AHRA calls for presenters to speak at October virtual conference

Imaging experts from around the country are in Nashville for the Association for Medical Imaging Management’s (AHRA) Annual Meeting, but the deadline to apply to speak at the organization’s  Fall Conference  will crop up only a couple of weeks later. 

The Fall Conference is an online series of webinars, recorded video speeches and live virtual Q &As over the course of two weeks: Oct. 14 to Oct. 28. The AHRA touts this event as a way to experience “a live conference experience without the added expense and logistics of travel.”

The conference will include a live keynote speech by Zeke Silva III, MD. Silva is a radiologist from Texas who is the chairman of the American College of Radiology’s Commission on Economics.

The online nature of the event also means it could attract other speakers who might not otherwise be able to travel to a traditional conference. The AHRA is hoping to appeal to speakers who want to “enjoy the prestige and satisfaction of presenting to the most active and committed members of the profession.” Anyone who wants to take that active role in the conference must complete and submit their applications to speak by Aug. 15.

“We’re looking for speakers who have that experience and have been very successful in communicating that,” said Marjory Vidulich-Savino,  Fall Conference design team chairman.

Accepted presenters will also receive free registration to the other presentations.

Hopeful presenters are asked to submit their material online through a specific form. They are asked to include their personal information and a resume, an outline on the nature of their planned presentation, and a list of three learning objectives that conference-goers would be able to take away from their speech.

Then, an AHRA member will interview the potential presenter before issuing a decision on the application’s submission for the Fall Conference.

The main presentations will be pre-recorded for viewing at any time, but the AHRA and the presenter will work together to set up a time for a live Q &A. Mike Suddendorf,  AHRA's director of marketing  said attendees should feel comfortable with the webinar technology.

“It’s very functional,” he said.

The conference will include discussions on a variety of topics, meaning speakers with varying areas of expertise are encouraged to apply, especially experts who can speak about the practical side of imaging administration.

According to the submission website, the AHRA is looking for speakers to present on dose monitoring, facility infrastructure, fluoroscopy interventional, image technology and leadership. Event organizers are especially interested in speeches on regulatory updates, breast imaging, patient experience and technological improvements, according to Vidulich-Savino.

Speeches that have already been scheduled include discussions on coding updates, new regulations and customer service and patient experiences, according to Suddenfeld.

But anyone with something to say about imaging can apply—according to the event website, the Fall Conference organizers will consider any topic relevant to the overall theme.

“It’s a great opportuninty to share your expertise and knowledge. It’s very gratifying. You get a lot of feedback,” Vidulich-Savino said.