with insight into the standards, statues, and regulations that impact medical imaging. Learn how you can protect yourself from medical liability while providing superior patient care.
Mark your calendars! We look forward to seeing you in Milwaukee April 4–6, 2008!
Friday, April 4, 2008: Understanding the Current Culture and Impending Paradigm Shift in Medical Imaging
- Welcome by Program Chair and Co-chair, and brief remarks by CC President and CCTS President
- James Quinn Memorial Lecture: Historical Perspective. Focus on the transition we are currently facing and give incentive as to why should we all embrace this current paradigm shift.
- Understanding the Driving Forces in Medical Imaging
- Break in Exhibit Hall Protecting Yourself Against Medical and Civil Liability
- Medical and Civil Liability 101
- The Role of Informed and Written Consent in Medical Imaging
- Documentation and Charting 101
- Anatomy of a Lawsuit
- Panel Discussion on Medical Legal Issues in Medical Imaging
- Proffered Papers II
- Networking Reception
Saturday, April 5, 2008: Medication Management
- Mark Groch Memorial Lecture: Topic: Contrast Media (oral, rectal, and intrathecal IV: iodinated verses non-iodinated, describe osmolarity, bio-routing, contraindications, allergies, anaphylactoid verses anaphylaxis, and recommended pre-medication protocols.
- Adjunctive Medications in Medical Imaging
- USP 797 and It’s Impact on Practice of Nuclear Pharmacy
- Joint Commission Medication Management Standards
- Forum on Medication Management (JCAHO, pharmacist, imaging compliance, management)
- Presentation of Proffered Paper Awards and recognition of local Scholarship awardees (All presenters to get paper certificates) Additional Federal Considerations
- Federal Compliance Considerations: Stark, False Claims, HIPAA
- Installation of Officers and recognition of outgoing officers, with brief comments from new Presidents
- Impact of Energy Act of 2007 (NARM)
- OSHA regulations
Sunday, April 6, 2008: Implementing Quality Standards Into Your Practice
- National Patient Safety Goals
- Aseptic Technique and Sterile Precautions
- IAC Accreditation (ICANL)
- ACR Accreditation
- Meeting wrap-up
Renae Henkin: 1948-2006
Renae Henkin, former Executive Director of the Central Chapter, Society of Nuclear Medicine died on November 29, 2006 after a long battle with cancer.
Renae and her husband, Robert E. Henkin, MD, managed the Central Chapter starting in 1999, resigning at the end of 2003 to concentrate on an aggressive treatment to restore her health. The Chapter recognized Renae in 2005 by awarding her the inaugural presentation of the Steven M. Pinsky MD Distinguished Service Award or Gold Medal. This award honors individuals who have contributed greatly to nuclear medicine or the Central Chapter, much like Doctor Pinsky did during his career.
In presenting the award, then Chapter President Sue Weiss said Renae and her husband carried the Chapter through some difficult years. “Renae was not just the Executive Director of the Central Chapter; she was the Central Chapter, putting her heart and soul into the organization. She took the Chapter from disarray and falling membership to what it is today, once again a healthy organization. Renae went far above and beyond the call of duty to put the Chapter back into fiscal health and sometimes single handedly put programs together, when leadership could not spend time to do the work of the Chapter.”
Renae had worked for the Society of Nuclear Medicine at the national office prior to joining the Chapter and because of that, brought a considerable amount of expertise to her position as well as a good understanding of Nuclear Medicine. She became a strong advocate for nuclear medicine and the SNM chapters. In 1988 she married Doctor Henkin, who, at the time, was director of nuclear medicine at Loyola University Medical School, and moved to Chicago where she maintained her interest in nuclear medicine.
Linda E. Ketchum, a long time friend of Renae and former Editor of JNM Newsline wrote an In Memoriam for Renae for the January issue of JNM Newsline. Her husband, Doctor Robert Henkin suggests that since she believed so strongly in education and research that the most fitting memorial to her would be a donation to the SNM’s Education and Research Foundation. Both the Central Chapter and the Central Chapter Technologist Section have contributed $1,000 in Renae’s name to the Foundation.
