By Glenn Cahoon, M.Sc., FSMRT, 2023-2024 ISMRT President
Greetings!
I’m excited to step into my role as your new President, and I’m thrilled to have all of you along for the ride. The ISMRT has always been a beacon of learning, and we’re going to keep that torch burning bright. Get ready for an educational experience like no other!
From workshops and virtual meetings illuminating the mysteries of magnetic resonance to conferences that ignite the flames of inspiration, we’re leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of knowledge. Rest assured, we’re committed to making this knowledge accessible to all members regardless of where you are. Democratizing access to education is like turning on a light switch, bringing knowledge to every corner of our world. Our mission is to empower, enlighten, and embolden you to conquer the ever-evolving landscape of our field.
The echoes of our successful annual meeting in Toronto this past June may be fading, but the excitement of connecting in person lingers. This gathering was a special one, marking the first time in our history that we featured multilingual sessions during our in-person meetings. With over 300 on-site participants from around the world, it truly felt like a global and inclusive event.
But we’re not resting on our laurels; our sights are set on an exciting destination: Singapore in 2024. Our AMPC Program Chair, Kate Negus, and her dedicated committee are tirelessly working to craft a program that unites the global MRI community. This event promises to be a hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration, bringing together clinicians, scientists, and technologists to foster interdisciplinary connections.
Calling all ISMRT members! We’re excited to invite you to help shape the scientific program for Singapore by proposing member-initiated sessions, especially those that bridge the gap between clinicians, scientists, and technologists. If you have a great idea for a symposium or tutorial, check our website for more details. The deadline for member-initiated session applications is 20 October, and you can find more information here: ISMRM Member-Initiated Sessions.
Time is running out! Abstract submissions for the 2024 Annual Meeting are due by 08 November. This is your chance to share your groundbreaking work, techniques, case studies, or even tips and tricks that make MRI studies easier. It’s also a chance to connect with the vibrant ISMRT community. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. This month, we’re hosting a virtual meeting on 16 October titled, “Preparing My Abstract for Singapore 2024,” to provide you with insights on preparing your abstract for Singapore. Register now on our virtual meetings page: ISMRT Virtual Meetings.
Singapore, our next host city, offers an amazing setting for the ISMRT Annual Meeting. Known for its medical and technological innovation, it’s the perfect place for exchanging ideas and gaining fresh insights into MRI technology. Join us in Singapore for a meeting that combines academic excellence with the vibrant culture of this dynamic city-state. Start planning your trip now, and we look forward to seeing you in Singapore next May. For more information, visit https://dev.ismrm.org/24m/.
In other exciting news, our Global Relations team is working hard to bring ISMRT’s educational opportunities closer to your local regions.
We recently collaborated with the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA) for a joint congress in Cape Town, which attracted over 300 attendees. Program Chair Petronella Samuels orchestrated an ISMRT track that gained significant attention throughout the event. We were honored to feature both on-site and virtual presentations from esteemed figures in the MRI community, including past presidents Shawna Farquharson, Vera Kimbrell, Ben Kennedy, and Sonja Boiteaux. We also had the privilege of ISMRT Honorary Members Frank Shellock and Dan Sodickson lending their support.
Going further afield, ISMRT member Babu Vargheese and ISMRT Global Relations Chair Nina Salman curated the first virtual meeting for the Kerala region. The event was a resounding success with over 500 registrants and nearly 200 live attendees joining to hear about flow imaging for cardiac MRI and the role of artificial intelligence in high resolution-accelerated MR imaging. If you have ideas for organizing a virtual meeting in your local region, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Global Relations Committee. We’re here to help turn your vision into reality.
For our North American members, we’re pleased to announce the MRI Essentials & Refresher Webinar Series. This series includes six, one-hour virtual sessions from 12 October to 21 March. It features lectures from North American Chapter President Barry Southers, as well as fellow ISMRT legends. Registration is now open and free for all members, and you can register for the entire series and attend the ones you want on the North American chapter page or register by logging in or creating an account at ismrm.org.
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll reveal more of our plans to bring you a year packed with learning opportunities, including details of the President’s Membership Challenge planned for February 2024, and the promising Future Leaders Initiative.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the ISMRT community. With each of you lighting our way, our future is looking bright indeed my friends!
Warm regards,
Glenn Cahoon, M.Sc., FSMRT
2023-2024 ISMRT President