@2022 ASRT

Health care dramatically changed on Nov. 8, 1895, when German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered the x-ray. Hailed as a medical miracle, scientists and physicians started using x-rays in the clinical setting soon after, and its use skyrocketed in the early 20th century. Fast-forward to 2022 and health care providers still rely on the x-ray to detect bone fractures, find foreign objects in the body, identify lung disease and much more.

The x-ray was the catalyst for advanced medical imaging modalities like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. In addition, radiation therapists use x-rays and other forms of electromagnetic radiation in cancer treatments. Quite simply, the x-ray changed health care and continues to be a key player in patient care on a global scale.

An important part of the x-ray’s history includes the radiologic technologists who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Since the early stages of the x-ray, radiologic technologists have worked to establish patient-safety protocols, patient-positioning techniques, equipment processes and radiation-safety guidelines. Their contributions to medical imaging and radiation therapy are a vital part of the x-ray’s story.

To commemorate the x-ray’s birthday, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week^®, Nov. 6-12. The week recognizes Wilhelm Roentgen’s discovery of the x-ray and honors the vital work of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in patient care and health care safety.

Sal Martino,
Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, FASAE, CAE

The ASRT Board of Directors has approved a donation of $25,000 to the ASRT Foundation’s Sal Martino Leadership Scholarship in honor of ASRT CEO and Executive Director Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, FASAE, CAE, who will retire on Jan. 3, 2023, after 13 years leading the ASRT.

Initially funded with $25,000 from ASRT member Joy Renner, M.A., R.T.(R), her husband Jordan Renner, M.D., and Chief Operating Officer for the ASRT Foundation and Executive Vice President of Development & Corporate Relations Steve Hardy, M.S., R.T.(R)(T)(CT), CMD, the endowed scholarship recognizes Dr. Martino’s lifetime contributions to the ASRT, ASRT Foundation and radiologic technology profession.

“The ASRT Board is committed to supporting the ASRT Foundation and the incredible work it does through awarding scholarship and research grants to radiologic science students and practicing radiologic technologists,” said ASRT Chair of the Board Kristi Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT). “Contributing to the Sal Martino Leadership Scholarship not only recognizes Dr. Martino’s legacy, it also provides funding for a program that will support future leaders in the profession.”

Furthermore, Joy Renner, the scholarship’s founder, said the Board’s commitment to the program goes a long way in showing others that contributions both big and small can make a difference. “I commend the ASRT Board for its support, and I can’t thank them enough for backing a program that I’m certain will change lives.”

Since the scholarship program was announced at the ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in June, it has received more than $64,000 from individual contributors and organizations.

A gift in any amount will make a collective difference. Please donate as generously as possible and spread the word to your colleagues and organizations about this opportunity to support the future leaders of our profession in honor of Dr. Martino.

Chair of the Board
Kristi Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT)

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists Chair of the Board Kristi Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT), was named the 2022 Most Effective Radiologic Sciences Educator in the Minnies, AuntMinnie.com's event recognizing excellence in radiology. She was among 200 candidates who made the semifinalist list across 15 categories.

Dr. Moore serves as chair and professor for the department of radiologic sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions in Jackson, Mississippi.

Dr. Moore said, “I could not have achieved my professional goals had it not been for an incredible support system made up of my family, coworkers, community and state and national professional societies.”

At the 100th anniversary celebration of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, held Nov. 12, 2022, ARRT’s Board of Trustees announced a $25,000 donation to the ASRT Foundation Sal Martino Leadership Scholarship.

The ASRT Foundation established the scholarship earlier this summer with initial contributions from Joy and Jordan Renner and Steve Hardy. Joy Renner, M.A., R.T.(R), director of the division of radiologic science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; her husband, Jordan Renner, M.D., radiologist and former ARRT board of trustees member; and Steve Hardy, M.S., R.T.(R)(T)(CT), chief operating officer for the ASRT Foundation and ASRT executive vice president of development and corporate relations, together honored ASRT CEO and Executive Director Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, FASAE, CAE, who will retire on Jan. 3, 2023, after 13 years leading the ASRT.

Travis Prowant, M.S.H.S., R.R.A., R.T.(R)(CV)(CT), FASRT, president of the ARRT board of trustees, said that one of ARRT’s primary goals is to encourage education in the profession. “I’m proud that ARRT has maintained this effort in a variety of ways, including offering financial support for learners at various stages of their careers,” Prowant said. “This includes important partnerships with partner organizations.”

ARRT supports scholarships with the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and The Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists, as well as with ASRT.

“In the spirit of continued collaboration and heartfelt generosity, ARRT is proud of our many collaborative partnerships,” Prowant added, “which encourage and support continuous learning throughout the profession.”

A gift in any amount will make a collective difference. Please donate as generously as possible and spread the word to your colleagues and organizations about this opportunity to support the future leaders of our profession in honor of Dr. Martino.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has launched its Patient Shielding Task Force webpage, a comprehensive portal that provides up-to-date information on shielding recommendations, educational resources for radiologic technologists and patients, and frequently asked questions.

