The American Society of Radiologic Technologists recently kicked off its Be Seen awareness campaign to celebrate and elevate the work of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. In conjunction with the campaign, ASRT will hold the Invisible Heroes 5k Community Run/Walk both in person and virtually, Saturday, May 18.

5K Run/Walk Planned

The Invisible Heroes 5K Run/Walk will recognize the vital role that medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play on the health care team and introduce the public to the Society and its role in advancing and elevating the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession. The hybrid event is part of an initiative introduced by ASRT President Brandon A. Smith, M.B.A., M.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(VI), CIIP, to raise awareness of these vital professionals.

The Invisible Heroes 5K Run/Walk will offer age group, overall and team awards, including a t-shirt and finisher medals for all participants.

Event location:
Believers Center of Albuquerque parking lot
320 Waterfall Dr. SE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123

Event Registration:
https://www.asrt.org/InvisibleHeroes

Event Schedule:
Saturday, May 18, 2024
5K – 9 a.m.
Kids K – 10 a.m.

Museum Tours Available
Friday, May 17, 2024
3-6 p.m.
15000 Central Ave. SE

At packet pick-up, on Friday, May 17, the ASRT Museum and Archives will be open to the public from 3-6 p.m. The museum is located inside the ASRT office at 15000 Central Avenue SE. The ASRT Museum and Archives is unique in that it not only contains radiologic artifacts of bygone eras, but it is dedicated to the radiologic technology profession and the technologists who advanced that profession.

Radiologic Technologist Facts

• Radiologic technologists are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy treatments. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and patient care.
• They may specialize in a specific imaging technique, such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, quality management, sonography or radiography. The radiologic technologists who specialize in radiation therapy, which is the delivery of high doses of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases, are radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists.
• According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists there are more than 450,000 registered radiologic technologists in the United States.
• As experts in medical imaging, radiologic technologists produce images for physicians to assist in the diagnoses and treatment of injuries and diseases.

The ASRT has announced the recipients of its distinguished author awards, recognizing the best peer-reviewed articles published in ASRT’s scientific journals in 2023. Presented annually, the awards are chosen by members of each journal’s respective Editorial Review Board after a comprehensive review of all scholarly articles published in the journals during the previous calendar year.

The Radiologic Technology Distinguished Author Award in Honor of Jean I. Widger goes to Asher Street Beam, D.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR), MRSO; Chelsea Palmer Stephens, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(N), CNMT; Charlotte Taylor, M.D.; Jessie Bentley, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Allison Crane Gonzalez, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Maneet Marwaha, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Drake Riley, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); and Cassandra Wade, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR). Their article, “Imaging and Demographic Risk Factors in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma,” was published in the July/August 2023 issue of Radiologic Technology.

Dr. Street Beam is director of the master of science in magnetic resonance imaging program and associate professor for the department of radiologic sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions. Dr. Stephens is director of the master of science in nuclear medicine technology program and assistant professor for the department of radiologic sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions. Dr. Taylor is director for the diagnostic radiology residency program and associate director for the neuroradiology fellowship program for the department of radiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Bentley, Gonzalez, Marwaha, Riley and Wade are graduates of the master of science in magnetic resonance imaging program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions.

The goal of their case study was to describe and discuss a case in which the patient received a diagnosis of severe head trauma that resulted in death. Imaging findings, along with discrepancies in the parental explanation of the incident, aided the forensic investigators to identify the case as nonaccidental trauma. Identifying demographic risk factors and performing proper clinical evaluations can serve an important role in the diagnosis of pediatric NAT. Imaging modalities such as radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can help determine the extent of trauma. The authors concluded that to help prevent future cases of abuse, medical professionals should be fluent in identifying differences between accidental and NAT. Using multiple imaging modalities, NAT in pediatric patients can be identified and treated adequately.

In addition, this year the Radiation Therapist Distinguished Author Award in Honor of Harold Silverman goes to Timothy Catalano, M.A., R.T.(T); Jennifer Thompson, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM); Heather L. Phillips, Ph.D., MLS, MT; Eleanor Jator, Ph.D., MT; Oghenetega Adogbeji, M.S.; Callistus Obunadike, M.S.; Robin Latchem, M.S., MLS; Blessing Osadare, M.S.; and Tameka Gooden, M.S., MT, for their article, “Exploring the Need for Clinical Preceptor Training in Radiation Therapy,” which was published in the spring 2023 issue of Radiation Therapist.

