EDITOR'S PAGE

Frances Neagley, CNMT, FSNMTS Editor, JNMT

I have been thinking lately about how much I really like the printed word. Granted, I am happiest with a mystery book in my hand, but I love reading in all its forms. Recently, however, I have become aware that reading really is a dying interest.

Most of us read things that are required for our work or in getting through the day, but reading printed publications for pleasure is something fewer and fewer of us do. Newspapers all across the world are struggling with dwindling readership and finances. Book stores are closing. Magazines have more pictures than articles.

As I write this, I have to consider that many Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology subscribers may not read the printed journal these days. However, JNMT is available online, and the online edition is thriving, with more than 800,000 views in 2008.

There are many other things that also are really worth seeking out and reading in the field of nuclear medicine. One of my favorites, which I would like to encourage everyone to try, is the relatively new SNM SmartBrief. It is delivered every day, Monday through Friday, into my email box and always has several articles of interest to me.

Granted, I have many days when I read only the titles of the articles; but most days at least one title will inspire me to click on the link and read further. The articles come from many other news sources and publications. They cover industry reports, miscellaneous featured content, international development, health policy, advancing health care, and news from the SNM. In addition, each day has a SmartQuote, which can be humorous or a thought to consider.

There is no charge for SmartBrief. It is an SNM/SNMTS member service, and all one has to do is sign up. There is so much happening in medicine every day, and it really is hard to keep up, but SmartBrief delivers updates right to your computer and you can decide to read as little or as much as you want.

I guess that is enough from me for this issue's soap box. I hope you are reading this and even considering preparing a manuscript for publication in the JNMT.

As usual, I think we have a lot of interesting articles. There is only one continuing education article this time, but it is about PET/MRI, which is becoming more available. We continue to strive to get more cutting-edge continuing education articles, along with the general technology articles, for those looking to accumulate the knowledge and continuing education credits.

There are 5 articles on imaging, most concerning molecular imaging, but I think there will be something for everyone here. There are 2 brief communications; one is about the impact of chocolate on ^99mTc-labeled red blood cells, and the other is about decay correction in PET dynamic studies. And, of course, do not forget the report from SNMTS leadership.

By the time you receive this issue, the annual SNM meeting will be going on in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I hope I will see some of you there, but as always, you can contact me at fneagley{at}pacbell.net.