Public release date: 19-May-2005
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Contact: Maryann Verrillo
mverrillo@snm.org
703-708-9000
Society of Nuclear Medicine

Society of Nuclear Medicine professionals explore molecular imaging, present research highlights

SNM's 52nd annual meeting June 18–22 in Toronto hosts largest attendance of physicians, technologists, scientists and pharmacists

RESTON, Va.--Leading molecular/nuclear imaging authorities will discuss future directions and cutting-edge research results at the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 52nd Annual Meeting June 18–22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

More than 4,000 physicians, technologists, scientists and pharmacists are expected to attend this premier event to hear exceptional lecturers and to take advantage of educational and networking opportunities. This year's speakers are as follows.

Sanjiv (Sam) Gambhir, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Molecular Imaging Center at Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., will deliver the June 19 Henry Wagner Lectureship. Gambhir, who is also head of the division of nuclear medicine and professor of radiology and nuclear medicine at Stanford, will focus on the current status of molecular imaging and provide a glimpse into the future of this exciting field.

Henry N. Wagner Jr., M.D., director of the division of radiation health sciences at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., will once more discuss what's on the horizon for the molecular/nuclear imaging profession during his annual Highlights Lecture on June 22. In the Highlights Lecture, a 28-year tradition, Wagner summarizes current trends in molecular/nuclear imaging and the meeting's significant findings in a 90-minute presentation. Wagner will also announce his pick for the annual Image of the Year, an image that illustrates a direction he sees nuclear medicine heading in a dynamic and ever-expanding field.

In the June 21 Cassen Lecture, Angelika Bischof Delaloye, M.D., of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois in Lausanne, Switzerland, will present the ongoing activities, problems and needs of nuclear medicine on a global scale.

Michael D. Devous Sr., Ph.D., professor of radiology radiological sciences and bioengineering and associate director of the Nuclear Medicine Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, discusses "The Role of Nuclear Medicine in the Dementias and Neurodegenerative Disorders" on June 20. In addition, Louis Jacques, M.D., from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will provide an update on "Emerging Themes in Medicare Coverage of Imaging Technologies."

Kathleen Passanisi, an internationally recognized speaker, humorist, medical professional and author, will speak at SNM Technologist Section's June 19 plenary session. Passanisi, an expert in the field of therapeutic humor and its impact on health and morale, will provide an enlivening program, enlightening attendees on how to reduce stress, improve well-being, enhance creativity and make life at home and work more fun.

"The society offers an exciting program presenting basic, translational and clinical research in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging for medical practitioners, technologists, scientists, physicists and pharmacists from around the world," said SNM President Mathew L. Thakur, Ph.D. "The program also includes future directions in molecular imaging, novel findings from applications of PET and PET/CT and their impact on patient management," he added, "reminding us that molecular/nuclear imaging research in diagnosis and treatment knows no borders."

The education and scientific program at the 52nd Annual Meeting is tailored to provide attendees with the most current and important information available in the field. SNM and SNMTS present 98 continuing education courses focusing on PET/CT, cardiovascular nuclear medicine, brain imaging, pediatrics, oncology and therapy, thyroid cancer, coding and reimbursement. More than 1,600 scientific, technologist and technologist-student abstracts will be presented, as well as 88 scientific, 4 technologist and 4 technologist-student oral sessions. A "Meet the Author" poster session will be divided into six 45-minute time slots June 19–21. SNM's councils and the PET Center of Excellence have developed 10 categorical seminars for physicians, scientists and technologists. These full-day sessions on June 18 include "PET/CT in Clinical Practice: 'Nuts and Bolts' and Beyond"; "PET/CT in Oncology: Focus on the Referring Physician: What Does Your Referring Physician Want From PET/CT?"; "An Introduction to Cancer Biology and the Development of Radiopharmaceuticals for Imaging and Treating Cancer"; and "PET/CT: The Tried and True and a Look at What's New."

To register for the conference, visit the SNM Web site at www.snm.org/am/. Press registration is complimentary to credentialed media. For press registration only, contact Maryann Verrillo, at (703) 708-9000, ext. 1211, or mverrillo@snm.org. Press representatives may also register online at www.snm.org/am/. SNM will hold a press conference from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. on June 20, featuring an overview of the latest research and discoveries in the world of nuclear medicine/molecular imaging. New applications in oncology, neurology and pediatrics will be discussed. Also at this press conference, Henry N. Wagner Jr., M.D., will announce his 2005 Image of the Year.

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About the Society of Nuclear Medicine
The Society of Nuclear Medicine is holding its 52nd Annual Meeting June 18–22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada. SNM is an international scientific and professional organization of more than 16,000 physicians, technologists, physicists, chemists and radiopharmacists dedicated to promoting the science, technology and practical applications of molecular imaging/nuclear medicine. Founded in 1954, SNM is the largest scientific organization dedicated to molecular imaging/nuclear medicine. Each year, SNM hosts a meeting that draws thousands of molecular/nuclear imaging professionals from around the world. The meeting features more than 1,000 scientific papers and posters submitted by scientists, physicians and technologists in the molecular imaging/nuclear medicine fields. In addition, more than 100 manufacturers attend the meeting to showcase and demonstrate the most technologically advanced molecular/nuclear imaging equipment. SNM is based in Reston, Va.; additional information can be found online at http://www.snm.org.

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