The 99th annual RSNA show and conference will take place December 1-6, returning to its usual home at McCormick Place in Chicago. In advance of the show, DOTmed Business News had the chance to catch up with association president Dr. Sarah S. Donaldson to learn more about her goals for the RSNA.

DMBN: What inspired you to pursue a career in health care?
SD: My introduction into health care came first from being a nurse (BS, RN). Following nursing school and training, I worked for a surgical oncologist as a research assistant, an opportunity that introduced me to the world of scientific investigation and clinical trials in cancer. My surgical oncology mentor encouraged me to go to medical school, after which it was natural to extend my experiences and interests by studying the biology, physics, and clinical investigation of malignant disease, and translate this to patient care.

DMBN: How did you first become involved in the RSNA?
SD: Early in my career, I was invited by a radiologist to join an RSNA committee, and I joined the RSNA. Volunteer service in the RSNA gave me the opportunity to attend the annual meeting, meet and work with many RSNA members, and learn much more about radiology than my rather narrow perspective had, to date, showed me.

DMBN: What inspired you to reach the highest level in the association?
SD: Nearly 20 years of significant experiences on RSNA and R&E Foundation Committees gave me incredible opportunities to work with impressive role models and RSNA leaders. I had the good fortune to be encouraged, by prior RSNA board members and officers, to participate in RSNA service and ultimately to join the board of directors. Doing so was one of the wisest decisions I have made during my professional career.

DMBN: During your time as president, what initiatives did you champion?
SD: I am most proud of the BOOST program (Bolstering Oncodiagnostic and Oncotherapeutic Skills for Tomorrow), a program which integrates diagnostic imaging, medical physics, and radiation oncology into our daily practice of oncologic imaging and therapy. This program began my first year on the RSNA board, now eight years ago. It has been tremendously successful and is a program I hope will continue. The BOOST program is a wonderful example of the theme of the RSNA 2013 meeting “The Power of Partnerships,” as it demonstrates the effectiveness of team radiology, where many subspecialists work together to foster the best in a cancer patient’s care.

DMBN: What is your most memorable moment from your time as president?
SD: My most memorable moment is also my most rewarding moment, being able to witness, first hand, the enthusiasm and talent of so many participants, happy to contribute to the success of the annual meeting. This augments my own personal pleasure that has come from retreats, outings, and many task forces and committees working with RSNA members and volunteers.

DMBN: What do you believe the RSNA’s most important role is in health care?
SD: I believe the most important role the RSNA plays in health care is one of education — educating members, meeting attendees, and radiologists worldwide to the newest in the radiological sciences, such as genomic information, molecular imaging, and targeted therapy.

DMBN: What are you most looking forward to at this year’s show?
SD: This is a most difficult question for me to answer, as there will be more symposia, sessions, exhibits, and displays occurring simultaneously than any one individual can attend. For me, I am most looking forward to the plenary lectures, the educational offerings, and the newest in the radiologic sciences. I also profit immensely from the technical exhibit area and learning about all the new products and equipment available since my tour the prior year.

DMBN: What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing radiologists today?
SD: A big challenge facing radiologist worldwide is facing the reality that medicine is changing, demanding that radiologists change our culture to meet these new demands. Today, medicine requires that we develop partnerships internally within radiology, externally with health care professionals outside of radiology, and jointly with our patients. Team-based medicine and team based radiology is essential to our effectiveness.

DMBN: Can you offer any predictions about what the radiology sector will look like in 10 years (whether it’s staffing, technology, reimbursement or something else)?
SD: We are in the age of discovery, and in an era of precision radiology. Our success as radiologists will demand that we accelerate our knowledge about disease, its biology, and its treatment to transform our daily practices and to integrate anatomic, functional, and molecular imaging and therapy. My prediction is that these goals can be achieved using our collective power, and that they will be greatly facilitated by partnering with our patients. It is these predictions that will be the focus of my presidential address “The Power of Partnerships.”