Recap of Central Chapter’s 2007 Annual Spring Meeting in Chicago
The 2007 Annual Spring Meeting of the Central Chapter was held March 9-11, 2007 at the Feinberg Pavilion Conference Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Almost 200 attendees enjoyed the program entitled, Transitioning from Nuclear Medicine to Molecular Imaging: Are we really ready? Doctor Robert S. Hellman, MD, from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee served as the program chair with Gary L. Dillehay, MD and Nancy McDonald, from Northwestern in Chicago serving as co-chairs.
The 2007 Annual Spring Meeting was designed to share the trials and tribulations that the profession is facing as it experiences the exciting transition of nuclear medicine through molecular imaging.
The program included the following presentations:
Friday, March 9, 2007
Past—Overview of the Era of Bread and Butter Nuclear Medicine
7:30–8:30 am—Registration and Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Area
8:30–8:45 am—Introduction; Robert S. Hellman, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin
8:45–9:30 am—James Quinn Memorial Lecture: Imaging Pulmonary Emboli: The Present and The Future; Lawrence R. Goodman, MD; Medical College of Wisconsin
9:30–10:15 am—The Role of Nuclear Medicine in Endocrinology: Past, Present, Future; Milton D. Gross, MD; VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor
10:15–10:45 am—Break in Exhibit Area
10:45–11:15 am—Proffered Papers 1
11:15–12:00 pm—Bone Mineral Density: Clinical Practice; Mary E. Csuka, MD; Medical College of Wisconsin
12:00 pm–1:00 pm—Lunch on your Own
1:00–1:45 pm—Image Processing: The Core of Nuclear Cardiology; Scott M. Leonard, MS, CNMT; Northwestern University
1:45–2:15 pm—Proffered Papers II
2:15–3:00 pm—Update on Gamma Camera & Imaging Technology; James R. Halama, PhD; Loyola University Medical Center
3:00–3:30 pm—Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Area
3:30–4:30 pm—An Update: The Clinical Impact of SPECT-CT); John P. Seitz, MD; William Beaumont Hospitals
4:30–5:15 pm—SPECT/CT Read with experts; Donald R. Neumann, MD, PhD; Cleveland Clinic
5:15–6:30 pm—Networking Reception
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Present—Embracing the Era of Multimodality Imaging
7:30–8:00 am—Registration and Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Area
8:00–8:45 am—Mark Groch Memorial Lecture: Quality Control for PET/CT; William O’Brien-Penney, PhD; University of Chicago
8:45–9:45 am—PET/CT of Prostate Cancer/Breast Cancer: Beyond FDG Imaging; Farrokh Dehdashti, MD; Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology
9:45–10:15 am—Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Area
10:15–11:00 am—Update on Coding and Reimbursement; Gary L. Dillehay, MD;Northwestern University
11:00 am–11:45 pm—Is There a Place for Nuclear Medicine Professionals and Technologists Inside Radiology?; Martin P. Sandler, MD; Vanderbilt University Medical Center
12:00–1:45 pm—Business/Awards Lunch; SNM Update; Martin P. Sandler, MD, President, SNM; Scott Holbrook, President SNMTS
1:45–2:45 pm—PET/CT with FDG: Beyond the Basics; Daniel Appelbaum, MD; University of Chicago; and PET/CT with FDG: Normal Variants & Artifacts; D. Scott Holbrook, BS, CNMT, Precision Nuclear
2:45–3:15 pm—Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Area 3:15–4:00 pm—PET/CT Read With Experts; Mark Tann, MD; Indiana University Hospital
4:00–5:00 pm—New Imaging Technology and the Changing Role of Nuclear Cardiology; Thomas A. Holly, MD; Northwestern University
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Future—Anticipating the Transition to Molecular Imaging
7:30–8:00 am—Continental Breakfast
8:00–8:45 am—Emerging PET Radiopharmaceuticals and Biomarkers; Morand R. Piert, MD; University of Michigan Health System
8:45–9:30 am—Cardiac Imaging with MIBG; Mark I. Travin, MD; Albert Einstein College of Medicine
9:30–9:45 am—Refreshment Break
9:45–10:45 am—Neuroimaging: The Frontier of the Transition to Molecular Imaging; James M. Mountz, MD, PhD; UPMC Health System
10:45–11:45 am—Breast Imaging Revisited: New Approaches; Michael K. O’Connor, PhD; Mayo Clinic
11:45 am–12:00 pm—Wrap-Up and Closing Comments
Siemens Donates Audience Response System to Central Chapter
Siemens
Medical Solutions in Hoffman Estates, Illinois has donated an interactive
audience response system to the Central Chapter for use at the Chapter’s
educational meetings. The system, comprised of two receivers, 50 keypads
and the necessary software, is used as part of the popular “Read with
the Experts” sessions. In these sessions, the speaker offers a series
of case studies and then asks questions with multiple-choice answers. The
members of the audience can test their knowledge by pushing the button on
the keypad that corresponds to their answer. The speaker then provides the
correct answer and discusses the case in detail. The sessions are popular
because they demonstrate practical application of nuclear medicine.
