Courses and Schedule

Retired Air Force Col. Mark W. Tillman keeps attendees on the edge of their seats as he shares his firsthand account of piloting President George W. Bush in Air Force One on Sept. 11, 2001. He later transported the commander in chief into the war zone of Baghdad, Iraq, for Thanksgiving dinner with the troops. Tillman emphasizes the concept of a zero-fail mission, which can be applied in business and everyday life. Several of the key elements are detailed planning, measurable expectations and personal responsibility. An engaging storyteller, Tillman will take attendees behind the scenes of Air Force One and use his experiences to reinforce the importance of zero-fail missions.

Col. Mark W. Tillman

Objectives

• Define the zero-fail mission concept and its relevance to critical tasks, as it might apply in health care to prevent failure in patient care.
• Explain how professionals use planning, risk management and contingency strategies to ensure success, and how health professionals might use these to minimize errors in high-stakes situations.
• Demonstrate how zero-fail principles drive organizational success, as a correlation to how health professionals can implement them to improve patient outcomes and service quality.
• Explore how health professionals can use the zero-fail mission approach to prioritize tasks and ensure successful execution in critical care.

This course looks at the 2024 Mammography Quality Standards Act regulations that took effect on Sept. 10, 2024, and how facilities have implemented the updated regulations. The recent changes require mammography facilities to notify providers and patients about breast density. There are also changes related to transfer of mammogram records, records retention and other reporting requirements. The course explores the processes facilities have followed during annual inspections, how the updated regulations have been evaluated, if complications have emerged and if sanctions have been reported. The speaker will also discuss the future of the MQSA requirements and how they will impact facilities and, most importantly, patients.

Stephanie Johnston, M.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(M)(BD)(BS), FASRT

Objectives

• Understand the major 2024 Mammography Quality Standards Act changes.
• Explain how those changes have been incorporated into the inspection process.
• Describe how facilities have met the requirements.
• Discuss complications with implementation and any reported sanctions.
• Discuss future directions and any impact on patient care.

This course discusses artificial intelligence in medical imaging, providing a definition of AI and exploring the history, terminology and concepts associated with AI. The speaker will discuss AI’s current uses in medical imaging, the ethics applicable to its use in medical imaging, and provide an analysis of its future implications. Attendees will enhance their knowledge of AI in medical imaging and learn about the technology’s future in the profession.

Pedro D. Lopez, M.A., R.T.(R)(CT)

Objectives

• Discuss the history of artificial intelligence.
• Define terminology and concepts associated with AI.
• List current AI applications in medical imaging.
• Discuss the ethics applicable to AI in medical imaging.
• Discuss future implications and trends of AI in medical imaging.

When creating C-arm curriculum, it is essential to include activities that help students gain hands-on experience prior to, and in addition to, clinical rotations. In this course, the speaker will overview essential elements of C-arm education and provide examples of procedures and activities to facilitate student learning of mobile fluoroscopic unit manipulation. The speaker will discuss the geometric consequences of improper setup and machine alignment. Attendees will gain confidence with using the C-arm.

Ryan T. Ross, B.Sc., R.T.(R)

Objectives

• Use gamification to develop key skills.
• Identify geometric consequences of improper alignment.
• Create meaningful simulations that encourage student learning.
• Improve student confidence.
• Explain the importance of the central ray.

This course describes how a radiologic science program improved student clinical practice and overall patient outcomes through the implementation of simulation using Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice. Students in the program participate in realistic health care simulation scenarios that address communication, patient safety and interprofessional teamwork, allowing them to form a deeper level of critical thinking. Attendees will learn strategies for working within their resources to implement independent, radiology-only simulation scenarios and how to work with other disciplines on campuses and within the community to implement relevant interdisciplinary simulations.

Ashleigh Spurlock, M.Ed., R.T.(R)
Nevada LeCounte, D.N.P., R.N., CMSRN, PCCN, CNE, CHSE

Objectives

• Differentiate between simulation scenarios and lab check-off experiences.
• Identify methods to implement simulations using current resources and gain strategies to grow resources.
• Explore ideas about appropriate independent and interdisciplinary simulations.
• Identify resources for simulation standards of practice.

This course offers certification and registration candidates a better understanding of the purpose and structure of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The speaker will discuss obtaining and maintaining ARRT certification and registration to help attendees understand the Equation for Excellence. Attendees will also learn about the resources available to help them interact successfully with the ARRT.

