Thoughts from the desk of Diane Hutton, BA, RT(R), MoSRT ARRT

I recently attended a conference in Orlando. Although I enjoy seeing and visiting with friends and making new ones, I do not enjoy the actual traveling part with its many delays and cramped spaces, feeling like everyone is sitting on top of each other. But here is my takeaway from this last conference.?

To be around others who are as passionate about the profession as I am is exciting. Exchanging patient care solutions, sharing with others, and discussing procedures is priceless. Explaining long-ago imaging techniques to students and new technologists is also rewarding. Now, this may not seem as exciting but hear me out. I enjoy reminiscing about procedures we used to do. Talking about developing film, either by hand or by automatic processing is just the way it used to be. Exchanging stories about the many times we had to perform the ‘processor prayers’ and how they turned out. It is a privilege to share these long-ago procedures. Such memories are precious.?

These conferences provide an opportunity to reflect on the advancements in our field. Technology has evolved so much over the years, and it's fascinating to see how far we've come. From the days of manual film processing to today's digital imaging, our ability to diagnose and treat patients has improved dramatically. Each advancement brings new challenges and learning opportunities, and it's through these conferences that we can stay updated and proficient in our practice.?

One of the best parts of these conferences is networking. Building connections with peers from different places and facilities allows for an exchange of ideas and practices. It’s a chance to learn from each other’s experiences and bring back that information and those practices to our own workplaces. The support found within our professional community is incredible.?

At the conference, one of the speakers spoke to my heart when he said, “there is humanity in our expertise”. Radiology is an avenue where we can serve people in their time of need by bringing our technical expertise to serve with our humanity. That connection to needs is what we do. Utilizing our talent to perform procedures with advanced technology is what we do. Do you feel that calling? I will tell you that I have been in this profession for 45 years and I feel that calling now more than ever. Maybe it is because I finally ‘see’ the person I am imagining.?

Ultimately, it all comes down to service. Your service to our patients will either make their day a little more tolerable or you could contribute to the worst day of their lives. It is your choice. How can you help? Will you set aside your concerns and really, your life to dedicate yourself to each patient every time? This is a difficult calling, but it is truly worth that extra effort.??

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy conferences: they refresh you. Mingling with like-minded professionals, learning, sharing, and reconnecting with old friends are some of the many benefits. I feel revived by visiting with other medical imaging professionals who carry their humanity to the patients we serve. Attending conferences is more than just a professional obligation; it’s a source of inspiration and rejuvenation. It reminds us why we chose this career in the first place and reinforces the impact we can have on our patients' lives. So, despite the hassles of travel, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences, making it all worthwhile.?