Siemens loaned the equipment to the Chapter for three years prior to donating the equipment this year. The Central Chapter thanks Siemens for this donation.
New Chapter Officers and Directors Elected for 2007-2008
New
Officers and Directors for the Central Chapter for 2007-2008 were installed
at the 2007 Annual Spring Meeting in Chicago. Gary L. Dillehay, MD,
FACNP, from Northwestern University in Chicago is President, having
moved up from Vice President and President-Elect. He replaces 2006-2007 President
Helena R. Balon, MD from William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Davide
Bova, MD, from Loyola University Medical Center is the Vice President.
In that capacity, he also serves as the chair of the Program Committee.
The Vice Presidency is a two-year term, with the second year also taking
on the title of President-Elect to ultimately serve as President.
Robert
S. Hellman, MD, Director of Nuclear Medicine in the Department
of Radiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, was elected
to a second three-year term on the Board of Governors.
Newly
elected to the Board of Governors is Rick V. Hay, MD, from the
Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He replaces Manuel
L. Brown, MD from the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit who chose not to
run for re-election.
Robert T. Anger, Jr, MS, MPH from Clarian Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis is starting his second year as Secretary-Treasurer and has also taken on the title of President-Elect and will become president in 2008-2009.
The current roster of the Board of Governors and the Chapters representatives to the SNM House of Delegates is listed below:
President
Gary L. Dillehay, MD, FACNP
Department of Radiology
Division of Nuclear Medicine
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
Vice President/Program Chair
Davide Bova, MD
Assistant Professor, Stritch School of Medicine
Director, Diagnostic Radiology
Loyola University Medical Center
Maywood, Illinois
Secretary/Treasurer- President Elect
Robert T. Anger, Jr., MS, MPH, FACR
Medical Nuclear Physicist/Radiation Safety Officer
Department of Radiology Clarian Health
Methodist Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana
Elected Board of Governors
Rick V. Hay, PhD, MD, FAHA
Deputy Director for Clinical Programs
Director, Office of Translational Programs
Senior Scientific Investigator
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Robert S. Hellman, MD
Professor Department of Radiology
Nuclear Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Kastytis C. Karvelis, MD
Division of Nuclear Medicine
Department of Radiology
Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit, Michigan
Anthony M. Passalaqua, MD
President
The Imaging Center
Stowe, Ohio
Rebecca Sajdak, BA,CNMT
Computer Specialist
Loyola University Medical Center
Section on Nuclear Medicine
Maywood, Illinois
Michael W. Wilson, MD
Section of Nuclear Medicine
Department of Radiology
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Madison, Wisconsin
Gregory A. Wiseman, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology
Dept of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine
Mayo Medical College
Rochester, Minnesota
Mary Yeomans, CNMT
Nuclear Medicine Sales
Medi-Nuclear Corp.
Walled Lake, Michigan
Past Presidents on Board of Governors
Nicholas C. Friedman MD
Chief, Clinical Section
Hines VAMC
Nuclear Medicine
Hines, Illinois
Helena R. Balon, MD
William Beaumont Hospital
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Royal Oak, Michigan
Technologist Section Officers on Board of Governors
President
Paul J. Reaume, BS, ARRT, (R,N), CNMT
Staff Nuclear Technologist
St. John Macomb Hospital
Warren, Michigan
President Elect
Judith E. Kosegi, MS, CNMT
Program Director
Nuclear Medicine Technology Program
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana
SNM House of Delegates
Susan C. Weiss, CNMT, FSNMTS
Consultant
Associates in Medical Physics, LLC
Forest Lake, Minnesota
Lyn M. Mehlberg, BS, CNMT, FSNMTS
Regional Quality Improvement Coordinator
St. Luke’s Medical Center
Department of Imaging Services
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Technologist Section Installs New Officers
The Central Chapter Technologist Section has installed new officers and members of the Executive Council for 2007-2008. Paul Reaume from Warren, Michigan moved from President-Elect to President, replacing James Kritzman, from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Judith Kosegi from Indianapolis, Indiana was elected President-Elect while Aileen Carey from Chicago, Illinois was elected to a two-year term as Secretary. Nancy McDonald from Chicago will be finishing the second year of a two-year term as Treasurer and Lyn Mehlberg from Milwaukee, Wisconsin will be completing the second year of a two-year term as National Council of Representatives delegate.
