Realizing that I needed a few more credits for my license, I recently sat through a seminar in Portland on various aspects and techniques of radiography. Although I appreciate hearing about these techniques for taking x-rays of the knee and the toes, it really does not pertain to what I do. Since I need the extra hours, I am polite and feign interest, but my mind is elsewhere. It makes me realize once again how fortunate I am to have my "lifeline" with the AADMRT. Whenever I attend a seminar through our association, I am always assured that I will take home very pertinent and educational information that I need for running this lab, and I will enjoy seeing and sharing information with all our members.
I think back to my first AADMRT seminar and how nervous I was. I didn't know anyone and could barely tell the difference between a lateral and frontal tmj view - and cross sections for implants? Would I have to do that?! Well, thanks to all the friendly and helpful members, and the fantastic speakers, we have all come a long way. I truthfully do not know if I could have done it without the help of our association.
I remember the seminar when I heard for the first time the word "digital". Would I have to deal with that too, or would I be long retired before all this digital imaging became the standard? Well, as you know, digital has happened and the transition has not been bad at all because of all the seminars that prepared me for this eventuality. And I have found that this is a technology that neither doctors nor I need to fear. Just think about the increased patient comfort. Do you remember your patients sitting in the chair for a long time, checking their watches, while you raced back and forth to the darkroom wondering what to do next to get a diagnostic radiograph? Time is important to all of us, and now a scan takes seconds, and you do not have to worry about whether or not you will get a good picture. You will.
The patient also benefits with less radiation - always a good thing. Perhaps one of the best things for me is finally a chemical-free and more environmentally friendly lab, thanks to no more darkroom!
"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." So, whether your lab is totally digital, or in transition, or just thinking about installing digital, remember that you have a "lifeline" with our association. Our seminars are high energy, very enjoyable presentations that reaffirm our goals of providing excellent diagnostic images. They prepare us for being the leaders in cutting edge technology, and we can be proud of the standards of care we set in our area. The volunteers in our association who put these seminars together work very hard to provide us, as members, with top quality speakers and vendors. I am very grateful for their efforts. Let's continue to support our association and take advantage of our educational seminars.