SMRT 18th Annual Meeting 
18-19 April 2009
Honolulu, Hawaii
The Program and Education Committees invite abstract submissions to be presented in oral and poster sessions at the SMRT 18th Annual Meeting “Evolution of MR Innovation.” Submissions will only be accepted from people practicing as MR Technologists, Radiographers or equivalent and must be their own original work that has not been previously presented or published.
 
The 18th Annual Meeting of the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists is being held 18 & 19 April 2009 in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. We think that you will agree, this location is the perfect backdrop for the 2009 meeting and its theme, “Evolution of MR Innovation.” We hope you are making plans to attend!
 
The Chairs of the SMRT Program and Education Committees are pleased to announce the “Call for Papers” for this meeting. The SMRT is committed to promoting the dissemination of information regarding current and emerging technological advances to our members. The SMRT has set a precedent around the world for providing quality educational opportunities for Magnetic Resonance Technologists and Radiographers. Previous program evaluations and suggestions were used to guide the content and speakers chosen for this meeting in an effort to provide a forum for education, information, and research. The program will include a variety of topics geared to enhance your knowledge in the field of Magnetic Resonance.
 
Important components of the meeting continue to be the Proffered Papers and Poster Presentations in the clinical and research focuses submitted by MR Technologists and Radiographers. The Friday evening Poster Walking Tour and Reception provides a pleasant way for attendees to interact while discussing innovative clinical applications and cutting edge research. Poster authors will be available to discuss their work and answer questions. This event provides an excellent opportunity for networking with MR professionals from around the globe!
 
The two-day annual meeting program schedule includes current, pertinent information that will be presented by leading, international MR professionals. The SMRT Business Meeting will be held prior to lunch on Saturday, and awards for the most outstanding papers and posters in the clinical and research focuses will be presented on Sunday. The SMRT welcomes all MR Technologists and Radiographers whether from a clinical, research, veterinary, or industrial setting to attend. The meeting is intended for those who wish to be active and get involved and for those that like to just sit back and take it all in.
 
In the Hawaiian Language, Honolulu means “place of shelter,” where the fresh air energizes you, the warm tranquil waters refresh you, and the breathtaking natural beauty renews you…There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. On the island of Oahu, nicknamed “the gathering place” cultures from the east fuse with the west, all rooted in the traditions and values of the native Hawaiians. You’ll enjoy lush mountainsides minutes away from the soaring cityscape. Trade in your suit & tie or scrubs for casual dress clothes and resort wear. Join us for a weekend of innovative education while enjoying Honolulu. Aloha!
 
2009 ABSTRACT SUBMISSION PROCESS
We wish to invite people practicing as MR Technologists, Radiographers or equivalent from around the world to submit abstracts for presentation in oral and poster sessions at the 18th Annual Meeting. The deadline for submitting abstracts is 7 January 2009. Abstracts must be submitted electronically via the ISMRM/SMRT Website: www.ismrm.org/smrt/09/sguide.htm. Detailed instructions will be posted on the website and abstracts must be submitted according to these instructions. Topics may describe innovative clinical applications or address novel research. The seven (7) top scoring oral abstracts will be selected for presentation and win awards All other accepted abstracts will be invited to present their work as a poster. If poster authors wish to have their poster judged for an award they must submit an electronic poster by 23 February 2009. Instructions for the electronic submission of posters are available on the website and must be followed explicitly for the successful handling of files. There will be examples of posters on the website for your reference. A small number of poster presenters will be selected to present orally at the SMRT Poster Walking Tour and Reception on Friday evening, 17 April 2009.
 
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Abstracts in the clinical focus must include sections on the background or purpose of the research, the teaching point, and a summary. Research abstracts should state the purpose of the research, outline the methods, summarize the results, and finally, discuss the conclusions from the results. All abstracts submitted by the author for Oral or Poster Presentation which meet the acceptance criteria after committee review may be displayed as a poster. After being reviewed and scored by the Education Committee, seven (7) of the abstracts submitted for Oral Presentation will be selected to receive a Proffered Paper Award. The remaining abstracts reviewed that meet the acceptance criteria may be submitted for scoring as a poster. In completing the request for address information on the abstract submission form, it is necessary that you list the presenter’s name, degree(s), preferred mailing address, e-mail, and telephone/fax numbers. The SMRT Abstract submission must be completed in its entirety or the submission will not be considered. Accepted abstracts will be published in the SMRT Annual Meeting Syllabus. Abstract Submission Withdrawal: Written requests for withdrawal must be received by 13 February 2009 at the ISMRM/SMRT office, 2030 Addison Street, Suite 700, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA.
 
PRESENTATION INFORMATION
The authors of the abstracts accepted for poster presentations are required to attend the SMRT Reception and Poster Walking Tour on Friday evening, 17 April 2009. The authors of abstracts accepted for oral presentations are required to present their paper at the scheduled day and time. All oral and poster presenters will receive detailed instructions and information pertaining to their presentations with their acceptance letters.
 
AWARDS
The President’s Award: The President’s Award was established to honor the most outstanding abstract submitted for the SMRT 18th Annual Meeting. The recipient of this award must present his or her work as an oral presentation. The honoree will receive an educational stipend in recognition of the presenter’s award-winning abstract at the SMRT 18th Annual Meeting. Other Awards: Additional awards will be presented to the next highest scored submitted abstracts. These awards are as follows: (1) Research Focus – Oral Presentation: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; (2) Research Focus – Poster Presentation: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; (3) Clinical Focus – Oral Presentation: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; (4) Clinical Focus – Poster Presentation: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.