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SMRT Press Releases

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30 January 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Parshy Phillips, ISMRM
Phone: 510-841-1899
Email: parshy@ismrm.org

International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (ISMRT) Announces 2024 President-Elect, Governing Board and Award

[Concord, 1.30.24] – The International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (ISMRT), a distinguished section of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), is pleased to announce the results of its recent elections, showcasing the collective commitment of its membership to excellence in the field of magnetic resonance.

President-Elect: Adam D. Scotson, B.Sc., PG.Cert. MRI

We extend our congratulations to Adam D. Scotson, B.Sc., PG.Cert. MRI, who has been elected as the incoming President-Elect by the membership. Mr. Scotson’s election reflects the trust and confidence that our members place in his leadership abilities and dedication to the society’s mission.

Crues-Kressel Award Recipient: Donald W. McRobbie, Ph.D.

The society is proud to recognize Donald W. McRobbie, Ph.D., as the recipient of the esteemed Crues-Kressel Award. This award, determined by the votes of our members, highlights Dr. McRobbie’s outstanding contributions to the advancement of magnetic resonance radiography and technology.

Newly Elected Governing Board Members:

The International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists is pleased to introduce the newly elected Governing Board Members, all chosen by the votes of our esteemed membership:

  • Maila Hughes, M.MRT
  • Anna-Maria Lydon, B.H.Sc., PG.Dip.(DCR)(R)
  • Kristina M. Pelkola, B.Sc., R.T.(R)(MR)
  • Vi Phan, R.T.(R)(CT)(MR) MRSO

These individuals have been elected based on their demonstrated commitment to advancing the practice of MR radiography and technology, and we look forward to their valuable contributions to the society’s continued success.

The International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists expresses gratitude to all members who participated in the election process, contributing to the vibrant and democratic nature of our organization.

About ISMRT:
The International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists, a section of the ISMRM, is dedicated to fostering collaboration, education, and advancement in the field of magnetic resonance radiography and technology on a global scale. For more information, visit www.ismrm.org/smrt.

About ISMRM:
The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine is an international, nonprofit, scientific association whose purpose is to promote communication, research, development, and applications in the field of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology and other related topics and to develop and provide channels and facilities for continuing education in the field. Its multidisciplinary membership of over 9,000 consists of clinicians, physicists, engineers, biochemists, and technologists. In addition to its large scientific meetings, the Society holds workshops and publishes two journals, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and a virtual newsletter, MR Pulse. It also sponsors 34 study groups on specific areas of scientific interest and chapters based on geographical location.

To find out more about the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), please call +1 510-841-1899, Fax +1 510-841-2340, or visit our website at www.ismrm.org.

ISMRM, One Concord Center, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 620, Concord, CA 94520 USA

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14 May 2021

Dr. Thomas Grist, Chair of Radiology at UW-Madison, to give the SMRT President’s Lecture
By Walter Block, Ph.D.

In a pivotal scene in the movie “Ford vs Ferrari”, Matt Damon’s character Carroll Shelby takes Ford CEO Henry Ford II out for terrifying test drive in Ford’s new racing prototype. Damon’s hairpin turns and high-speed driving convince Ford II how important the driver is in pulling out the performance that Ford designers and engineers built into the car. The impact of high performing teams driving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners will be detailed at the upcoming joint meeting of the Society of Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT) and the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) on Sunday, May 16. SMRT President Nancy Hill Beluk has asked Dr. Thomas Grist, Chair of Radiology at UW-Madison, to give the invited President’s Lecture. She’s asked him to tell the story of how some of the first vascular imaging technology was test-driven and refined into a clinical imaging product thirty years ago. As former technologist and applications specialist at GE Healthcare, Hill Beluk was front and center in making vascular imaging work from the user’s perspective. She has long advocated for the impact that continuous technologist training and partnership can have on an organization’s productivity.

