Sep. 6, 2016
The radiologic sciences have come a long way since I first became an R.T. more than 50 years ago; however, I believe R.T.s need to conduct more research with clinical applications in order to strengthen and advance the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession.
I love being an R.T., as I’m sure you do, and I want to see the profession move forward. The best way to do that is to distinguish ourselves as clinical experts through research. Other health professions are writing care plans, integrating the profession into the improvement of patient care and defining continuing education, which relates to specific protocols for treatment or treatment decision trees.
While I’m not a researcher myself, I know that the number of individuals in the medical imaging and radiation therapy community qualified to conduct research is growing. More members of our community than ever before are earning advanced degrees and becoming capable of designing and implementing research projects that are clinically relevant. Conducting research is not my area of expertise, but as an R.T. I recognize the value and impact research has on our profession. As a donor, I am proud to empower you and your fellow R.T.s to conduct research that advances our profession. This is our opportunity as a professional community to set ourselves apart and help define the future of the radiologic sciences.
That’s why I donated to the ASRT Foundation’s Emerging Researchers Award, a fund developed to ensure that research grant funds are available to the medical imaging and radiation therapy community. I want to foster and nourish those qualified to design studies, collect data and reach conclusions that will affect the patient care we deliver. Supporting the Foundation allows me, just as it would you, to be a part of shaping the future of our profession through continuous research.
The research we make possible as donors will increase the visibility of our profession and show the importance of what we do every day for our patients. As donors we can empower our fellow R.T.s to complete research that will give more credibility to our profession. Another great reason to support the Emerging Researchers Award is that by making the funds available we can inspire people to become interested in research, which could lead to countless advancements in the field.
As a donor, I know that I’m changing the lives of students, R.T.s and patients now. By supporting research, I know I’m making a difference in the lives of future members of the medical imaging and radiation therapy community and their patients. I chose to support the Foundation because I know that the Foundation and the ASRT have the ability to share with a large portion of our professional community any research findings I have helped make possible, which means it will make a larger impact on the radiologic sciences.
I think most of you would agree that it’s time to develop skills for our profession that are commensurate with our responsibilities. I believe that research is one pillar to support the advancement of the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession. I’m doing my part to help strengthen research in our profession by supporting the Emerging Researchers Award fund through the Foundation. I encourage you, my fellow R.T.s, to join me in supporting this important endeavor. Together we can ensure that research continues to enhance and advance the profession we hold so dear to our hearts.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Emerging Researchers Award fund, email or call Keith Greer at 800-444-2778, Ext. 1286.