Cheryl DuBose, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(MR)(CT)(QM), MRSO, FASRT

Objectives

• Describe the mission of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and state its Equation for Excellence.
• List valuable resource documents available to students.
• Summarize the purpose of continuing education.
• Discuss resources and opportunities to interact with the ARRT.

Conducting research can be a daunting task for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. This course explores the rapidly advancing field of generative AI tools designed to assist with academic research. The speaker will introduce attendees to AI-powered applications that streamline the literature review process, including those that compare articles, identify trends and highlight research gaps. Attendees will also learn about additional tools that enable interactive engagement, allowing users to ask questions and receive relevant responses. The speaker will emphasize best practices for integrating these tools into the research workflow while maintaining integrity. Finally, the session will explore potential benefits and limitations of AI in enhancing research productivity and quality.

Kevin R. Clark, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM), FASRT, FAEIRS

Objectives

• Discuss the use of artificial intelligence tools in the academic research process.
• Examine best practices for using AI tools to promote research integrity.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of AI in enhancing research productivity and quality.

Every organization must embrace constant change if it wants to grow, stay competitive and improve. Unfortunately, with change comes resistance. Why do people really resist change and what can be done about it? To answer this question, it’s important to look beyond common assumptions like people just don't want to change or people are stubborn. This course discusses commonly overlooked and misunderstood reasons for resistance, what people are really resisting, and how to communicate and respond in ways that create the space for change to happen. In this interactive course, attendees will delve deep into the heart of resistance, uncovering its roots and exploring strategies to transform potential obstacles into opportunities for positive momentum.

Cherie Silas, B.S.

Objectives

• Recognize insight into the psychology of resistance.
• Identify the fundamental reasons why people resist organizational change and the psychological mechanisms at play.
• Distinguish between true resistance and other issues that may present similarly, such as fear, uncertainty and lack of trust.
• Explain practical approaches to manage resistance effectively, including communication techniques, empathy-building exercises and engagement strategies.
• Explore techniques to convert resistance into positive momentum that can propel organizations forward.

There is a big difference between healthy, productive disagreements and heated arguments. For two parties to come to a mutually beneficial agreement, there must be a level of professionalism and respect. Although navigating this territory can feel uncomfortable, it is possible for people with different points of view to have a constructive conversation. This brief yet dynamic session will equip attendees with tools to speak their minds, while allowing the other side to feel heard and respected, and to find common ground for moving forward with grace.

Nan Gesche, M.A.

Objectives

• Describe how to acknowledge and validate the other person's perspective and make them feel respected.
• Discuss how to explain your position in a way that others are willing to listen and stay in the conversation.
• Identify ways to find common ground and build momentum toward a stronger relationship.

Patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities require special care and communication techniques. The medical imaging or radiation therapy professional must possess a large amount of patience and skill to provide this care. This session covers many of the specific diagnoses that fall under IDD. During the session, the speaker will explore current behavioral literature to help attendees understands how the patient may choose to interact with technologists and how the technologist can best reciprocate in the interaction. The speaker will share effective techniques to provide quality patient care. The key to quality patient care is ensuring the patient is well informed and as comfortable as possible with the experience. Proper communication and gaining consent can be difficult, so preparation is vital to make the encounter go smoothly.

Heather Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)

Objectives

• Discuss the definition of intellectual or developmental disability and the disabilities that fall under this general heading.
• Explain the nuances of the more common IDD diagnoses.
• Explore several ideas on how to provide quality patient care and on communication techniques for a patient with IDD.
• Discuss the legal aspects of gaining consent for examinations and treatments.

For an article to be published in the peer-reviewed journals Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapist, the ASRT’s editorial review boards must evaluate it for quality. Although this can seem daunting, there are tools available to the authors that can help this peer-review process go more smoothly. This course reviews the ASRT ERB checklists, discusses the elements of writing that peer reviewers look for in an article, and identifies best practices and things to avoid when writing for a peer-reviewed publication. By clarifying the peer-review process and highlighting the do’s and don’ts of writing, this course will encourage new and seasoned writers to submit articles for peer-reviewed publication.

Jessyca Wagner, Ph.D., R.T.(R), CIIP

Objectives

• Understand the checklists that the ASRT editorial review boards use to evaluate manuscripts.
• Discuss elements of writing that ERB members look for in the peer-review process.
• Identify best practices for writing for a peer-reviewed publication.
• Identify areas to avoid when writing for a peer-reviewed publication.

