The 2007 program and education committees would like to extend an invitation to all MR technologist/radiographers from around the world to attend our two day seminar in Berlin, Germany. This will be the 16th Annual Meeting of the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists which is held in conjunction with the ISMRM meeting every year. The dates are Saturday May 19th and Sunday May 20th. The program will include a mix of topics to challenge all skill levels. The primary focus of the SMRT is technologist education and the annual meeting is the vehicle that brings technologists from around the world together to learn. In addition to the lectures, technologist/radiographers have a chance to socialize, exchange ideas, protocols, and techniques.

If you are interested in sharing your work, there are two excellent avenues. Proffered papers and poster presentations are popular components of this meeting. We strongly encourage technologists/radiographers from around the world to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentation. Abstract submissions that have either a clinical or research focus are accepted. Online submissions will be available on the SMRT website www.ismrm.org/smrt. The abstract deadline is  22 January 2007.

On Saturday we have a full day of invited lectures. The annual SMRT Business Meeting will be held during lunch. The Business Meeting is an open session for members to attend and learn what the SMRT is doing to further its’ mission and goals. During the Business Meeting new SMRT officers are installed. We encourage members to grab lunch and join us! This is your opportunity to become familiar with your elected representatives. Saturday night, 19 May, after the didactic session, oral posters will be presented followed by a Walking Poster Tour and Reception. Please make plans to stay and enjoy both the posters and the company of your fellow technologists/radiographers.

The Sunday program, includes a full day of lectures presenting very diverse topics. The Program Committee has worked very hard to choose topics suggested on previous evaluation forms and from feedback provided by the membership. Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions. During the Sunday luncheon, awards will be presented to our members who have helped fulfill the SMRT’s commitment to excellence in education both in the clinical, research and teaching arenas.

Berlin is a lovely city, so plan to spend some time getting to know the city and its’ many attractions. Please join us and enjoy both our conference and the wonderful sites of Berlin as we prove that MR education in fact has no borders.

Vera K Miller B.S.,R.T.(R)(MR)
Program Committee Chair, 2006-2007

Carolyn Bonaceto, B.S.,R.T.(R)(MR)
Education Committee Chair 2006-2007
President-Elect, 2006-2007