The webpage is a strategic initiative of the ASRT Patient Shielding Task Force for radiologic technologists and patients to understand recent recommended changes for gonadal and fetal shielding practices.

Chaired by ASRT Speaker of the House Daniel DeMaio, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(CT), and ASRT Chair of the Board Kristi Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT), the Patient Shielding Task Force’s goal is to educate radiologic technologists and patients about ASRT’s position on gonadal and fetal shielding, and to ensure practitioners have the information they need to adopt this significant change in patient-shielding practices.

“The Patient Shielding Task Force believes it’s vitally important for R.T.s and patients to understand that the ASRT only supports the discontinuation of gonadal and fetal shielding during radiographic procedures of the abdomen and pelvis,” said DeMaio. “ASRT continues to support the established best practices in patient shielding for other procedures to minimize patient radiation exposure, if there’s no risk of the shielding interfering with procedural efficacy or leading to increased patient dose.”

The gonadal and fetal shielding recommendation is a major change that affects legislative statutes, hospital protocols, educational institutions and several other areas. That’s why the task force is committed to monitoring the shifting shielding discussion and providing information and resources to ensure information is available for R.T.s and patients.

“ASRT has received hundreds of questions from R.T.s seeking clarification about the recommendation to eliminate gonadal and fetal shielding during x-ray based diagnostic imaging,” DeMaio said. “Our profession remains deeply committed to patient safety during all medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures, and the Patient Shielding Task Force is an important resource to answer questions and assist practitioners in their continuous efforts to minimize patient radiation exposure.”

If you have a question about the Patient Shielding Task Force or specific shielding questions, please email [email protected].

The ASRT is seeking members to serve as volunteers on the House of Delegates Minutes Approval Committee and the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee.

The committee duties, qualifications and time commitments required for these openings are available via the links below:

To volunteer, complete the volunteer form and upload a copy of your current affiliate card through Volunteer Central.

Please contact ASRT Volunteer Services at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. To see all current positions available, visit the Open Volunteer Opportunities page.

ASRT CEO and Executive Director Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, FASAE, CAE, has been awarded the 2022 International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists Marion Frank Award.

The Marion Frank Award honors an individual who shows outstanding service to the international radiography community.

Dr. Martino received the award at the ISRRT World Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 15-17, 2022. He is the first American to receive the award and was recognized for his contributions to global research, humanitarian values and his ongoing commitment to professional development and education in underserved regions of the world.

Dr. Martino has supported global initiatives throughout his 40-year career in radiologic technology. Some of his global contributions include the establishment of the ASRT Foundation Community Outreach Fellowship Program with RAD-AID International, spearheading ASRT’s collaboration with the American College of Radiology to develop a four-year radiography curriculum for the State University of Haiti, and supporting the ASRT Foundation’s disaster matching relief program, which provide donations to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts following natural disasters in the U.S. and abroad.

The award is named after Marion Frank, a longtime medical imaging professional from the United Kingdom who was a founding member of the ISRRT, served as ISSRT chair of education for 15 years and held positions on the society’s board of management.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists is seeking qualified members interested in volunteer positions for the Radiation Therapy Curriculum Workgroup.

The committee duties, qualifications and time commitments required for these openings have been posted at the link below:

Radiation Therapy Curriculum Workgroup

Please contact ASRT Volunteer Services at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. To see all current positions available, visit the Open Volunteer Opportunities page.

Radiography educational program directors report that the number of enrolled students increased noticeably in 2022, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Enrollment Snapshot 2022.

Conducted every year, the survey highlights entering class enrollments, student capacity and program data.

Survey results show that the number of enrolled radiography students increased with an estimated 16,235 students in 2022, up from 15,477 in 2021.

For radiation therapy programs, despite per-program increases, the overall program enrollment declined from an estimated 1,275 in 2021 to 1,208 in 2022. This was due to fewer radiation therapy programs in operation.

Fewer students enrolled in nuclear medicine programs declining from 1,300 students in 2022 to 837 students in 2021.

For the first time, the survey tracked enrollments in sonography and magnetic resonance imaging programs. In 2022, there were an estimated 3,531 students enrolled in sonography programs and an estimated 720 students enrolled in magnetic resonance imaging programs.

"Collecting enrollment data for sonography and magnetic resonance imaging provides a more accurate picture of the estimated entering class for the primary disciplines,” said ASRT Associate Executive Director Myke Kudlas, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(QM), CIIP, PMP, CAE. “We will continue to track this data in future enrollment snapshots.”

ASRT sent the survey to all 1,197 directors of radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging programs currently approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. In all, 247 participated, a response rate of 20.6%. ASRT has conducted the survey annually since 2001.

Enrollment Snapshot 2022