If the unthinkable happens and a radiologic event occurs in the community, hazmat crews often perform radiation safety and decontamination procedures at the scene of the incident. However, some patients may be too injured to decontaminate at the scene or the scene of the incident may be unstable and require immediate transport of the injured. In these cases, first receivers, not first responders, are responsible for radiation protection. At medical facilities, first receivers are often the radiation safety officer and the technologists working in the radiology department. This course discusses the technologist’s role as a first receiver and explores the principles of radiation safety in the decontamination of humans and the storage and disposal of contaminated materials.

Rodney Fisher, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(N)(CT)(BD)

Objectives

• Identify the types of radiation and the effects of acute radiation syndrome.
• Recognize the maximum allowable radiation doses and the doses when acute symptoms manifest.
• Discuss the role of a radiologic technologist as a first receiver of contaminated patients and rescuers.
• Use the principles of radiation safety in the decontamination of humans and the storage and disposal of contaminated materials.

Medical imaging is pivotal in modern health care, providing critical diagnostic imaging services to diverse patient populations. Ensuring an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ patients and professionals within radiography is essential for fostering comprehensive and equitable health care. This course explores the importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in medical imaging, highlighting the need for cultural competency, effective communication and supportive policies to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. By examining current practices and identifying areas for improvement, the speakers will provide actionable recommendations for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, emphasizing education and awareness among imaging professionals.

Sharon Mohammed, M.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(CT)
Dominique Gomez, M.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(CT)

Objectives

• Recognize cultural competency and its importance in providing respectful and personalized care to LGBTQIA+ patients.
• Discuss the unique challenges and health disparities faced by this population.
• Identify effective communication techniques to create a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ patients and ensure that interactions are inclusive, respectful and sensitive to their needs.
• Describe institutional policies and practices that support LGBTQIA+ inclusivity within the radiography department to promote a culture of acceptance and equity among staff and patients.

This course describes various cases seen in the emergency department and discusses plain film radiography and advanced imaging of these cases. The speaker will describe disease processes, physical signs and symptoms, and clinical lab correlates. Attendees will gain knowledge of the associated anatomic structures, pathologic features, and the basics of cross-sectional anatomy as seen on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Gregory Katsaros, D.C., R.T.(N), DAAPM

Objectives

• Recognize the reasoning for ordering various imaging studies in the emergency department.
• Discuss the pathophysiology and associated physical signs and symptoms of the disorders.
• Identify and correlate the relevant clinical labs and associated imaging studies.

Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Radiologic technologists participate in both the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes using multiple modalities. In this course, the speaker will discuss national stroke metrics and benchmarks, describe the imaging modalities used to diagnose stroke and overview what happens in the neurointerventional suite during stroke treatment. Attendees will learn about the technologist’s role in stroke diagnosis and treatment.

Jennifer Mashburn, M.P.H., R.T.(R)(VI)

Objectives

• Measure national stroke benchmarks and metrics.
• Recognize the radiologic technologist’s role in stroke care from diagnosis to treatment.
• Recognize what a stroke is and the symptoms observed in stroke patients.
• Describe what happens in the neurointerventional suite during stroke treatment.
• Identify what imaging modalities are used to diagnose stroke.

Radiologic science educators may be uniquely affected by burnout due to the unique responsibilities and workload associated with teaching in an allied health field and coordinating clinical experiences for students. This course explores the research study funded by the ASRT Emerging Researcher Grant that examined whether radiologic science educators are experiencing burnout and correlates likely causes of burnout. Burnout is a psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a decreased level of personal accomplishment, and it can result in a progressive loss of connection and purpose, loss of idealism and decreased energy. Based on data collected in the study thus far, radiologic science educators appear to experience a moderately high degree of emotional exhaustion despite the fact that the participants expressed a low level of depersonalization and high degree of personal achievement. Attendees will learn about past research in this area, explore the updated findings from the speaker’s research and discover methods to support educators experiencing burnout.

