The Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) 108th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting (RSNA 2022), held in Chicago’s McCormick Place from November 27 to December 1, highlighted the latest in medical imaging research and education and emphasized the importance of empathy, diversity and equity in healthcare. The meeting’s theme was “Empowering Patients and Partners in Care.”
As the world’s largest radiology forum, RSNA 2022 featured more than 900 scientific papers in 19 subspecialties, more than 1,300 scientific posters, more than 300 education courses, and more than 1,450 education exhibits. Registration for RSNA 2022 was nearly 38,000.
“The robust attendance numbers demonstrate that people still want the valuable interaction and networking experiences that a meeting like ours provides,” says RSNA Executive Director Mark G. Watson. “We are proud to be able to offer our attendees an exciting in-person experience, as well as virtual access to nearly 100% of all meeting content. With in-person and virtual programming across a broad spectrum of topics, plus an unrivaled medical imaging technical exhibition, RSNA 2022 truly has something for everyone.”
Popular features like the Image Interpretation Session, Case of the Day, and the exciting radiology game show: “What’s Your Emergency? Life in the STAT Lane” offered dynamic experiences for attendees, while the rapid-fire “Fast 5” session featured brisk and engaging presentations focusing on the RSNA 2022 theme. The meeting also offered inspiring plenary sessions aimed at understanding the patient’s perspective and creating better patient experiences.
“The patient experience doesn’t begin with the report or even the scan,” says Bruce G. Haffty, MD, in his President’s Address, “Diagnostic Imaging: Value from the Lens of the Patient.” He adds, “From the time the patient schedules an appointment through every follow-up, we should be working to ensure they feel comfortable, informed, supported, seen and heard.”
In the Opening Session, Elizabeth Morris, MD, talked about her experience as a patient in “Doctor as Patient: Imaging Cancer Survival for All.” “Being challenged with my diagnosis and a new job reinforced how radiologists must look beyond who we think a patient is and treat every single patient with kindness and respect,” Morris says.
In “Three Visions for the Future of Medicine,” Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, pioneering physician, oncologist, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, shared his insights into human health, medicine and science. “Medicare and U.S. Healthcare Policy: A National Conversation,” offered a renowned panel of experts discussing the impact of recent policy developments on the future of medical imaging and patient care.
Reed A. Omary, MD, explored the responsibility of radiology professionals to create the best possible patient experience in “Designing Radiology for Patients, Communities and the Planet.”
COVID-19 research developments were featured throughout the RSNA 2022 program, including new research investigating the long-term, systemic effects of the disease.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was also prominently on display at RSNA 2022, playing a key role in hundreds of research papers, courses, and education exhibits. Advances in AI applications and technologies were abundant on the technical exhibition floor.
“AI is proving to be an important tool to assist radiologists in disease detection and improve radiology workflow,” Watson says. “RSNA will continue to provide our attendees a wide variety of AI sessions and showcase AI-based solutions on the exhibit floor.”
RSNA 2022’s Technical Exhibits covered 364,000 square feet and featured 644 exhibitors—including 124 first-time RSNA exhibitors—demonstrating the latest medical imaging technologies in CT, MRI, AI, 3D printing, and more. Technical Exhibits included the expansive AI Showcase and Theater, as well as the Imaging AI in Practice demonstration, the 3D Printing and Mixed Reality Showcase, Innovation Theater, First-time Exhibitor Pavilion, Educators Row and Recruiters Row.
The AI Showcase allowed attendees to connect with companies to see the latest in machine learning and AI products and learn more about how to implement these novel applications in their practices.
The AI Theater hosted several engaging presentations, as well as a recognition event for the teams with the top performing models in the RSNA Cervical Spine Fracture AI Challenge. Using clinical scenarios and medical images to show AI tools and health information technology standards in action, the Imaging AI in Practice demonstration illustrated the radiology workflow from imaging examination ordering through reporting and follow-up.
Industry programming at RSNA 2022 included corporate symposia, “lunch and learns,” vendor workshops, and AI Theater and Innovation Theater presentations. Virtual Access to RSNA 2022 is available on-demand until May 1, 2023.
