The Future of MRI: Advances in Technology, Applications, Education &
Accessibility
ISMRT Education Session
ORGANIZERS: Shawna
Farquharson, Krista Runge
Sunday, 11 May 2025
Session Number: ISMRT-10
No CME/CE Credit
Session Number:
ISMRT-10
Overview
Improving access to education in low-resource settings: This
presentation outlines the framework of a sustainable educational
initiative aimed at empowering local radiography leaders in underserved
regions, particularly across Africa. The program utilizes distance
learning, mentorship, and simulation tools to address the gap in MRI
education in low- and middle-income countries. While MRI equipment is
becoming more accessible in these areas, proper training often lags
behind, which can lead to safety and operational issues. The initiative
employs a structured approach with online masterclasses in MRI physics
and safety, interactive discussions led by regional chapters, and
simulation-based training using licensed software. This allows students
to engage in virtual practice with real-time mentorship and feedback.
Ongoing evaluation and improvements are a central part of the program,
with regular reviews of student progress and technical challenges to
ensure continuous development and sustainability.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (cMRF)
MRI is unique among imaging modalities because MRI signals can be
sensitive to many different tissue properties, some of which change in
the presence of disease. MR images are typically weighted by one (or
more) tissue properties (i.e. T1-weighted, T2-weighted,
diffusion-weighted, etc), but it is also possible to collect maps of
these tissue properties, although these mapping sequences tend to be
more time-consuming than weighted imaging. With recent advances in
computational speed and MRI hardware, methods have been developed to
measure multiple tissue properties efficiently and simultaneously;
Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) is one such technique. In this
presentation, the basics of MRF and the variants which can be used for
cardiac tissue property mapping (cardiac MRF) will be described, and
cardiac applications will be discussed.
Target Audience
Radiologists, Technologists and Industry Partners.
Educational Objectives
As a result of attending this course, participants should be able to:
• Understand how distance learning and simulation tools can bridge the
education gap in MRI training for underserved regions;
• Recognize the role of mentorship and structured feedback in developing
local leadership and sustainable knowledge transfer in radiography;
• Identify strategies for implementing and evaluating simulation-based
training programs in environments with limited MRI access;
• Gain a greater understanding of accessible ultra-low and low-field MRI
technology, along with an insight into the future of this exciting
field; and
• Describe the unique features of MRF compared to traditional tissue
property mapping techniques and why these features may be advantageous
in clinical practice.
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15:30 |
|
Improving Access to Education in Low Resources Settings:
Experiences & Perspectives from the ISMRT Future Leaders Program
Vera Kimbrell
Impact:
The ISMRT Future Leaders Program addresses urgent needs for
sustainable MRI education in low- and middle-income
countries (LMICs), where access to imaging technology often
outpaces the availability of trained personnel. Mentorship,
distance learning, and simulation are core principles.
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16:00 |
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Advancing MRI in Practice Using Simulation Technology: An
Industry Perspective of The Challenges & Opportunities
Enrique Martinez
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16:30 |
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Accessible MRI: The Past, The Present & Future of LF & ULF
TBD
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17:00 |
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Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting
Nicole Seiberlich
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17:30 |
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Session Q&A
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18:00 |
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Closing Remarks from 2025-2026 President |
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