MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Lyn Mehlberg

I am at a loss for words as I struggle to capture the essence of the past year in my role as president. For those of you who know me, you realize this is a first for me, as I always have something to say.

Most people do not realize that the SNMTS president essentially holds 2 full-time jobs: one back home that carries a salary and health insurance and one that doesn’t. Each SNMTS president must make the conscious decision to put their life on hold for 1 year and focus their attention, energy, and skills on that role.

While there is great personal sacrifice serving as president, there are also many incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Highlights for me include interviews on the technologist workforce shortage with the New York Times and the Dallas Morning News and representing the SNMTS at various meetings and events such as the European Association of Nuclear Medicine Meeting in Amsterdam, the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, and various chapter meetings.

During the first few months in office, I was inundated with the issues surrounding workforce development, but before long, PET/CT and our quest to address the education, training, certification, licensure, and accreditation issues facing the profession took over the bulk of my time. Internally, we made preparations that resulted in several process changes within the SNMTS.

This entire year has been a transitional year for the governance of the SNMTS. The SNMTS leadership realized that in order to properly address the practice issues facing the profession, we needed a more nimble governance structure. Early in my term, a new strategic plan was adopted which has resulted in a pared down and more flexible governance structure. Nanci Burchell, incoming president, and I have worked very closely this year, ensuring a smooth transition. I look forward to continuing to serve the SNMTS under her leadership.

The successes and achievements of the Technologist Section are the result of the dedication, skill, and passion of the leadership. When I speak of the SNMTS leadership, I mean more than just those whose names you may see regularly. Our leadership is made up of over 160 people—members of the Executive Board, the National Council, committee members, liaisons to external organizations, and the chapter leaders. We come from various backgrounds and parts of the country (with a few from Canada) and must work together to keep this organization running. If any of you have been involved with any association, from little league or girl scouts to the PTA, you know the work that goes on behind the scenes. For the rest of you, let me assure you that, collectively, thousands of hours are spent by the SNMTS leadership each year to advance our profession.

The leadership and staff of the SNM and SNMTS is the most dedicated group of individuals I have ever had the honor of working with. These individuals spend countless weekends, evenings, and vacation days attending meetings, running committees, and carrying out the projects and programs that the SNM deems advantageous for its members. The leadership not only sets the agenda for action, it develops, designs, delegates, and delivers the projects that take our profession forward. Despite restraints and barriers, we continually make things happen, no matter what we face.

On a personal note, during this past year I have learned tolerance, patience, and the finer points of organizational politics. I think also I finally learned the value of seeing the big picture. I have noticed that my writing, speaking, negotiating, delegating, listening, and organizational skills have blossomed under pressure. I am very much overwhelmed right now and cannot see past the annual meeting in Philadelphia this June, but I want each of you to know that I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the SNMTS, and, as much as it has taken, the experience has given me more.