In addition to the President and President-Elect serving as members of the Central Chapter’s Board of Governors, two other technologists are elected for three-year terms on the Board of Governors. Rebecca Sajdak from Maywood, Illinois is starting a three-year term, replacing Karen Martin from Columbus, Ohio while Mary Yeomans from Walled Lake, Michigan is in her second year of the three-year term.
The members of the 2007-2008 Executive Council are listed below:
President
Paul
J. Reaume, BS, ARRT, (R,N), CNMT
Staff Nuclear Technologist
St. John Macomb Hospital
Warren, Michigan
President Elect
Judith
E. Kosegi, MS, CNMT
Program Director
Nuclear Medicine Technology Program
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Secretary
Aileen M. Carey, MSc, CNMT
Manager, Nuclear Medicine
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
Treasurer
Nancy
A. McDonald, BS, CNMT
Program Director
School of Nuclear Medicine
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
Immediate Past President
James
N. Kritzman, BS, RT(N), CNMT
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
University of Michigan Hospital
Ann Arbor, Michigan
National Council Delegate
Lyn M.
Mehlberg, BS, CNMT, FSNMTS
Regional Quality Improvement Coordinator
St. Luke’s Medical Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Technologists on Board of Governors
Mary
Yeomans, CNMT
Nuclear Medicine Sales
Medi-Nuclear Corp.
Walled Lake, Michigan
Rebecca
Sajdak, BA, CNMT
Computer Specialist
Loyola University Medical Center
Maywood, Illinois
Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section National Council Delegate Report
Recently,
the SNM held it’s annual Midwinter Meeting-- this year meeting in San
Antonio, Texas. As with each of the two SNM meetings per year, the
leadership of the SNMTS and SNM meet prior to the kick off of the educational
sessions to accomplish the business of the society. I wish to share
with you an update of the discussions, decisions, and progress the leadership
is making to drive the profession.
SNMTS committee day was held on Thursday, beginning at 7:00 AM with the Scope of Practice Task Force meeting and ended with the Executive Board adjourning at 10:30 pm. In between, numerous committees and task forces met to move the agenda of the SNMTS forward.
A hot topic at many of these meetings was the Joint Commission Patient Safety Goals, particularly, the standards and goals pertaining to medication reconciliation and medication management, and specifically how these goals will impact the practice of nuclear medicine technology. Discussion pursued to how to position the SNMTS and its members in meeting these medication standards.
Much discussion surrounded the development of a crisper and more concise scope of practice document and formulating practice standards to guide our membership and regulators throughout the maze of questions surrounding current practice issues while better defining the profession. Other committee meetings discussed chapter’s ability to hold more successful meetings and meet the attendance verification requirements.
The educators discussed how to make Advanced Practice a reality, and how to move forward with the articulation plans in supporting the bacheloreate degree movement for nuclear medicine technology. As Dave Perry recently wrote in Uptake, “It is amazing to see such a diverse group of people from across the country join together twice a year and get such a considerable amount of work done in such short period of time.”
Friday morning began with an orientation for new members to the National Council of Representatives (NCOR), and then the NCOR meeting. Made up of representatives from each of the Chapters, as well as specialty groups including industry, management, students, emerging technologies, cardiology, and education, the NCOR is the representative body of the organization. Every one of these representatives has two primary duties of their office; to bring issues and information from their respective groups to the NCOR, and to bring information from the national level back to those they represent. As your National Council Delegate, it is my responsibility to act as the conduit for information to flow to the national organization and then to take the information from the national to the chapter. The first portion of the NCOR meeting provided members an opportunity to hear what is happening with the SNMTS. This included reports from the SNM staff, SNMTS officers, as well as from some related organizations such as the NMTCB and the ARRT.
