Healthcare technology has grown at a rate few people could have predicted in years past.  It seems logical then, that this technology would spill over into other fields like veterinary medicine.  MRI is a great example of this technology.  Widely available since the 1980’s MRI, is an outstanding diagnostic tool for humans.  Its use in Veterinary Medicine, however, is a newer development.  Performed sporadically late at night in hospitals and imaging centers across the country, it is only in the last few years that MRI has evolved into a primary veterinary diagnostic tool.  As with any new application of existing technology, there is a steep learning curve.  This is especially true in veterinary medicine where species specific anatomical and physiological traits are common as are the usual range of normal variants.   In addition, the nearly 100 percent anesthesia requirements make veterinary MRI a challenging field for technologists.

One of the best ways to ensure professional growth in any new industry is through networkingwith professional peers at similar facilities.  In the early 1990’s, the MRI Technologist Listserve was founded and MRI technologists across the world were united.  In the years since, subchapters have been added for Cardiac MRI and MRI Nursing makingthe ISMRM/SMRT listserve the primary forum for communication between technologists worldwide.  Today we are pleased to continue that trend and announce the formation of a new chapter for all those involved in Veterinary MRI.  The Veterinary Forum will be a resource for Veterinarians, Vet Techs, and MRI Technologists to discuss the complexities of veterinary MRI.  By collaborating with peers and sharing ideas we can make great progress in furthering the field.  Please spread the word to your peers who are working in this developing filed and encourage them to join.

We look forward to learning together.

John Posh, R.T.,(R)(MR)

Amy Basatemur, R.T.,(R)(MR)

A list server is a simple system that allows persons with like or similar interests to actively communicate with one another via e-mail. There is no cost other than having an e-mail account. There are thousands of lists available that reach across all walks of life and ranges of interest. Many are "open" to anyone interested, and there are no requirements to provide information prior to joining. Others are "closed" and require specific information to be eligible to join, and the subscriber can be removed from the list by the list owner at any time.  The list server works by distributing all messages sent to it to all subscribers of the list. Responses can be made back directly to the specific person who posed the questions, or to the whole list allowing everyone to benefit from the answers.

To subscribe to the Veterinary MRI List Server, just fill out the online form.  Be sure to fill out the form completely to ensure placement on the list serve.  We require information regarding your place of employment and contact information, especially if you are attempting to join using an e-mail account which is not part of a corporate domain.  Please allow two weeks for processing.  Vendors are not discouraged from joining, but are required to follow additional rules such as NO solicitations allowed for services, products, etc. Failure to follow the rules means immediate cancellation of membership.