Kathy S. Thomas, MHA, CNMT, PET, FSNMMI-TS
How many times in the past weeks and months have you heard the phrase “these are unusual times…” as you watch the continuous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic? I can’t help but think that exact same thought because at the time of this writing, I was actually attending an educational program—the final day of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s (SNMMI) Virtual Annual Meeting—and waiting for the next scheduled lecture to begin. This first-time offering of a virtual meeting for SNMMI demonstrated the incredible adaptability of our community as we came together to share the continuous growth of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging in a separate, but safe, virtual environment. The very possibility of this event could not have been achieved without the incredible dedication and devotion of the SNMMI staff, who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to a reality, and the support and participation of the nuclear medicine community including our commercial sponsors from around the world. The current number of participants for this event has been estimated to be almost 8,700. These individuals explored the Scientific Pavilion and Exhibit Hall, participated in educational sessions in the Live Session Auditorium, and enjoyed evening programs and meeting with others in the Networking Lounge.
The Scientific Pavilion allowed attendees to view scientific posters and listen to prerecorded oral abstracts. The Live Session Auditorium provided a wide variety of live lectures and speakers from around the world discussing topics sure to meet the educational needs of every nuclear medicine professional. The Exhibit Hall provided access to our commercial sponsors, available by chat, and the information and technology found in their virtual booths. Evening programs in the Networking Lounge provided a more comfortable learning environment. The Think and Drink format and even a Movie Night created a relaxed learning experience that continued to enhance and reinforce the latest in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. A more comprehensive report of the incredible success of this event will follow in later publications; however, I’m sure all will agree, it was an extremely successful and rewarding experience!
Speaking of an extremely successful experience … have you had the opportunity to read the recently published Supplement to the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology (JNMT) celebrating the Technologist Section’s 50th Anniversary? Under the direction of Norman Bolus, MSPH, CNMT, FSNMMI-TS, past TS President and JNMT Editor, and the tireless effort and dedication of Susan Alexander and Paulette McGee (SNMMI Publications) and our own Administrator, Nikki Wenzel-Lamb, the supplement provides a summary of the Technologist Section’s last 50 years, including its many milestones, successes, and challenges. Be sure to take some time to walk down memory lane and see where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and the vision for our future.
Turning to the content of this issue of JNMT, we begin with invited perspectives from 3 countries that present personal experiences from the United Kingdom (1), Australia/New Zealand (2), and the United States (3) regarding the necessary administrative changes to keep staff and patients safe when reopening nuclear medicine departments in the COVID-19 environment.
Educational offerings once again provide in-depth discussions and continuing education (CE) opportunities on a variety of topics including molecular imaging to evaluate estrogen receptor status (4), Meckel’s diverticulum imaging (5), and an updated Practice Standard on thyroid cancer scintigraphy (6). A Practical Protocol Tip on Meckel’s imaging is also included for those needing an imaging-specific protocol to add to their department’s procedure manual.
The Educators’ Forum returns in this issue with a discussion on occupational exposure working with students in a PET/CT department (7), and we’re fortunate to once again welcome a student submission discussing an investigation on an efficient method to clean up 90Y SIR spheres spills (8).
In these uncertain times, many of us are finding more reading time as the result of forced isolation, so why not explore the many interesting scientific manuscripts and teaching cases included in this issue and maybe earn some of those much-needed CE credits?
Once again, I’d like to personally thank each and every health-care provider, first responder, and those in essential job positions for their dedication and perseverance in these difficult times. You are the heroes. Thank you for all you do. Please stay safe and healthy.
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