The ASRT government relations team actively monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory issues that could affect the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession. The Society provides periodic updates so radiologic technologists can stay informed and get involved.

To ensure the radiologic technology community has up-to-date legislative information, the government relations team publishes a blog. The current update includes information about legislative efforts in Tennessee, New Hampshire and North Carolina. In addition, the team sent letter campaigns to voice opposition on encroachment and inappropriate scope expansion in seven states.

For technologists who want to contact their elected officials about legislative and regulatory issues, the Society offers the ASRT Advocacy Action Center. It is a resource for the radiologic technology community to learn about what is going on in their states. The Advocacy Action Center also provides technologists with the tools to contact state and federal officials.

The ASRT has announced the recipients of its distinguished author awards, recognizing the best peer-reviewed articles published in ASRT’s scientific journals in 2022. Presented annually, the awards are chosen by members of each journal’s respective Editorial Review Board after a comprehensive review of all scholarly articles published in the journals during the previous calendar year.

The Radiologic Technology Distinguished Author Award in Honor of Jean I. Widger goes to Asher Street Beam, D.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR), MRSO; Lee Brown, D.H.A., R.T.(R)(N), CNMT, RHIA; Kristi Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT); Shamsi Daneshvari Berry, Ph.D., CPHI; Hannah Stovall, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Mekayla Rainey, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Callie Shepherd, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Courtney Turner, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); and Angel Flagg, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR). Their article, “Workplace Violence in Imaging Departments,” was published in the November/December issue of Radiologic Technology.

Dr. Street Beam is director of the Master of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging program and associate professor for the Department of Radiologic Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions. Dr. Brown is director of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program and associate professor for the Department of Radiologic Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions. Dr. Moore is vice chair of the ASRT Patient Shielding Task Force, chair of the ASRT Board of Directors, chair of the ASRT-PAC®, and chair and professor for the Department of Radiologic Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions. Dr. Berry is associate professor for the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine in Kalamazoo. Stovall, Rainey, Shepherd, Turner and Flagg are graduates of the Master of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions.

The goal of their original research study was to investigate the types and frequency of workplace violence experienced by radiologic technologists and to identify which technologists using specific imaging modalities are at increased risk. They found that workplace violence creates an undesirable working environment, leading to negative implications for the health care worker and the patient. Education that details types of workplace violence and best practices for handling each type is key to protecting employees.

In addition, this year the Radiation Therapist Distinguished Author Award in Honor of Harold Silverman goes to Amy A. Heath, M.S., R.T.(T), FASRT, and Karol J. Huenerberg, M.S.N., FNP-BC, APNP, AOCNP, for their article, “The Role of Safety Rounds in Supporting a Culture of Safety in Radiation Oncology,” which was published in the fall 2022 issue of Radiation Therapist.

Heath is education director for the radiation oncology department at UW Health and adjunct faculty member for the Radiation Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse. She is a former chair of the Radiation Therapist Editorial Review Board and currently serves as a research mentor for the ASRT Foundation’s New Researcher Grant program. Huenerberg is a nurse practitioner for the radiation oncology department at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin.

The goal of their original research study was to investigate how incorporating regular safety rounds in the radiation oncology department supports a culture of safety. They found that radiation oncology departments should consider adding department-specific safety rounds to improve the culture of safety in their department and that leadership support and staff buy-in are necessary for the success of safety rounds.

The Widger award is named after long-time Radiologic Technology editor Jean I. Widger. The Silverman award is named in honor of radiation therapist Harold Silverman, an advocate for accreditation of radiation therapy educational programs.

The ASRT will honor the recipients at the Honors Evening Event on June 24 at the ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting.

Daniel L. Gonzales and Melissa B. Pergola

ASRT President Daniel L. Gonzales, M.S.R.S., R.T.(R), FASRT, was named the 2023 Doña Ana Community College Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni of the Year.

Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, DACC honors outstanding alums who have made contributions to career and community. Gonzales was one of three other alumni selected who exhibit the qualities of professional and community leadership that are symbolic of the goals and objectives of the college. These include enhancing and promoting excellence in self and others, creating an environment that inspires others to reach their potential, promoting continuous improvement and lifelong learning, enriching the lives of others through community service, and acknowledging and cultivating social and cultural diversity.

