Educational sessions and special workshops highlight advancements in molecular imaging

SNM's Conjoint Mid-Winter Meetings, Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2010, in Albuquerque, N.M., will bring together four scientific meetings under one umbrella. The meeting, which provides attendees with the opportunity to earn up to 25 continuing education credits, will highlight the latest advancements in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine. The educational sessions will conclude with special workshops on nanomedicine and clinical trials.

"Molecular imaging uses state-of-the-art equipment and precisely targeted tracers that enable doctors to see how the body is functioning," said Michael M. Graham, Ph.D., M.D., president of SNM. "Molecular imaging can eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and allow physicians to see how effective a treatment is early on following therapy."

This year, the American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM) is holding its annual meeting Jan. 27󈞈 in conjunction with the SNM Mid-Winter Meeting. The ACNM meeting will offer presentations on PET/CT of the head and neck (including thyroid cancer), chest and abdomen. ACNM will also offer lectures on the use of molecular imaging for lung scans and brain imaging and the use of new PET radiopharmaceuticals for treating disease. For nuclear medicine and radiology residents, ACNM will offer abstract presentations and a session on how to find a job in nuclear medicine.

Back by popular demand, SNM will offer a two-day CT case review workshop that will provide 16 hours of continuing education credit for physicians. SNM will also offer workshops on the use of molecular imaging for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, and diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Sessions will take place Jan. 29󈞋.

SNM's Technologist Section (SNMTS) will host "The Sharp Edges of Nuclear Medicine: See What's New," Jan. 30󈞋, to introduce technologists to new techniques in fusion imaging, with a focus on patients with epilepsy. SNMTS will also host a joint session with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, focusing on legislative and regulatory issues facing nuclear medicine today, including USP <797> and the Medicare Improvement Providers and Patients Act of 2008 (MIPPA).

SNM's Molecular Imaging Center of Excellence will host its annual summit on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. This year's summit will focus on nanomedicine and molecular imaging. More than 20 experts from a variety of fields will examine current and potential uses of nanomaterials for patient care through improved diagnosis and individualized treatment strategies.

Finally, the week will cap off with SNM's Clinical Trials Workshop (CTN), Feb. 1𔃀. The CTN Workshop will expand on last year's successful meeting through in-depth presentations and discussions about how to expedite drug discovery, gain approval for new biomarkers, and comply with regulatory requirements in the U.S. and abroad. Featured seminars will cover the need for standardization in imaging trials, clinical research operating procedures, quality assurance, phantom utilization and good manufacturing practices. The CTN will host a special roundtable on the evening of Feb. 1 for leadership and senior staff at clinical research organizations. The CTN will also host sessions especially for nuclear medicine technologists about professional development opportunities in clinical trials research.

"This year's mid-winter meeting offers many exceptional educational and professional development opportunities for all members of the molecular imaging and nuclear medicine community," added Graham. "There is something for everyone-our goal is to provide exceptional educational opportunities, pave the way for new and emerging technologies and equip the medical community to continue to lead the field going forward."