Catalano is quality and safety coordinator for radiation oncology at Duke University. He was an assistant professor in radiation therapy at Austin Peay State University during the writing and research portion of the article. Dr. Thompson is the radiography program director and associate professor for Austin Peay State University. She has served numerous leadership roles with the Tennessee affiliate and serves on the Tennessee Board of Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy, advocating for patients and technologists. Dr. Phillips is professor of medical laboratory science and director of laboratory testing for Austin Peay State University. Dr. Jator is professor of medical laboratory science and education coordinator for the medical laboratory scientist and phlebotomy programs at Austin Peay State University. Adogbeji holds a master's degree in computer science and quantitative methods from Austin Peay State University. Presently, he works as a data scientist at one of the nation's premier automobile giants. Obunadike has three Master of Science degrees including groundwater management, sustainable mining engineering and computer science. He recently co-founded a tech start-up called YoungGlobalTech LLC, which aims to empower young people with data analytical skills. Latchem is assistant professor in the department of medical and clinical lab sciences at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama. Osadare was a graduate student at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville during the study. She currently is a software engineer for Nordstrom. Gooden is a former employee of Baptist Health Sciences University in Memphis, Tennessee.

The goal of their original research study was to examine whether radiation therapist clinical preceptors are trained as educators, to evaluate clinical preceptors’ perspectives on clinical preceptor training and to determine the need to develop a more robust form of clinical preceptor training in radiation therapy. They found that clinical preceptors need and want more training for their roles and more communication with education programs. A standardized training platform is suggested because of the varying learning cultures in clinics and individual preceptors’ different educational backgrounds and experiences.

The Widger award is named after long-time Radiologic Technology editor Jean I. Widger. The Silverman award is named in honor of radiation therapist Harold Silverman, an advocate for accreditation of radiation therapy educational programs.

The ASRT will honor the recipients at the Honors Evening on June 28 at the ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has named Jennifer Thompson, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM), of Tennessee, as the winner of the 2024 ASRT individual Award for Advocacy and the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists as the affiliate award winner.

Based on nominations submitted by ASRT members, the ASRT Award for Advocacy recognizes and acknowledges achievements in various advocacy efforts, including overall growth and development of individual and affiliate grass-roots involvement. The ASRT Committee on R.T. Advocacy selects the award winners, and the awards are presented on behalf of the ASRT Board of Directors. The 2024 Award for Advocacy recognizes efforts that took place between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023.

Jennifer Thompson, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM), is the radiography program director and associate professor at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Tennessee Society of Radiologic Technologists and has held roles including president, senior board member, vice president and secretary for the past 13 years. Dr. Thompson has advocated tirelessly to establish licensure standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in Tennessee and amped up efforts last year when her state considered a bill that would eliminate most licensure requirements. Grass-roots communications efforts through presentations, podcasts, letters, social media posts and testifying at state hearings, proved successful by getting affiliates and other imaging professionals from other states involved. Despite the state passing the bill, she continues to promote the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession including advocating for minimum education standards.

In addition to her legislative work, Dr. Thompson was selected as one of four individuals nationwide to receive the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ Gold Standard award in 2023. She was elected to serve as secretary on the ASRT Board of Directors for 2024-2025.

During the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2023 legislative session, the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists responded to Senate Bill 1228, a measure that addressed the state’s health care workforce shortages. The CSRT’s goal was to tackle the shortage of radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists and respiratory care technologists, as well as develop plans to create a magnet school focused on health care professions. In March, the CSRT provided verbal testimony to the Connecticut Committee on Public Health and recruited directors from radiography programs to submit written testimony on the bill. Although this specific bill did not gain traction in the General Assembly, parts of the bill were put into Senate Bill 9. CSRT collaborated with the Connecticut Public Health Committee to include language in the new bill to establish a task force to address the shortage of radiologic technologists and respiratory care technologists. Both chambers of the legislature voted on the measure, which passed, creating Public Act 23-97. The CSRT educational committee is currently surveying educators to increase student and educator involvement. In addition, members of the CSRT legislative committee participated in a Connecticut legislative coffee hour calling and emailing numerous representatives and senators.

The ASRT Government Relations Department is off to a strong start in 2024. The team continues its efforts to elevate and protect the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to monitor legislative actions at the state and the federal level.

Information about the department’s work can be found on its blog located on the Advocacy Action Center webpage. The blog includes information about the launch of advocacy action campaigns to support legislative efforts in three states as well as successes in protecting and expanding licensure in New Hampshire, Michigan and Washington. Read about the department’s actions to oppose various issues of encroachment, inappropriate scope of practice expansion, remote imaging and deregulation through letter writing campaigns in seven states. ASRT also continues to collaborate with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and other partner radiologic science organizations to support advocacy efforts in numerous states.