Gonzales is the director of diagnostics imaging for Carlsbad Medical Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and the current president of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Gonzales graduated from the DACC radiology program in 1985. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, and a Master of Science in Radiologic Administration from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Gonzales has been on the DACC Radiologic Technology Program Advisory Board since 1988. In addition, has also served in multiple roles on the board of the New Mexico Society of Radiologic Technologists and was a previous chairman of the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Advisory Council for the state of New Mexico.

“We’re incredibly proud of Danny as he continues to support the ASRT, the radiologic technology community and the future of our profession,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT. “He’s a tireless volunteer who always goes the extra mile to get the job done and motivate others to be the best health care professionals they can be.”

In addition to his volunteer work, Gonzales has served as a mentor for several radiologic technologists. “I have been blessed to know Danny Gonzales for many years. His dedication and lifelong passion for the imaging profession have never wavered. He dedicated his career to make positive changes for patients and technologists across the state of New Mexico as well as at the national level, said Tammy McSperitt, B.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(M)(CT), RDMS, director of radiology at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, New Mexico. “Years ago, Danny offered to be my mentor, almost 20 years later he still serves in that role.”

The DACC awards are made based on distinction in the nominee’s field and community service and honors one individual from each division and one from the Workforce Development/Training and Continuing Education program annually.

The public comment period for the 2024 version of the ASRT Radiation Therapy Curriculum is now open. The Radiation Therapy Curriculum revision workgroup is scheduled to meet in May to review comments and incorporate approved changes.

Please submit comments to [email protected] by May 25, 2023.

The workgroup’s goal is to have a final document available for consideration and to be adopted by spring 2024.

In recognition of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ 100th anniversary, a new Guide to Ethics in Imaging training module was created.

It offers all registered technologists 1 free continuing education credit when they view the video and complete a short quiz at the end.

The module features Liana Watson, ARRT chief executive officer; Kellie Reynolds, ARRT vice president of compliance; and Ann Obergfell, former ARRT trustee and current associate vice chancellor of academic affairs and operations at Indiana University Fort Wayne. In the video, they share their insights and expertise on the importance of ethics in imaging.

“Our message to R.T.s is that we’re here to help,” says Watson. “This training module focuses on helping learners better understand how the principles of professional ethics connect to ARRT’s Standards of Ethics—and vice versa.”

The training includes information on ARRT’s mission, Equation of Excellence and Standards of Ethics, as well as about how these components support R.T.s and patients.

“We covered important information about ethics expectations,” says Reynolds. “We shared examples of some of the most common rule violations in medical imaging; the appropriate actions to take; and the processes involved if an ethics review is necessary.”

The training module is now available on ASRT.org/store. To gain access to the training:

• Click ASRT.org/store. The link goes directly to the training module.
• Click Add to Cart.
• In the pop-up, select checkout. Next, you’ll be asked to log in to your existing account or create an account if you don’t have one.
• Follow the prompts to complete the checkout. The cost will appear as $0.00.

“We appreciate ASRT’s partnership in recording and producing the training module,” says Watson.

Vacancy rates for all medical imaging disciplines increased substantially in 2023, according to the ASRT Radiologic Sciences Staffing and Workplace Survey. Vacancy rates represent the number of unfilled positions that are actively being recruited.

All medical imaging disciplines reported their highest vacancy rate levels since ASRT started tracking staffing metrics in 2003. For example, the estimated radiographer vacancy rate this year is an all-time high of 18.1%, an increase from 6.2% in 2021.

The data outlined in the ASRT survey align with increased vacancy rates in health care settings throughout the country. Survey results from the American Hospital Association, National Nurses United, Hospital and Healthcare Association of Pennsylvania and many others point to spikes in vacancy rates over the past several years.

“During the pandemic, we ramped up our efforts to support members through open access resources, free COVID-19 continuing education, advocacy support and membership grants from the ASRT Foundation, but we also understood that the pandemic could affect medical imaging vacancy rates, so the survey results aren’t surprising,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT. “We’ll use the survey data to continue to develop tools, services and initiatives to support the nation’s medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals so they can continue to provide patients with top-notch care.”