During the NCOR meeting, the vision of the SNM in promoting the expanding role of molecular imaging in 21st century patient care could be witnessed in the various initiatives discussed by the SNM and SNMTS leadership. Expanding beyond the well established roles of nuclear medicine and, more recently, positron emission tomography, the SNM truly believes that our organization is in a unique position to provide education and professional support to those working in molecular imaging and therapy. Members of the NCOR were treated to a comprehensive review of the SNM’s molecular imaging “Bench to Bedside” campaign and its plans for the next several months.
The NCOR then spent some time discussing some of the issues brought forward by the delegates. One such issue involved the efforts to improve the attendance verification process at continuing education meetings. Another involved a rather lengthy discussion about how to improve meetings such as the one we were participating. All in all, it was a good and productive meeting.
As your National Council Delegate, my role is to represent you and your interests within the NCOR. If you have an issue or question regarding the SNM or your practice as a NMT, please feel free to contact me at lyn.mehlberg@aurora.org or 414 649 6919. Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving the SNMTS.
Two CCSNMTS Funded Scholarships Awarded
The
Education and Research Foundation of the SNM has awarded two $1,000 Paul
Cole Scholarships to technology students in the Central Chapter, funded
by the Central Chapter’s Technologist Section. The 2007 Scholarship
Winners are:
- Dennis Flood, Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
- John Williams, Triton College, Chicago, Illinois
This is the second year the Technologist Section has provided $2,000 in financial support for scholarships for students in the Central Chapter. The 2006 scholarship winners were Georgiena Stefanatos, Elmhurst College/Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Susie Zumbahlen, from the Central Chapter region, but a student at St. Louis University.
The Paul Cole Scholarship is named in memory of Paul Cole, CNMT, who served as President of the SNM Technologist Section (SNMTS) in 1986 and who was known as a champion of education for technologists.
To be eligible for the Paul Cole Scholarship, candidates must:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be enrolled or accepted in an institution accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT). The Award is open to students in associate, baccalaureate and certificate level programs.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) or B average in a nuclear medicine technology core curriculum
Other students in the Central Chapter receiving Paul Cole Scholarships in 2007 include:
- Emily Bindl, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI
- Vana Hansch, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, La Crosse, WI
- Kathleen Linehan, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
- Sarah Pyatt, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
- Brooke Whitcher, Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester, MN
- Lindsay Ferguson, The University of Findlay, Findlay, OH
- Bryce Bakkedahl, Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester, MN
- Kathy Carpenter, College of Dupage, Glen Ellyn, IL
- Ashley Munson, Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester, MN
- Sheela Shivraman, William Beaumont Nuclear Medicine Program, Royal Oak, MI
- Beth Tichelar, College of Dupage, Glen Ellyn, IL
Central Chapter Technologist Section Establishes Relationship with Health Occupation Students of America
A
year ago, the Central Chapter Technologist Section launched an outreach initiative
to promote careers in nuclear medicine technology in urban high schools.
As part of that initiative, we have been in contact with HOSA, the Health
Occupation Students of America. HOSA is a national student organization endorsed
by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education
(HSTE) Division of ACTE. HOSA’s two-fold mission is to promote career
opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of
quality health care to all people. HOSA’s goal is to encourage all
health occupations instructors and students to join and be actively involved
in the HSTE-HOSA Partnership.
I received an invitation from Jan Rittenhouse, the executive secretary for the Illinois HOSA organization, to attend their fall workshop in Decatur, IL, on Friday, Oct. 20, 2006. I attended meetings where speakers presented from various modalities and career fields. I also presented information to the teachers on the field of nuclear medicine and nuclear medicine technology.
HOSA is initiating on-line testing for their spring leadership conference competition where students compete in twelve areas of instruction. Part of the competition will be done on computers prior to the competition in order to free up time at the meeting to participate in symposiums.
HOSA was very excited about the Central Chapter Technologist Section’s interest in their organization and look forward to working with us.
2007 Fall Road Shows to Feature “CT and the Nuclear Medicine Technologist”
The Central Chapter Continuing Education Committee chaired by James Timpe
of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago is scheduling a series of
five Road Shows in 2007 with the title of CT and the Nuclear Medicine
Technologist. Dates are yet to be set, but the Road Shows should be
held in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. A Road Show
will not be held in Ohio as that will be the location for the 2007 Fall
Educational Symposium.