“Obviously having high quality MR scanners is necessary to provide a high-quality radiology service,” states Grist. “But I don’t know if the general public appreciates how much of the overall quality is derived from teamwork between the MR technologists and the radiologists. The complexity of MRI requires this teamwork to reliably get the power out of these incredible machines.” After his talk entitled, “Go with the Flow: Lessons Learned About the Importance of Radiologist-Technologist Teamwork in the Development of MRA,” Hill Beluk will join Grist, along with former Chair of Radiology at UW Dr. Pat Turski, technologists Kathy Robichaud , medical physcisict Frank Korosec, and engineer Wally Block in a panel discussion. “The path from basic gradient-recalled pulse sequences to a clinical vascular imaging product was exciting and fun, with some expected hiccups and some entirely unexpected ones”, noted Hill Beluk. “I think the story will provide insights into how utilizing the experience of technologists is even more necessary in the rapidly-changing world of MRI today.”

The lecture is part of an ongoing and expanding effort to tailor the joint ISMRM/SMRT meeting towards practicing radiologists. Initiatives like the Breast MRI Meeting within a Meeting and the SMRT educational ventures are designed to allow radiologists to pull value relevant to their practice out of the meeting in a condensed timeframe that fits within their clinical schedules.

11 March 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: ISMRM
Phone: 510-841-1899
Email: press@ismrm.org

International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Reschedules 2020 Annual Meeting and Destination to 08-13 August 2020, Paris, France.

CONCORD, CA, USA, MARCH 2020

After much discussion on the global impact the coronavirus disease COVID-19 is continuing to have as well as daily reporting from the WHO and the CDC, the ISMRM Board of Trustees has rescheduled the ISMRM and SMRT 2020 Annual Meetings previously planned for Sydney, Australia.

ISMRM President, Larry Wald and SMRT President, Shawna Farquharson announced, “Due to the rapidly unfurling repercussions of the coronavirus epidemics, the Board of Trustees met and decided to delay this year’s annual meeting. Given the limited alternatives available at the ICC Sydney over the months in which postponement is an option, we have made arrangements to hold the meeting in Paris at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on 08-13 August.

“As you know, after stabilizing in China, the coronavirus epidemics have progressed worldwide, where they appear poised to peak sometime in April. While Sydney remains a relatively safe location, many of our members’ institutions have instituted no-travel policies in order to slow the spread of disease and protect their staff and patients. In addition, Australia’s entry ban for members coming from China and Korea remain, and even those not under government or institutional travel bans have an understandable reluctance to travel at this time.

“However, our problem is broader than travel restrictions and Sydney; it is the public health issue of gathering 6,000 international visitors to a conference in April. Taken together, the Board felt postponement is the only reasonable option at this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter and hope to see you in Paris.”

All ISMRM and SMRT exhibitors will be contacted directly by our Meetings Department with further information. If you have already registered for our meeting, your registration will automatically be transferred to Paris. If you need to cancel your registration, you will be provided a full refund. We are working closely with CHM (the official housing management company) to ensure that all hotel refunds will be made. If you have already booked your airline ticket, please work with your carrier directly as all airlines have their own cancellation and refund policies. Please read our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) document located on our website for further details.

About ISMRM:
The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine is an international, nonprofit, scientific association whose purpose is to promote communication, research, development, and applications in the field of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology and other related topics and to develop and provide channels and facilities for continuing education in the field. Its multidisciplinary membership of over 9,000 consists of clinicians, physicists, engineers, biochemists, technologists and industry professionals. In addition to its large scientific meetings, the Society holds workshops and publishes two journals, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It also sponsors 28 study groups on specific areas of scientific interest and chapters based on geographical location.

To find out more about the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), please call +1 510-841-1899, Fax +1 510-841-2340, or visit our website at www.ismrm.org.

ISMRM, One Concord Center, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 620, Concord, CA 94520 USA

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04 June 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: ISMRM
Phone: 510-841-1899
Email: press@ismrm.org

SMRT PASSES THE GAVEL TO NEW PRESIDENT SHAWNA FARQUHARSON, M.SC.(R)., IN MONTRÉAL, QC, CANADA.

CONCORD, CA, USA, June 2019 – The Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), a Section of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) has appointed Shawna Farquharson, M.Sc.(R), as its new President of SMRT at the conclusion of their 2019 Annual Meeting in Montréal, QC, Canada. Shawna currently is the Chief Research Radiographer at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.