Kerry Dunn, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M)

Objectives

• Define burnout and common symptoms.
• Discuss how radiologic science educators may experience increased burnout due to the workload and clinical responsibilities associated with their position.
• Explore past research related to educator burnout and discuss updated research findings.
• Describe how postpandemic pedagogical changes have influenced burnout in educators.
• Discuss methods of self-care and support for educators experiencing burnout.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of diagnostic medical imaging resolutions, including temporal resolution, spatial (axial, lateral and elevational) resolution, contrast resolution and dynamic range. Attendees will explore how these resolutions impact image quality and diagnostic accuracy across various modalities — ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. The course integrates theoretical principles with practical applications, offering information to aid technologists in optimizing imaging techniques and addressing resolution challenges. Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of how advanced imaging technologies enhance diagnostic precision and improve patient outcomes, preparing them for advanced practice in radiology and diagnostic medical imaging.

Jenna N. Laquerre, B.S., R.T.(R), RDMS (AB, OB/GYN, PS, BR), RVT

Objectives

• Define and describe the different types of imaging resolutions, such as temporal, spatial, contrast and more.
• Describe how temporal resolution affects the imaging of dynamic structures and its significance across various modalities.
• Compare and contrast the resolutions of different imaging modalities, including ultrasound, radiography, CT and MR.
• Explain the spatial resolution of imaging displays, including the roles of pixels, bits, bit depth and the demonstration of gray shades in producing high-quality diagnostic images.
• Identify techniques to optimize imaging resolutions for improved diagnostic accuracy.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue and can cause changes in physical characteristics and heart and lung problems, among other issues. This course raises awareness of this rare disorder and provides education on identifiable physical characteristics. Attendees will be invited to participate in basic interactive tests that can help them recognize hallmark signs of Marfan syndrome. The speaker will cover medical imaging pertinent to the diagnosis and treatment, as well as the latest breakthroughs. The course will include a review of one family’s personal experiences and struggles as several members dealt with issues associated with Marfan syndrome.

Jeri Fry, R.T.(R)(MR)

Objectives

• Define Marfan syndrome and its associated physical characteristics.
• Identify famous people in history who had Marfan syndrome.
• List medical imaging that is helpful in diagnosing and monitoring Marfan syndrome.
• Recall advancements related to the treatment of Marfan syndrome.
• Discuss real-life struggles related to Marfan syndrome as experienced by one family.

To correctly image the cervical and thoracic spine, medical imaging technologists must understand spine anatomy and gather proper clinical documentation, among other factors. In this course, the speaker will review imaging techniques and radiographic positioning for the cervical and thoracic spine. Attendees will gain a better understanding of spine anatomy, recognize the importance of following standard precautions and review the importance of clinical history documentation and image quality factors. The speaker will overview various spinal pathologies, including fractures, tumors, and degenerative diseases such as arthritis, herniated discs and spinal stenosis, as well as infections and other abnormalities.

Olive Peart, M.S., R.T.(R)(M)

Objectives

• Describe the anatomy of the spine.
• Recognize the importance of standard precautions and reducing the risks of disease transmission.
• Discuss the importance of proper patient communication and clinical history documentation.
• Recognize factors controlling image quality and positioning techniques.
• Describe what should be demonstrated on radiographs of individual spine projections.

This course discusses the importance of advocacy in the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession. Attendees will learn the definition of advocacy along with different ways they can become more involved in promoting and elevating the profession. The speaker will present ways to rediscover a passion for medical imaging and provide a fresh outlook on the importance of the profession and the daily work that technologists do.

Amanda Grocott, M.B.A., R.T.(R)(CT)

Objectives

• Define advocacy as it relates to the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession.
• Identify different advocacy pathways and areas of professional involvement.
• Identify ways to rediscover passion for the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession.

This course explores the latest recommendations on patient shielding from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, with a focus on the impact on medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. The speaker will provide insight into the scientific principles behind the updated guidelines and distinguish how these recommendations influence radiation protection practices in radiologic technology settings. The course will illustrate how the new guidelines affect patient safety, clinical workflows, and the roles of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in ensuring optimal radiation protection practices are continued.

Darcy Wolfman, M.D.

Objectives

• Recall the fundamental principles of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements’ patient shielding recommendations.
• Explain the scientific rationale supporting the updated NCRP patient shielding guidelines.
• Apply the NCRP patient shielding guidelines in clinical or radiological settings.
• Analyze how the latest recommendations compare with previous guidelines and their impact on patient safety.
• Evaluate how medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals can effectively implement NCRP shielding recommendations into clinical practice.