This month’s column is a collection of this, that and the other thing — namely digital imaging, a little hello and a goodbye.
Digital imaging is the special section this month, commencing with our cover story on Web-enabled PACS, a technique that is gaining respect … and scrutiny. Radiology departments and facilities are beginning to realize that transmitting huge electronic files is much more complicated than merely clicking a mouse.
In “Image Fusion Joins the Best of Many Worlds” on page 42, Cheryl Hall Harris dives into the new mixed-media craze that some are calling “fused image tomography.” It unites anatomical and functional images to bring greater power to diagnosis. Henry Wagner, M.D., making his 23rd consecutive Highlights lecture at SNM in June, predicted that 10 years from now, 60 percent of all studies will consist of fused images.
The way radiology equipment is purchased will surely change during the next decade, too. Turn to “eCommerce and Radiology: Dot-coms Peddle New and Refurbished Equipment Online” on page DI-52. It details the first wave of radiology purchasing via the Internet. Buyers are taking baby steps, shopping for pre-owned equipment and supplies online. Most appear to prefer the comfort of “hands-on” selling when big iron is at stake. Perhaps when more resource-rich radiology e-commerce sites become available, radiology departments will become as comfortable negotiating and buying CT scanners online as the kids who bid on Pok?mon cards through eBay.
Speaking of baby steps, in a recent column I wrote about the pending arrival of my third son, and in a proud mom sort of way, I included a couple of 3D ultrasound images of him on the cover of our May issue.
Aidan arrived in late June — a little early, but very happy and healthy. I recognized him the minute he was born because of those 3D images. His face is thin and his nose is tiny. His legs are long and skinny, as are his fingers and toes. In several ultrasound images, I thought it strange that his bottom lip was not visible. I now know why. Sucking on his lip is a favorite habit, as are stretching his legs and flexing his toes (just like he did in one of the cover shots!)
And now, I must end this column with a goodbye.
Medical Imaging bid farewell this month to its founder and publisher, Jack Spears. Jack began this magazine’s predecessor, Second Source, 15 years ago with a vision of promoting cost-effective management of healthcare technology. Medical Imaging has matured to become that resource for people who run a radiology department.
Jack is off to ply cyberspace, and Medical Imaging is in the able hands of our corps of polished publishing professionals. We all learned from Jack’s honesty, sense of humor and especially his diligence. It’s a challenge to serve a boss who always seems to be working harder than you, and Jack pushed us to do more than we ever thought possible. For that we say, thank you. Good luck Jack, you’ll be missed.
Mary C. Tierney, Editor
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