“First, I would like to say that I feel extremely honored and humbled to have been elected as President of the most important organization for MRI Radiographers and Technologists around the globe. I see it as an opportunity to both give back to all those that have supported and mentored me throughout my career, and to pay it forward to those who will become the future leaders of our profession,” said Shawna.

As president for the 2019-2020 term, Shawna will continue to empower MR Radiographers and Technologists around the world through SMRT educational offerings to actively bridge the gap between scientific advances and clinical translation. Shawna stated, “I believe as Radiographers & Technologists we are uniquely positioned to help facilitate this, as we often have both the technical and clinical knowledge within our individual areas of expertise. I am privileged to be serving alongside the esteemed ISMRM President Prof. Lawrence Wald, who also advocates strong collaborations between the ISMRM & SMRT and believes in the importance of fostering collaborations between Ph.D.’s, M.D.’s, MRI Radiographers and Technologists. This year, the SMRT will continue to strengthen its alignment with the ISMRM because we share the common interest of the ongoing translation of scientific advances to improve patient care.

Improving patient care is ultimately the reason why so many MRI Radiographers and Technologists around the world are so passionate about our profession. And this is why we are so personally invested and committed to our ongoing professional education. With this in mind, the priority objectives for my term as President will include:

  • Establishing a monthly ‘Virtual Meeting Education Program’ which will be freely available to SMRT members – and will include live presentations given by MR experts focusing on a wide range of MR topics
  • Developing ‘Online Education Packages’ specifically for our SMRT members to improve global access to advanced education and training programs
  • Increasing support and identifying opportunities for local educational meetings, by implementing an SMRT National Chapter & Division organizational structure which has been designed to help grow our SMRT membership in all regions around the globe

As President, I am privileged to be in the position of helping steer the SMRT organization in to the next decade whilst preparing the organization for the challenges ahead. I am fortunate to embark on this challenge with the support of an extremely strong leadership team and Policy Board – for which I am already grateful. I will be continuing to work closely with the SMRT Past President – Chris Kokkinos, the SMRT President Elect – Nancy Beluk, and the SMRT Associate Executive Director – Kerry Crockett, to ensure there is continuity and strong leadership whilst we develop and transition to our new strategic plan.”

About SMRT:

The Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), a Section of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) is the leading non-profit organization that provides an international forum for education, information and research in magnetic resonance for radiographers and technologists throughout the world.

The SMRT was established by technologists, clinicians and scientists of the ISMRM as a forum for radiographers and technologists to share their expertise and educational resources, with a common goal of improving healthcare for people worldwide.

To find out more about the Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), please call +1 925-825-SMRT (7678), Fax +1 510-841-2340, or visit our website at www.smrt.org.

SMRT, One Concord Center, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 620, Concord, CA 94520 USA

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12 February 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: ISMRM
Phone: 510-841-1899
Email: press@ismrm.org

TWO PEOPLE, ONE PASSION: A JOINT Q & A WITH ISMRM PRESIDENT PIA C. MALY SUNDGREN M.D., PH.D., AND SMRT PRESIDENT CHRIS KOKKINOS, B.APPL.SC., PG.CERT.(MRI).

CONCORD, CA, USA, February 2019

I recently spoke with both society presidents to discuss their passion for and interest in magnetic resonance (MR) and to get a sense of a day in the life for both.

1. Why did you choose MR as a focus in your career path?

Pia: I was very fortunate to be at a department of radiology that had an MR scanner installed quite early. As my field is neuroradiology, an area that was very suitable for investigations with MR very early on, it was not hard to be triggered and excited about what MR could show. Also, I had great senior faculty with the interest and a fabulous group of MR physicists in Lund, so for me it was a natural choice to focus on MR neuroimaging.

Chris Kokkinos (top right) and family.

Chris Kokkinos (top right) and family.

Chris: Early in my career as a radiographer, although I had gained experience in various imaging modalities, it was always MRI that I had a keen interest in specializing in. Perhaps this was because it was a relatively new and evolving modality at the time and I could see the scope it had to continue to develop. This meant that it would keep me interested while ensuring I would have the opportunity to continue to learn and develop. I loved that the principles and physics of magnetic resonance could be utilized on the fly by the radiographer/technologist to modify imaging parameters that influence the weighting and the quality of the resultant image.

