From the April 2018 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine


HCB News: What kind of issues do you expect will dominate conversations at this year's meeting?

TO: There are a few really hot topics that I know will be discussed a lot during our meeting in Paris [scheduled for June 15-18]. One of them is definitely going to be how the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will affect our profession and the entire imaging environment. Most of us are already involved and affected by this in our daily work. Opinions vary dramatically on how much AI will impact our profession. AI possibilities are presented to us with almost every upgrade of MR equipment.


Are we perhaps facing a reality, in [the] very near future, where imaging staff are replaced by machines? In my professional life it was a major revolution when our images and documents were digitalized. The extensive implementation of AI is definitely another, and probably even more restructuring, professional challenge. Only time will tell if the AI revolution is good or bad, but it is definitely here and something the imaging society must accept and adjust to.

Another issue that is going to be discussed during our meeting is a relatively new discovery. The most common contrast agent used in MR contains gadolinium and scientists have now found accumulation of this substance in patients [who] have received repeated injections of MR contrast agents. This has caused intense ongoing research and we will most definitely hear about the latest reports and results from involved and engaged scientists.

HCB News: Are there certain initiatives or goals you will be announcing at the meeting?

TO: Our new web-based eLearning Center provides outstanding possibilities for our members and MR staff all over the world to develop stronger skills and to enhance their professional capabilities. We can now also reach out to potential members and students globally by offering MR knowledge of the highest quality that is easily accessible. Our eLearning Center is a truly unique opportunity to strengthen the voice of SMRT and to meet the need of adequate MR education that we constantly encounter and are reminded of through our international community.

HCB News: For first time attendees, what advice would you offer to make sure they make the most of their time?

TO: My first advice and message would be that you don’t have to be an MR technologist or radiographer expert to join SMRT or to attend an SMRT meeting. It is enough to be interested and willing to learn more about different levels and specialties in MR.

April 2018 Magazine

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