The Only Thing Constant Is Change

Brenda King

Brenda King, CNMT, FSNMMI-TS

Throughout my career, I have seen the many changes in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. We are no longer imaging on rectilinear cameras or using radiopharmaceuticals with half-lives numbering 7–30 days or longer! Those of us who remember those times may have forgotten how we had to get up to speed as new scanners were developed and new radiopharmaceuticals were introduced. We had to adapt or perish in those long-ago times. In nature, those species that cannot or do not adapt to the changing environment disappear, following the “survival of the fittest” rule. Our industry is no different.

Over the past year, my focus as SNMMI-TS president has been to encourage the society and individual nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologists to think outside the box to ensure our profession thrives. We have taken several concrete steps to help this process along and have received positive feedback from SNMMI-TS members on these initiatives.

The SNMMI-TS continued its Road Shows program in 2012–2013. This year’s theme was “Embracing Change in the Field.” At each of the Road Shows, 4 SNMMI-TS presenters offered their take on what is changing in the field and why the field is changing, and they provided recommendations on how to accept and adapt to the perceived and real changes. Audiences have been small, but the presentations have kept them enthralled; their responses have been receptive and, in some instances, career-changing. My sincere desire is that a larger audience will leave these discussions with a greater understanding of the inevitable change of the face of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

During this past year, I shared my insight into different career paths for the imaging professional—clinical research, imaging informatics, optical imaging, and others. Maybe one of them is of interest to you. Our nuclear medicine education, skill set, and training can be the foundation for many divergent, successful, and rewarding careers. Think of it not as the end of your journey but as a map to the many roads ahead.

To assist with this, SNMMI-TS made significant progress toward its goal of cultivating collaborative partnerships with other professional societies. Working with the Society of Clinical Research Associates, the Society of Imaging Informatics, the Optical Society, and the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists, SNMMI-TS has created education opportunities and opened a dialogue for how nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologists can thrive in these fields.

The change we see within our field is not limited to the United States—it’s also being felt around the globe. The SNMMI-TS has engaged in conversations with international nuclear medicine and molecular imaging societies to address the changes in our field and how we can move forward together to ensure our success. These conversations are ongoing and will undoubtedly affect the future of our practice.

While SNMMI-TS has taken steps to help the profession adapt to the changes in the field, the most pressing question is, “How are you adapting to the change?” Are you sitting back reminiscing about the “good ol’ times”? Wishing that things were the same as they used to be? Let’s face it—our field is what it is now because of change! I hope that you are proactive in your career to make the most of the changes that are upon us.

It is time to pass the gavel as I end my term as SNMMI-TS president. Scott Holbrook, BS, CNMT, FSNMMI-TS, stands ready to resume this familiar role. Having worked with Scott closely over the past year, I can assure you that he is committed to the society and will be a strong and dedicated advocate for advancing the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

The mountain was not conquered; however, I do see my footprints added to the tracks of those who traveled this way before me. My next challenge is my role as SNMMI-TS 2013–2014 Nominating Committee chair. The SNMMI-TS will be seeking dedicated, passionate members who wish to serve the section. My lines of communication are open; tell me where you wish to serve.