The opportunity to work in a field where different professionals and specialists work collaboratively was also appealing, as was the ability to work directly with patients. Many patients can find the experience of undergoing an MRI examination quite intimidating, and I have always found patient care to be an essential and enjoyable part of the job.

2. What does a typical work day look like for you?

Pia: As the academic head of my department since 2009 and also now recently co-director for Lund Bioimaging Center, a lot of my time is spent on administration, grant writing, teaching medical students and supervising my 4 Ph.D. students, who all are involved in different projects related to MR of the brain. In addition, as I am a frequently invited lecturer, I am frequently preparing for these lectures by reading and updating myself on the latest advances. I do not only do this for lectures but my pleasure and for my research. I only work clinically 1 day a week. I love reading and discovering new exciting cases, and I love the clinical conferences where I interact with clinical pediatric neurologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, and oncologists. I always learn something new from them and can bring some insights to the images to my clinical colleagues.

As part of my research, I have daily interactions with our great MR technicians, and I am always closely collaborating with a great team of MR physicists. Both groups are essential not only for the research but also for our clinical work. Especially the close collaboration with the MR physicists, it is crucial for the research I do. However, without the great MR technicians that are performing our research studies, it would not work. In addition, much of research I do with my Ph.D. students are on patients. I have the possibility to interact with neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and pediatric neurologists as well as with rheumatologists as they are co-partners in several projects.

Chris: My role as an operations manager at Epworth, a large private hospital in Melbourne, sees me managing staff from various specialty groups across many imaging modalities. At my facility, we image a mix of inpatients, outpatients and patients that present through the hospital’s emergency department. It is rewarding to find that I can still use many of the workflows and processes that I had fine-tuned as a manager in MR over the years to help improve efficiencies in the other modalities which I now have oversight of. My job keeps me constantly engaged, and I enjoy the problem solving and the daily interactions I have with radiologists, radiographers, nursing staff, and our administration team, as well as researchers, physicists, and engineers. MRI, and medical imaging as a whole, is unique because so many groups must work collaboratively to achieve the best outcome for our patients.

3. What does a great partnership look like in your facility and how does trust play a role?

Pia: I think the close collaboration or partnership between the MR technicians are essential and trust is crucial to make sure that you get the best results regarding images regardless if for clinical purpose or for research. I believe the same goes for the MR technicians towards me. They need to trust my faculty colleagues and me and to believe in what we want to achieve together. Personally, I have limited collaboration with the industry, but that is by choice just to make sure I have no conflict of interest. However, I collaborate a lot with colleagues and MR physicists that have connections and partnerships with the industry, and I think that is great and beneficial for all parts and something that I promote.

Chris: Any great partnership requires a shared common vision and purpose. Working collaboratively with colleagues and peers from different specialty-groups and professions is integral to the success of an MRI department. Building trust and openness while always recognizing the value and contribution of all employees is crucial.

At our facility, the radiologists, radiographers/technologists, nurses, administration team and physicists all work collaboratively to ensure that our department runs efficiently and that the patient experience and outcome is second to none. We also work closely with our research partners and vendors to realize our goals. In my opinion, a strong working relationship between the MR radiographer/technologist and MR radiologist is crucial. The radiographer/technologist must understand what it is the radiologist requires for diagnosis and must have the ability and skills to work autonomously to achieve a quality scan that will enable a diagnosis to be made. In a great partnership, the radiologist will trust in the abilities of their radiographer/technologist to perform the most suitable scan for every patient based on the clinical indication provided.

4. What is your favorite part about your job?

Pia: The fruitful discussions with brilliant colleagues, reading interesting cases and watching my Ph.D. students grow and become independent. If you ask me what I do not like, it is the boring meetings that just generate new meetings and the sometimes ridiculous administration that you have to spend time on—as well as to have to fight for the value of research in a clinical environment.

Chris: The people! I enjoy interacting and engaging with staff on all different levels of the organization and across all imaging modalities. Working with a variety of people, each with different skill sets, makes my work day enjoyable. I like to mentor and train my staff to become highly skilled operators of the MRI scanner. Educating someone to interpret the clinical indication on a request form and then optimize MRI sequence parameters to produce the highest quality scan for that patient is far more valuable and rewarding than just showing someone how to push a few buttons.

