Educators, researchers, physicians, technologists and medical experts from across the country converged on Albuquerque, N.M., last week to explore topics in nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, nanomedicine and clinical trials during SNM's 2010 Conjoint Mid-Winter Meetings.
Four meetings were held in succession, including the 2010 Annual Meeting and Educational Symposium of the American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM) and SNM's Mid-Winter Educational Symposium, Nanomedicine and Molecular Imaging Summit and Clinical Trials Network Community Workshop.
Throughout the meeting, attendees earned educational credit, networked with colleagues and learned from the top educators and innovators in the field. "Participants at the mid-winter meeting enjoyed a valuable experience that provided them with the knowledge they need to advance the field and, ultimately, improve patient care," said Michael M. Graham, Ph.D., M.D., president of SNM.
The ACNM Annual Meeting and Educational Symposium took place first and featured lectures about the use of PET/CT in the brain and neck, genitourinary system, head and neck cancer and thyroid cancer. This was the first gathering of the organization since it officially merged in September with the American College of Nuclear Physicians.
SNM's Mid-Winter Educational Symposium began at the conclusion of ACNM's meeting, keeping attendees busy with a robust schedule of in-depth educational sessions and exhibits. The symposium included numerous educational sessions designed in collaboration with SNM's councils, centers of excellence, Technologist Section (SNMTS) and Clinical Trials Network.
At the session, "Advances in MI of the Brain," clinicians and scientists wishing to gain experience in the clinical and research applications of molecular imaging in neurodegenerative disease learned about the critical role of molecular imaging in the diagnostic approach to patients with cognitive disorders. "Integrated Imaging for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure in 2010" updated cardiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and scientists about current understanding and recent developments in the multimodality imaging assessment of heart failure. Back by popular demand, the two-day CT case review session challenged and instructed physicians with 100 cases and 16 hours of continuing education credits.
In the session, "The Sharp Edges of Nuclear Medicine: See What's New," technologists were introduced to the newest techniques in fusion imaging, with a focus on patients with epilepsy. In addition, technologists attended a new session, cosponsored by SNMTS and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, titled "Nuclear Medicine Unfolded: What You Need to Know." The session focused on legislative and regulatory issues that nuclear medicine technologists face, including USP <797>, the recently reintroduced CARE bill and the Medicare Improvement Providers and Patients Act of 2008 (MIPPA).
"We think this year's educational symposium provided attendees with the most comprehensive information in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging," said Peter Herscovitch, M.D., chair of SNM's Scientific Program Committee. "We were pleased to offer yet another excellent opportunity for leaders in the field to come together in one place to share their ideas."
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