The 2007 Road Shows will include four one-hour topics including:
- CT-based Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- CT Instrumentation and Workflow
- CT Contrast Agents
- Creating the Dual Technologist
The last presentation will focus on applications of SPECT/CT, PET/CT, state licensure issues and recommended training.
Watch your mail, email and the ccsnm.org web site for further information.
Howard J. Dworkin, MD Receives Central Chapter’s Distinguished Service Award
Howard J. Dworkin, MD, long time director of the Nuclear Medicine Department at the William Beaumont Hospitals in Royal Oak, Michigan received the Distinguished Service Award or Gold Medal at the 2007 CCSNM Meeting in recognition to his dedicated service to organized nuclear medicine.
In 2005 the leadership of the Central Chapter decided to honor a Chapter member for exceptional service to the Chapter and to nuclear medicine with a Distinguished Service Award or Gold Medal. This award is named after Dr Steven Pinsky, past President of the Central Chapter and former Chairman of Radiology at the University of Illinois. Dr Pinsky passed away in 2004.
Dr. Dworkin graduated from Med School in Albany NY and trained as an internist in Rochester, NY followed by a nuclear medicine fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He briefly headed the Nuclear Medicine Department at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, before becoming the founding Director of the Nuclear Medicine Department at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI in 1969. He held this position for over 33 years.
Throughout his entire career, he has been active in many professional organizations. He held many offices, including Central Chapter President 1976-77, American College of Nuclear Physicians President in 1978-79, offices at SNM, including President in 1986-87. He was Chairman of ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education), and was actively involved at many other national Boards and organizations, including ABNM, ABMS, ACGME, JRCNMT, ACME, (where he is still active). He is a Fellow of the American College of Nuclear Physicians and American College of Physicians. Doctor Dworkin has always been a model professional society servant and an enthusiastic educator and a supportive mentor.
He was Program Director of the Nuclear Medicine residency and the School of Nuclear Medicine Technology at William Beaumont Hospital. He has been a true pioneer since the early days of NM and RIA laboratories. He built a 1st class department ‘from scratch’ and trained generations of nuclear physicians and technologists. He contributed numerous scientific articles and book chapters, as well. The Central Chapter Distinguished Service Award is a well-deserved honor for Dr Dworkin’s lifetime achievements and contributions to the field of nuclear medicine.
The 1st gold medal was given to Renae Henkin, past Executive Director of the Chapter, who passed away prematurely just a few months ago (see article elsewhere in this issue). The 2nd gold medal was given to Dr James J. Conway last year.
Northwestern and Indiana Students Win Best Student Papers
Students from Northwestern University and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis captured the best student paper prizes at the 2007 CCSNM Annual Meeting.
Kristen Leach, from Northwestern received the first prize of $200 for her presentation on “Evaluation of Radiation Attenuating Gloves in a Clinical Nuclear Medicine Department.”
Barbara Lazar, also from Northwestern received the second prize of $150 for her presentation, “Use of Obtaining Volume Measurements in SPECT to Determine Treatment Volume as Compared to Standard CT Techniques.”
The third prize of $100 was won by Erica Caluag, a student from IUPUI for her presentation, “Accuracy of 18F-FDG Dose Delivery to Patients in Positron Emission Tomography.”
The Technologist Section established the Best Student Paper Awards several years ago to encourage student participation in research and organized nuclear medicine.
CCSNM Mission Statement
Central Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine is an organization dedicated to the promotion of continued education in the art and science of nuclear medicine. Through regular meetings and scientific sessions, members from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and a portion of Ohio are provided the opportunity to not only review existing technology and methodologies, but also become familiar with newer techniques, equipment and radiopharmaceuticals and the evolving economic and regulatory issues. In this manner, the members are kept appraised of current changes in technology, its application and appropriate use, as well as the ‘business aspects’ of Nuclear Medicine.
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Editors
Physician Editor
Paresh Mahajan, MD
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Beaumont Hospitals
44201 Dequindre
Troy, MI 48085
Ph: 248-964-4419
Technologist Editor
Josie Corral
Technologist
Loyola University Medical Center
Section on Nuclear Medicine
2160 S. First Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153
Ph: 708-216-3777