ASRT’s 2023 radiologic sciences staffing survey identified the following vacancy rate increases from 2021:

• Cardiovascular interventional technology increased from 7.1% to 18.6%.
• Computed tomography increased from 8.7% to 17.7%.
• Sonography increased from 6.9% to 16.7%.
• Magnetic resonance imaging increased from 8.7% to 16.2%.
• Nuclear medicine increased from 4.2% to 14.5%.
• Mammography increased from 4.3% to 13.6%.
• Bone densitometry increased from 3.8% to 6.9%.

The increases follow similar trends reported in the ASRT 2022 Radiation Therapy Staffing and Workplace Survey. The vacancy rate for radiation therapy was 10.7%, up more than three percentage points from 2020, and more than triple the percentage rate in 2018. The vacancy rate for dosimetry was 11.4%, up from two years prior, and more than four times the percentage rate in 2018.

In addition to discipline specific vacancy rates, the radiologic sciences staffing survey outlines changes in full time equivalent staff, vacancy rates by U.S. regions and facility demographics. For example, the majority of survey respondents, 53%, work at hospitals, another 13.7% work at imaging centers, and 9.6% work in physician’s offices. Other types of facilities where respondents work include large and small clinics, government/VA hospitals, rural critical access hospitals and education, among others.

ASRT emailed the biennial survey in Feb. 2023 to 23,536 radiology department managers across the United States. At the survey's close in April 2023, 490 respondents submitted completed questionnaires, resulting in an overall response rate of 2.1% and margin of error of ±4.4% at the 95% confidence level.

ASRT members can access the complete 2023 survey here.

The ASRT officially begins its new volunteer year on July 1.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back to the profession and enhance your resume. Volunteer forms are accepted as early as June 1 for the upcoming volunteer year. Volunteers who are interested in current or upcoming opportunities and have completed the volunteer form before June 1, 2023, will need to submit another form to be considered. Volunteer forms may be submitted numerous times throughout the year.

The ASRT is currently seeking qualified ASRT members interested in serving on the following committees:

The ASRT is also seeking individuals interested in serving as a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists board of trustees. To review the requirements to serve on the ARRT board, please follow the link below:

The ASRT House of Delegates has elected Shellie Pike, M.S.R.S., R.R.A., R.T.(R)(CT), as speaker of the House and Ashley Perkins, M.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR), as vice speaker of the House.

Pike serves as a registered radiologist assistant for Radiology Consultants of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

Perkins is the clinical imaging specialist at Franciscan Health in Indiana.

Shellie Pike, M.S.R.S., R.R.A., R.T.(R)(CT)

Ashley Perkins, M.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR)

Pike and Perkins are members of the ASRT Board of Directors. They will manage the House of Delegates proceedings during the 2024 ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting.

The ASRT is seeking qualified members to volunteer as mentors for the Professional Mentor Program.

The duties, qualifications and time commitment required for this opening is available through the link below:

Professional Mentor Program

Please contact ASRT Volunteer Services at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. To see all current positions available, visit the Open Volunteer Opportunities page.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has joined the Radiology Health Equity Coalition, an alliance of 11 organizations committed to positively impacting health care equity in the radiology arena.

The American College of Radiology established the coalition in 2022 to address disparity and inequity issues in health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, which magnified the disproportionate numbers of people of color and rural residents in the U.S. affected by barriers to care.

The coalition collects, assesses and disseminates resources and best practices, and advocates for and connects with patients and community members. It also collaborates on programs and services to improve access and utilization of preventative and diagnostic imaging.

ASRT has been named a Mobilization Team member. The Society will be part of a team that defines the coalition’s goals and develops an operational plan to guide future initiatives.

“We’re incredibly proud to join the Radiology Health Equity Coalition as it provides ASRT with an amazing opportunity to work with its peer organizations to address disparity and inequity issues in the radiology arena,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT.

Coalition members include the ASRT, American College of Radiology, American Board of Radiology, American Medical Association Section Council on Radiology, Association of University Radiologists, National Medical Association Section on Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Radiological Society of North America, Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments, Society of Interventional Radiologists, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and American Association of Physicists in Medicine. The coalition also includes specialty and state radiology organizations.