RSNA Press Release

CHICAGO, Nov. 26, 2007 - The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annually invites three eminent researchers to deliver honored lectures during the RSNA Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting. Presenters for the 93rd Scientific Assembly are Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., from Baltimore, Md.; Lawrence W. Bassett, M.D., from Los Angeles, Calif.; and Allen S. Lichter, M.D., from Ann Arbor, Mich.

Eugene P. Pendergrass New Horizons Lecture

With new technologies and developments in imaging transforming the face of radiology, it is crucial that researchers, educators and clinical practicians remain at the forefront of their medical profession.

"Imaging may gain an even more prominent place in this century by redefining itself as the core interdisciplinary science for extracting spatially and temporally resolved biological information at all physical scales from angstroms to microns to centimeters," said Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Dr. Zerhouni will discuss these topics and more on Monday, November 26, in his New Horizons Lecture, "Major Trends in the Imaging Sciences."

Dr. Zerhouni added that in this century, imaging will remain the mainstay of evaluation and diagnosis for acute diseases and will lead the development of resourceful, minimally invasive therapies for a growing number of conditions.

Serving as director of NIH since 2002, Dr. Zerhouni oversees 27 institutes and centers, employing more than 18,000 people. During his tenure, he has spearheaded the effort to transform the medical research enterprise. Dr. Zerhouni initiated the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research to better address the evolving nature of science and medicine. He has also established an NIH-wide research initiative to address the national obesity epidemic.

Dr. Zerhouni has been a proponent of NIH neuroscience research and has developed and championed projects to reduce health disparities. He has also worked diligently to ensure public access to NIH-funded research results. Dr. Zerhouni was responsible for launching the Pioneer and New Innovator Awards, which promote creative research, and the Pathway to Independence Awards, which encourage young people to pursue careers in scientific research.

Dr. Zerhouni served as the executive vice dean of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, as well as chair of the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, the Martin Donner Professor of Radiology and a professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins.

Annual Oration in Diagnostic Radiology

With rapidly changing technological advances in areas such as digital mammography and breast MRI and ultrasound, breast imaging remains at the forefront of radiology.

When Lawrence W. Bassett, M.D., began his directorship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), mammography was a low priority for residents. But just a few years later, mammography received national attention after the publication of landmark data showing the benefits of breast cancer screening.

"Further research and the development of standards have steadily raised the profile of breast imaging within radiology and the public. Today, almost half of all age-appropriate American women have annual mammograms," said Dr. Bassett, Iris Cantor Professor of Breast Imaging at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Dr. Bassett will present "Breast Imaging: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" at the Annual Oration in Diagnostic Radiology on Tuesday, November 27.

A pioneer in breast imaging education and standards and the architect of the first Fellowship Training Program in Breast Imaging at UCLA, Dr. Bassett has served as section chief for breast imaging in the UCLA Radiology Department since 1976 and currently serves as vice chair for academic affairs. Dr. Bassett has also been an assistant dean for student affairs in the UCLA School of Medicine since 1985.

Dr. Bassett is one of the original members of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) Committee for Standardized Reporting. He has been a member of the ACR Mammography Accreditation Program Committee since its inception in 1989, and he is chair of the new ACR Breast Imaging Commission's Joint Committee on Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards and Appropriateness Criteria.

Annual Oration in Radiation Oncology

As the financial burden of treating cancer in the United States continues to escalate, medical professionals can be a uniquely positive force as the nation struggles with issues of healthcare costs.

"Physicians must be willing to question the current health system and be prepared to offer solutions," said Allen S. Lichter, M.D., renowned radiation oncology expert and executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). "As the national dialogue on health reform unfolds, physicians can contribute by supporting and participating in research for better treatments, focusing on evidence-based practices, delivering high-quality care, communicating effectively with patients and not shying away from hard social questions."

Dr. Lichter will address this issue during his presentation of "The Cost of Cancer Care: Near-Term Strategies and Long-Term Solutions" at this year's Annual Oration in Radiation Oncology on Wednesday, November 28.

Dr. Lichter was dean of the medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from 1998 to 2006. Prior to that, he was chair and professor of radiation oncology. During that time, he helped bring three-dimensional treatment planning and conformal therapy to prominence. In 2000, Dr. Lichter was honored as a Newman Family Professor of Radiation Oncology. He was also named the first Isadore Lampe Professor of Radiation Oncology at the university. While serving as dean, Dr. Lichter introduced an innovative curriculum and oversaw the creation of a new Biomedical Science Research facility.

Before joining the University of Michigan staff, Dr. Lichter was the director of the Radiation Therapy Section of the National Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology Branch. He has served as ASCO president and in 2005 received the gold medal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.

Note: Copies of RSNA 2007 news releases and electronic images will be available online at RSNA.org/press07 beginning Monday, Nov. 26.

RSNA is an association of more than 41,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to excellence in patient care through education and research. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)