Jul. 28, 2015
The Society of Radiographers (SoR) is delighted to have the opportunity annually to welcome a colleague from the ASRT to speak at the United Kingdom Radiology Congress. This is a multidisciplinary conference where radiographers, radiologists and medical physicists share best practices and research work alongside world-class management and technical presentations.
The ASRT Foundation speaker is chosen from successful applicants through the International Speakers Exchange Award program. I have watched the program with interest throughout my 11 years as chief executive officer of the SoR in London.
The program is an excellent initiative, allowing professionals to meet and learn together. The fact that it receives such great support through the ASRT Foundation serves to strengthen the ethos of teamwork and collaboration that is so important to the advancement of our specialty.
We have a lot in common, wherever radiography is practiced, but we also have so much knowledge and development to share. The UKRC audience has been privileged over the years to receive first-class presentations from ASRT members. I know that the experience has been positive for the presenters, too. Recipients not only have the experience of preparing and presenting their work for a U.K. audience, but also are able to join in the entire UKRC event. This offers new perspectives, particularly concerning the development of radiography practice, as well as the chance to meet and relate to new colleagues and friends.
The UKRC attendees similarly benefit significantly from the contribution of International Speakers Exchange Award speakers. It is always instructive to learn how health care challenges are being tackled by colleagues in different cultures and under different health administrations.
There are good and innovative practices being developed and undertaken just about everywhere radiography is going on. Our profession needs to make more of this good work through formal research, writing, mentoring and speaking. It is our duty to ensure that we keep our own learning and development up to date. It also is vital to pass on our knowledge so that patients can benefit from the very best radiographic services. This is how the radiography profession will continue to advance and to grow. The International Speakers Exchange Award program provides a brilliant mechanism through which ASRT members can take part in this international enterprise and make an impact on the profession.