The Advocacy Action Center is a resource for the radiologic technology community to learn about the legislative efforts in their states. It also provides technologists with the tools to contact state and federal officials.

The ASRT is seeking qualified members interested in volunteer positions on the Commission and Committee on Bylaws.

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

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.

The ASRT House of Delegates has elected Shellie Pike, M.S.R.S., R.R.A., R.T.(R)(CT), as speaker of the House and Ashley Perkins, M.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR), as vice speaker of the House.

Pike serves as a registered radiologist assistant for Radiology Consultants of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

Perkins is the clinical imaging specialist at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Shellie Pike, M.S.R.S., R.R.A., R.T.(R)(CT)

Ashley Perkins, M.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR)

Pike and Perkins are members of the ASRT Board of Directors. They will manage the House of Delegates proceedings during the 2025 ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has launched the BeRAD Professionalism Award to recognize health systems, imaging centers, hospitals, clinics and other facilities in which medical imaging technologists and radiation therapists demonstrate a culture of professionalism.

Spearheaded by former ASRT President and current Chair of the Board Brandon A. Smith, M.B.A., M.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(VI), CIIP, the BeRAD program aligns with ASRT’s mission to advance and elevate the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality and safety of patient care. “This initiative will elevate our brand by setting the standard for appreciation and access equity that we have certainly earned over more than a century of service,” said Smith.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2024, and are available on the website. Health organizations and imaging centers are encouraged to apply. Applicants will receive feedback by Feb. 15, 2025, and award winners will be announced in April 2025. Awardees will be invited to send a representative to the Honors Evening ceremony at the 2025 ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Reno, Nevada. Two awards will be given in the inaugural cycle. Organizations that earn the award will receive a customized plaque to commemorate the honor and a one-year group membership to the ASRT for up to 25 staff.

The newly designed website also features resources for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. The website’s resources include a self-reflection tool and educator and manager tools to build and enhance their career journey. “We took the bold initiative to measurably define professionalism beyond anecdotes,” added Smith.

The ASRT is seeking qualified members interested in volunteer positions for the Professional Mentor Program.

The duties, qualifications and time commitments required for these openings are available through the link below:

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.

Core tactics to address the current medical imaging and radiation therapy workforce shortage and build career pathways include raising awareness of the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, articulating career pathways, creating a pipeline with education programs, building a career advancement ladder, expanding opportunities for student education and training, and sharing frameworks and tools to improve workplace satisfaction. That’s according to a new white paper from the Consensus Committee on the Future of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.

Spearheaded by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the white paper is the culmination of the committee’s work. The committee included representatives from 18 radiologic science organizations who met in February 2024 to address two principal topics: the current medical imaging and radiation therapy workforce shortage and developing career pathways for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.

“The consensus committee included professionals from a wide variety of radiologic science organizations and practice areas, which was incredibly helpful in outlining the recommendations in the white paper that that can be used to address professional areas of concern,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE.

The combination of an aging population needing more health care, fewer students, increasing numbers of professionals leaving due to retirement, burnout and seeking opportunities elsewhere has led to a workforce shortage that exceeds levels documented in more than 20 years. This shortage could affect the quality of patient care as it has left the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession with unprecedented numbers of job openings and overburdening staff.

“The white paper serves as a repository of ideas to address the workforce shortage, strengthen the profession and build career pathways for professionals,” said ARRT CEO Liana Watson, D.M., R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS), RDMS, RVT, FASRT, CAE.

According to JRCERT CEO Leslie Winter, M.S., R.T.(R), the recommendations in the white paper provide a roadmap to take action and address issues. She added that it is vital for all areas of the profession to work together to develop and launch the initiatives.

“Implementing the tactics outlined in the white paper will require the ongoing commitment and combined talents of our professional societies, accrediting organizations, certifying bodies, equipment vendors, health care organizations, educational institutions, and every member of our professional community,” said Winter.

“Work has already begun on several of the recommendations,” said Dr. Pergola. “The level of buy-in from the supporting organizations has been truly inspiring.”

The ASRT Government Relations and Public Policy Department clarifies public policy terms in its latest blog post located on the Advocacy Action Center webpage.

Meredith Check, manager of Government Relations and Public Policy, explains how the laws and policies that govern medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals at the state level are categorized into three main areas: licensure, standards and equipment regulations. Defining these terms serves to help those that advocate for the profession in their states.

The Advocacy Action Center is a resource for the radiologic technology community to learn about the legislative efforts in their states. It also provides technologists with the tools to contact state and federal officials.