The dedication of pediatric radiologists to the care of children has made pediatric imaging essential to modern pediatric healthcare. It has been more than 20 years since our meeting was last held in San Antonio! So much has changed in the world during that time but one thing that has remained constant besides the Alamo is the commitment, talent and vision of SPR members. It is through the active volunteerism of many members that this meeting advances education and provides a forum for networking and for both making new and renewing old friendships.
We sincerely hope you find this great city and great meeting to be conducive to each of those goals. These are interesting times. We find ourselves in an ever-evolving sphere of patient care, increasing governmental oversight, diminishing research funding and rapidly advancing technology. Compounded upon these variables, is a new era of molecular imaging, disease-specific targeted therapy and incorporation of genomic profile for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring disease.
Certainly, imaging technology, frequency, methods and findings will be impacted by the incorporation of novel and targeted treatment agents into the clinical arena. The program builds upon the creativity and innovative spirit of prior years. Eight sunrise sessions Drs. George Taylor and Michael Callahan, Co-Chairs provide additional educational opportunities to start the day. In addition, the protocol sessions have been expanded to include ultrasound in addition to the popular body and neuro CT and MR sessions, five special half-day sessions Saturday morning with SAM credit available for each session, and a multi-vendor session providing hands-on workstation exposure in 3D R ead W ith the E xperts.
We welcome international participants and guests, without whom the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging would not be possible. Educational and social interactions between attendees from around the world should globally enhance pediatric imaging care and provides anopportunity to discuss diverse perspectives on pediatric diseases, challenges, imaging paradigms and answers. New this year, we are incorporating a community service project into the activities of the meeting.
Thanks goes to Dr. Many SPR members and guests have talents not readily apparent in the day-to-day practice environment.
