OCTOBER 2012


MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR: The Evolution Continues

Julie Strandt-Peay, B.S.M., R.T., (R)(MR), FSMRT
“This inaugural issue contains topics that have been included in previous versions of the newsletter as well as new information and more direct links to the SMRT website.”
Greetings,

Were you surprised to look at your in-box and see the latest SMRT publication effort? E-Signals will be sent to you; no more needing to log on the website after a new posting is announced! It has been the consistent goal of the newsletter committee to provide you with the news and activities of the SMRT in a format most convenient for you. After years and issues of Signals in various formats and venues, we are proud to provide you with this current rendition.

Here is a brief history the Signals evolution.
1991 The newly established technologist group forms a committee and publishes the first newsletter.
1992 The SMRT Policy Board voted on a SMRT logo and newsletter title: Signals.
Nanette Keck becomes the first editor of the Signals newsletter.
Third newsletter published, Signals, with the new SMRT logo.
1993 Signals newsletter becomes a quarterly issue.
1995 Robin Greene-Avison becomes editor of the Signals newsletter
1997 Karol Handrahan becomes editor of the Signals newsletter.
1998 Lorrie Kelley becomes editor of the Signals Newsletter.
2001 Julie Strandt-Peay becomes editor of the Signals Newsletter.
2002 Quarterly issues of Signals continued and in September the hard copies were also posted as pdf files on the SMRT website.
2010 The SMRT Policy Board voted to produce two hard copy issues of Signals (one following the Annual Meeting and one for distribution at the RSNA) with supplemental “news” items posted on the website as Signals News.
2012 Following the example of the ISMRM Pulse, SMRT Policy Board voted to produce an electronic, e-mailed version of Signals.

It is the goal of the E-Signals newsletter committee to send you this publication on at least a quarterly basis. As always your comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome.

This inaugural issue contains topics that have been included in previous versions of the newsletter as well as new information and more direct links to the SMRT website.

New is the heading “Did you know?” which highlights member benefits available on the SMRT website that you may have not been aware of or have long forgotten. You are reminded to vote for new leaders of the SMRT. The ongoing series of regional educational seminars is listed and do not forget to include the 2013 SMRT Annual Meeting in your plans.

President Vera Kimbrell provides us with an update of the many action items taking place within the SMRT. Rhonda Walcarius, Publications Committee Chair, shares the many forms of educational and informational publications available to SMRT members and explains the on-going effort to be “green.”

The Education Committee Chaired by Rosemary Fisher has news on important subjects for SMRT members. She shares updates on the mentorship program, invites us to share our work by submitting an abstract to the annual meeting and reminds us that the John A. Koveleski Award for Professional Development is available to applicants meeting the criteria.

RSNA is fast approaching and Cindy Comeau, Chair of the External Relations Committee requests your input for future programs of the Associated Sciences organization. If you plan on attending the RSNA in Chicago, Illinois, USA be sure to stop at the SMRT booth in the Associated Sciences area or at the ISMRM/SMRT booth.

Since 1998 when Past-President Kelly Baron took on the project, the Home Studies Educational Seminars has been one of the most appreciated benefits of SMRT membership. What was initially a quarterly publication, has expanded to an abundance of electronic and video presentations thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Anne Sawyer who succeeded as Editor of the home studies in 2004. She has expanded the program exponentially and explains the 57th offering which covers the topic of physics.

Please let us know how you like this new format.