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RSNA 2020 on Your Computer or Tablet
By Aine Cryts
Radiologists, technologists, executives, and vendors will participate in RSNA 2020 as an all-virtual event. The annual conference takes place from Sunday, November 29 to Friday, December 4 on an internet-enabled computer or tablet near you. Boasting more than 350 hours of educational refresher courses, science sessions, and educational exhibits, the conference also features Cases of the Day and more than 190 on-demand sessions.
Human Insight/Visionary Medicine is the theme of the 106th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting. James P. Borgstede, MD, president of the RSNA Board of Directors, will help kick off the conference with a session on Sunday, “One World, One Radiology Community — A Vision for Tomorrow.”
Sunday also features an opening session lecture, “The Power of Radiology to Drive Collective Action and Transform Global Health.” Presenting this lecture is Kristen DeStigter, MD, FACR, cofounder of Imaging the World and chair of radiology at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Imaging the World, a nonprofit organization, integrates low-cost ultrasound programs into remote health care facilities that lack radiologists, other skilled personnel, and imaging equipment. DeStigter has worked for a decade to bring sustainable, high-quality, affordable ultrasound capabilities to clinical services in rural Uganda. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has supported her work through grant awards.
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus that’s transformed all of our lives, is a featured topic at RSNA 2020. On Sunday, attendees can join a science session with keynote, “Chest (COVID-19 Imaging and Lung Infection).” That’s in addition to a hot topic session on Monday, “Neurological and Neuroimaging Manifestations of COVID-19.”
On Tuesday, attendees can join a hot topic session, “Non-pulmonary Manifestation of COVID-19.” Wednesday features another hot topic session, “Chest Findings of COVID-19.”
The Annual Oration in Diagnostic Radiology, to be presented Tuesday by Bhavya Rehani, MD, is called “Building a Better Future for the Global Radiology Community — Selfless Service, Innovative Technologies, & Online Radiology Education for COVID-19 & Beyond.”
AI is another focus area this year. For example, attendees can view a session on Sunday, “Artificial Intelligence — Decision Support: The Coronavirus Experience in USA and China.” On tap for Monday is “Essentials of Machine Learning Study Design and Algorithm Validation: What Doctors Need to Know.”
Also in the AI topic area, attendees have access to a Tuesday session, “Informatics (Artificial Intelligence: The Cutting Edge).” Wednesday features two sessions in this discipline, “Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: The Hype is Over — What is Next?” and “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Oncology.”
Other Highlights
Diversity, inclusion, and health equity topics were also top of mind for RSNA 2020 organizers. Case in point: “Special Interest Session: Building a Diverse Radiology Workforce,” which is sponsored by the American Association for Women in Radiology, is available on Sunday. In addition, Monday features “Taking Action to Promote Gender Inclusion in Radiology: A Roadmap for Progress,” which is sponsored by the RSNA Professionalism Committee. A special interest session, “A Call to Action in Health Equity: An Interactive Session on Health Disparities and Health Equity in Radiology,” is accessible on Wednesday.
Virtual exhibits, featured demonstrations, educational presentations, and the daily Industry Hour provide opportunities to engage with vendors. According to RSNA, virtual exhibits will be available to attendees until April 30, 2021. Matchmaking, live chat, and scheduled meetings are additional ways to engage with vendors.
And not to be overlooked: RSNA’s virtual 5k Fun Run. By paying the $40 entrance fee and lacing up for a solo indoor or outdoor run or walk, participants can support radiology research and education through the RSNA Research & Education Foundation. Specifically, radiologic research, education, and practice benefit from the foundation’s grants. Runners and walkers are encouraged to participate between November 29 and December 5. Sharing selfies on social media using the #RSNA20 hashtag is also welcome, according to RSNA.
— Aine Cryts is a health care writer based in the Boston area.
