NCOR Report

Brenda J. King, CNMT, FSNMTS

This is my last correspondence with you as speaker of the National Council of Representatives (NCOR) of SNMTS. These past 2 years have been challenging, exciting, and a learning process.

To have been chosen speaker of the NCOR was an honor, and to attempt to fulfill the responsibilities of speaker was a career highlight. Two years ago, I thought, “Can I do this for 2 years?” Now that my term is ending, I feel, “Where did the time go?”

In 2009, the NCOR had many projects and issues laid out before us. Some were carryovers from previous sessions, and some were embedded in the SNM/SNMTS strategic plan for its future. All were pressing issues that needed the NCOR's focus and dedication to seek solutions and the best directions forward. Through all the challenges that faced the NCOR and the executive board of the SNMTS, our industry also struggled with the ^99mMo–^99mTc supply issue, an economic downtown at its height, and the resultant job shortages. These external issues affected us all, from governance to the patient scheduled for an imaging exam. SNM/SNMTS leadership was encouraged to foster stronger relationships with international professional societies to seek answers and solutions to these worldwide problems.

In 2011, the online SNM Job Bank for members only was launched. This is an expanded service that allows member job seekers and employers to connect via the www.snm.org Web site. Currently, members are able to post their resumes to further enhance their search.

The future of the nuclear medicine technologist has heightened our advocacy activities. SNM and SNMTS is giving an extra push toward the passing of the CARE Bill (Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy), which will seek to give us the professional standard we deserve. The State Health Policy Liaisons have now evolved into the Technology Advocacy Group, which continues to work diligently to assist states in nuclear medicine technologist licensure and CT/PET operation by the nuclear medicine technologist. Ask your NCOR for more information about getting involved and getting more information.

Speaking of “ask your NCOR,” remember that as a member of SNMTS, your elected NCOR is your direct communication link to all affairs on the national level. There must be 2-way dialogue between you as an individual nuclear medicine technologist member, the local organizational member, and the chapter member. Don't allow the governance team to guess what your issues are—tell us—through your NCOR!

To encourage more open and lively dialogue at the table, a change was initiated in the NCOR agenda. On review of submitted written reports from the NCOR and specialty representatives, up to 5 hot topics are selected for group breakout sessions. During the council, meeting time is established for small groups to discuss and offer solutions to issues shared by many across the chapters. This tool has proven to be successful in sparking debate and renewed interest in the NCOR.

As I close this chapter in my professional journey, I would be remiss if I did not sound the call to you, my peer and my colleague, to step up to the table. Get involved locally with your chapter. Become a mentor. Encourage a high school student to seek this field. Remember the passion that led you to become a professional nuclear medicine technologist!

During the annual meeting to be held in San Antonio, Texas, I will respectfully pass the speaker's gavel to Mr. Michael Kroeger, Southeastern Chapter. Join me in congratulating Mr. Kroeger in this new role. Share with Michael ideas, issues, and concerns you and your chapter may be experiencing.

To the SNMTS executive board and SNM leadership staff, I thank you for your support. To my fellow NCOR members and SNMTS members at large, I thank you for the opportunity to serve.