5. What would you tell your younger self about your future in MR?

Pia: Keep on doing what you love to do! You will have a lot to learn and a lot to investigate. I hope to go on for a few more years until retirement (maybe even after that).

Chris: Get involved from the outset and don’t be intimidated by the wider MR community, be they technologists, radiologists, clinicians, researchers or physicists. We all work together and collaboratively. Every group has something essential to contribute to the field of MRI and always be confident in the knowledge that your role as an MR radiographer/technologist is just as crucial to the outcome of the scan and the result for the patient as any other. Continue to learn and develop as the field grows and expands. Your career will benefit significantly through continuing professional development, and through networking and collaborating with other MR professionals. Early involvement in the SMRT and ISMRM will give you an amazing opportunity to do this.

6. Why should people consider going into the MR field?

Pia: The fast development in the field, the increasing use worldwide, the many exciting research areas ranging from sequences development, implementation both in research as well as in clinical routine. Having the opportunity to work, learn and interact with colleague’s from different backgrounds. There is always a place for everyone.

Chris: MRI is a dynamic and fast-paced modality that continues to evolve. The role of the MR radiographer/technologist is multifaceted, providing an exciting opportunity to combine a knowledge of anatomy and physics with the practical skills of communication and clinical care to improve patient outcomes. Every day in MRI is a different day that will present new challenges and opportunities, and for me this is what makes MRI so unique and exciting—and never boring!

7. What are you looking forward to seeing or experiencing at the next annual meeting?

Pia: As this year’s president of ISMRM, I hope that everyone feels included at the Montréal meeting and that everyone will find a part of the meeting that thrills their imagination and curiosity. I want to see our members take the opportunity to interact, discuss, and meet and to build networks for future collaborations and discussions. But most important of all to have fun and enjoy the atmosphere of being at the best meeting ever—the ISMRM annual meeting & exhibition.

Chris: There is always an extensive range of exciting material to see at our annual meetings, ranging from novel research and advances in technology and scanning techniques, right through to a different take on an old topic. Meeting people that are new to the field and new to the SMRT and ISMRM is something I look forward to every year. Montréal this year will be no exception, and I look forward to the educational content that will be on offer. One of the most rewarding experiences of our annual meetings is the opportunity to re-connect and engage with old friends, colleagues, and peers at a face to face level. Regardless, of the fact that a year will have passed since our last meeting, the feeling is always like it was just yesterday when we last caught up. The SMRT and ISMRM community is global, and this fosters a unique opportunity for connecting and networking with MR professionals from various specialty groups around the world.

The SMRT 28th Annual Meeting will be held at the Le Palais Des Congrés de Montréal, in Montréal, QC, Canada. The meeting opens 10 May and will welcome radiographers and technologists specializing in the field of magnetic resonance. If you are interested in attending, register today.

About SMRT:

The Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), a section of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), is committed to the professional development of radiographers and technologists from around the globe by providing specific MR education, research, and career assistance to its members. Our mission is to advance global education in the field of magnetic resonance for improved practices and patient outcomes.

To find out more about the Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), please call +1 925- 825-SMRT (7678), Fax +1 510-841-2340, or visit our website at www.ismrm.org/smrt.

SMRT, One Concord Center, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 620, Concord, CA 94520 USA

About ISMRM:

The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine is an international, nonprofit, scientific association whose purpose is to promote communication, research, development, and applications in the field of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology and other related topics and to develop and provide channels and facilities for continuing education in the field. Its multidisciplinary membership of over 9,000 consists of clinicians, physicists, engineers, biochemists, and technologists. In addition to its large scientific meetings, the Society holds workshops and publishes two journals, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and a virtual newsletter, MR Pulse. It also sponsors 27 study groups on specific areas of scientific interest and chapters based on geographical location.

To find out more about the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), please call +1 510-841-1899, Fax +1 510-841-2340, or visit our website at www.ismrm.org.

