Society of Thoracic Radiology

EDUCATIONAL MISSION STATEMENT The Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR) is dedicated to the lifelong learning of cardiothoracic radiologists and other health professionals and to the advancement of medical care through the science of radiology and allied disciplines. Continuing professional development opportunities provided by the STR include educational and scientific meetings, support of a peer-reviewed journal, and funding and support of grants and awards programs. The Purpose of the education program is to improve health care through: - disseminating to radiologists and other health professionals the most current scientific and clinical information on cardiothoracic imaging and image-guided interventional procedures; - keeping the international community of radiologists and other health professionals abreast of state-of-the-art techniques in cardiothoracic imaging; - stimulating critical thinking and reflection on the science and practice of cardiothoracic imaging; - creating and coordinating efforts that will identify, assess and respond to the learning needs of professionals; - promoting cardiothoracic imaging research within the radiology community, and - developing and supporting educators and leaders in cardiothoracic imaging. The Target Audience includes cardiothoracic radiologists, general radiologists with an interest in cardiothoracic imaging, pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, residents, fellows, and other health professionals interested in the science and practice of cardiothoracic imaging. The educational program Content Areas will include basic science, disease processes, state-of-the art technologies and techniques, patient safety, clinical research, evidence-based medicine, health outcomes, education, and practice management. Educational activities will highlight optimal clinical practice and potential future practice. The overall educational program will be comprehensive, meeting the needs of the target audience by assisting the participants in their lifelong learning and continual self-assessment, and responding to state and national licensing and certification requirements. It will address disparities between current practice and the ideal. Types of Activities offered by the STR include: - live courses, such as the annual postgraduate course and partnering in world congresses, both composed of specific symposia, refresher courses, small group workshops, and special focused lectures; - print materials, such as the Journal of Thoracic Imaging and syllabi based on the annual postgraduate course; - internet-based activities, including video capture of postgraduate course presentations, and - self-assessment modules (SAMs) offered at annual postgraduate courses. Expected Results of the education program include improving participants’ competence and performance and, in so doing, improving outcomes of patients with cardiovascular and thoracic diseases. The activities that are part of the program will be designed using the most current information available and utilizing innovative educational techniques, with an expected result of improved professional performance that enhances patient care, maximizes patient safety, and improves health outcomes. The goal of STR’s continuing medical education program is to positively impact both the individual’s practice as well as the entire field of radiology. The success of the program is measured directly from participants, who report the impact of STR educational activities on their clinical practice. HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THORACIC RADIOLOGY The Society of Thoracic Radiology was founded in 1982 under the leadership of S. David Rockoff, MD, to develop an inclusive organization of radiologists interested in and dedicated to cardiopulmonary radiology. The original objectives, which continue to serve as the foundation for the ongoing evolution of the Society included: development and support standards for teaching and practice, fostering research, promotion of fellowship and exchange of ideas, meetings for presentation and discussion of papers, the dissemination of knowledge, promotion of closer cooperation between thoracic radiology and other branches of medicine and the mentoring of publication of scientific reports. The current vision and mission statements incorporate the spirit of these founding principles: The Society of Thoracic Radiology will be the premier cardiothoracic imaging society in the world. The mission which is to promote cardiothoracic imaging for the excellence in patient care through research and education. The first meeting of the STR was held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel, Orlando, Florida, March 1984.These have been held annually ever since. In 2005, the STR joined with the Fleischner, European , Korean and Japanese Thoracic Radiology Societies for the first World Congress of Thoracic Imaging which took place in Florence, Italy. The second Congress took place in Valencia in 2009, the third in Seoul in 2013, and the fourth is scheduled to be held in Boston in 2017. The Journal of Thoracic Imaging (JTI) was launched in December 1985 under the vision of its founding editor, Eric Milne, MD. Currently it serves as the official journal of not only this Society but also of the Japanese, Korean and European Societies of Thoracic Radiology/Imaging. Phil Boiselle serves as the current editor of the journal. Past editors include Sanford Rubin, Charles White, Jeffrey Klein and Rick Webb. The Society has collaborative agreements with the European Society of Thoracic Imaging, the Japanese Society of Thoracic Radiology and the Korean Society of Thoracic Radiology, whereby the societies exchange selected speakers for their respective annual meetings. In addition, an ad hoc Global Relations Committee has been recently established to foster collaborations with other thoracic imaging societies worldwide. The Society has developed thoracic imaging protocols which are now part of the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria. Important educational resources developed by the Society include: - Thoracic and Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Core Curriculum - Revised Curriculum on Cardiothoracic Radiology for Diagnostic Radiology Residency with Goals and Objectives - A Cardiothoracic Radiology Curriculum for Medical Students - Consensus statement on Pulmonary embolism Imaging with the American Thoracic Society Online education and communication opportunities abound, including lectures, the Case of the Month, the STR Newsletter Inspiration, and a recently established weekly web teleconference. The majority of these resources are available to members and nonmembers at no cost. The Society established the Lifetime Achievement Awards Committee in 2006 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to thoracic radiology and to the STR. Gold medals have been awarded to S. David Rockoff , MD (2007), Lawrence Goodman , MD,(2008), the late Gordon Gamsu, MB, BCh (2009), Theresa C. McLoud, MD, (2010), Nestor L. Muller, MD, PhD, (2011), David P. Naidich, MD, (2012) , W. Richard Webb, MD, (2013), Sanford A. Rubin, MD, (2014). In support of research and education the Society maintains the STR Research and Education Fund. The fund raising arm is the recently established Development Committee. To date 30 grants have been awarded to residents, fellows and junior faculty, ranging in amounts from $8000 to $20,000 per year. The first award was granted in 1993. The Society continues to attract the best and the brightest, providing a forum for continuous learning and exciting forays into the future!