Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Well, that was interesting. As this week's RSNA meeting draws to a close, predictions of radiology's death appear to be greatly exaggerated.
We're being facetious, of course -- radiology is a major medical specialty that isn't likely to disappear any time soon. But going into this year's RSNA conference, many industry pundits were predicting a potentially catastrophic drop in attendance at McCormick Place … perhaps a harbinger of radiology's decline in the face of multiple threats.
But after an unusually slow day on Sunday, traffic bounced back during the week, reassuring exhibitors and attendees that the RSNA show -- and, by extension, radiology -- still has a vibrant future.
Sure, things will be different next year. Predictions are that 2010 may be just as tough as 2009, at least until the uncertainty surrounding U.S. healthcare reform clears up. But those who've been around for a while can take heart from the fact that some of the specialty's glory years -- the late 1990s -- followed one of the worst industry declines in decades, after the failed Clinton healthcare reform effort in 1993-1994.
So, it's time to buck up, knuckle down, and get ready for another year. It's most likely that 2010 will see radiology emerge slimmer but stronger for the years ahead.
In an annual tradition, we offer you this year's PACSman Awards, a humorous take on the RSNA meeting by PACS industry consultant Michael J. Cannavo. See what he thinks of this year's conference by clicking here.
In other news, learn about a presentation that discussed what referring physicians want from radiology reports by clicking here, and discover more about the effects radiology benefits management (RBM) organizations are having on imaging utilization in this article.
For these stories and more, including photos and video clips direct from the show floor, visit our RADCast @ RSNA at radcast.auntminnie.com.