ISMRM, One Concord Center, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 620, Concord, CA 94520 USA

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30 August 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: ISMRM
Phone: 510-841-1899
Email: press@ismrm.org

SMRT ANNOUNCES CHRIS KOKKINOS, B.APPL.SC., PG.CERT.(MRI) AS NEW PRESIDENT

CONCORD, CA, USA, August 2018 – The Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), A Section of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) has announced a new leader of SMRT at the conclusion of their Annual Meeting in Paris, France. Chris Kokkinos, B.Appl.Sc., Pg.Cert.(MRI) has been elected to spearhead the presidential role for the 2018-2019 year.

“As the new president, my main objective is to empower all SMRT members with the knowledge of how important our role as radiographers and technologists is within the greater MR (magnetic resonance) community. Along with radiologists, physicists, scientists, and clinicians, our members can contribute to the field in many ways. I truly believe that an educated and knowledgeable MR radiographer or technologist can never be overrated when it comes to adding value within a radiology department. This year I will be continuing my close collaboration with past president Titti Owman, R.N.(R)(CT)(MR), FSMRT, to ensure continuity in our strategic goals from previous years. There are also many initiatives I would like to implement that will span longer than the term of a single year in office and for this reason I will also be working very closely with President-Elect, Shawna Farquharson to ensure that all ideas and projects that commence during my term will continue to develop in the years ahead.”

Chris first joined the SMRT in May 2004 when attending the Kyoto meeting. “I heard of SMRT by word of mouth! … and I haven’t looked back since! MRI is such a dynamic field of medicine, you need to immerse yourself in education so that you don’t fall behind. Joining the SMRT was great as it not only provided educational content, but it also connected me with a community of like-minded MR professionals with whom I could discuss ideas and share information. The opportunity to engage and network with MR peers from around the globe has been invaluable.”

Regarding raising awareness of SMRT, Chris says, “There will be a continued emphasis on increasing our global presence. We have already been forging strong relationships with educational bodies in both the USA and Europe. Establishing links in regions with fewer SMRT members, such as parts of Asia, will be on the agenda. I am also very keen to align us even more closely with the ISMRM. There is an opportunity to increase awareness of the benefits of the SMRT through the members of the ISMRM. While technology is increasing in leaps and bounds, I still believe that a radiologist’s most valuable asset in terms of both throughput and image quality is the technical ability of the technologist or radiographer at his or her facility. It would be fantastic for every ISMRM member to recommend a technologist to join the SMRT, and I think that this would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

When asked how the current climate of gender bias in the workplace has effected SMRT, Chris says, “I think that we are fortunate to work in a profession where roles seem to be evenly divided between females and males. This can be seen both in the workforce and on the local governing bodies. We also have a well-balanced gender representation on the international SMRT Policy Board which is incredibly encouraging, and while I would like to think that gender bias is becoming less of a problem, until it is eliminated completely it is essential to continue to encourage gender diversity in all aspects of the SMRT, and we will certainly strive to do so.”

Commenting on his presidential term, Chris says, “I would like to be able to complete my term as president having spread the word about the benefits of the SMRT and having established a pathway that will enable increased membership and participation in all our represented regions, together with an even stronger feeling of community amongst our members. We have global representation in our membership, and we endeavor to deliver educational content that is relevant to each of these regions. I get a lot of feedback from people who attend their first meeting and are amazed at the breadth of the MRI field. I would like to be able to encourage more MR radiographers and technologists to join our community and to utilize the tools we offer to increase their knowledge of, and professional involvement in, MRI.”

About SMRT:

The Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), A Section of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) is the leading non-profit organization that provides an international forum for education, information and research in magnetic resonance for radiographers and technologists throughout the world.

The SMRT was established by technologists, clinicians and scientists of the ISMRM as a forum for radiographers and technologists to share their expertise and educational resources, with a common goal of improving healthcare for people worldwide.

To find out more about the Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), please call +1 510-841-1899, Fax +1 510-841-2340, or visit our website at www.ismrm.org/smrt.

SMRT, One Concord Center, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 620, Concord, CA 94520 USA

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Download a PDF of this press release: SMRT Announces Chris Kokkinos, B.Appl.Sc., Pg.Cert.(MRI) as New President