ASRT announces rollout of new professionalism award

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has opened up nominations for their new BeRAD Professionalism Award, the organization announced Tuesday. 

The BeRAD award was created to recognize health systems, imaging centers, hospitals, clinics and other radiology facilities employing medical imaging technologists and radiation therapists that demonstrate excellence in patient care and professionalism.  

The award is the brainchild of former ASRT President and current Chair of the Board Brandon A. Smith, MSRS, RT(R)(VI), who hopes the initiative will elevate ASRT’s brand “by setting the standard for appreciation and access equity that we have certainly earned over more than a century of service.” 

“We took the bold initiative to measurably define professionalism beyond anecdotes,” Smith said in a release on the announcement. 

Winners will be chosen based on facilities’ demonstration of their candidate’s professionalism in the application. Two awards will be given during the inaugural cycle.  

ASRT is currently accepting applications and nominations for the award and will continue to do so through September 30, 2024. Applicants will receive feedback by the end of February 2025, with winners expected to be announced in April 2025. 

Facilities that win the award can send a representative to the Honors Evening at the 2025 ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Reno, Nevada. Winners will also receive a hallway banner that displays the achievement, customized plaque and a one-year membership to the ASRT for up to 25 of their staff members. The estimated value of the prize package is up to $3,125. 

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years or older and reside in the continental United States, Alaska or Hawaii.

ASRT, which represents 157,000 medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, provides several tools on their website that institutions can utilize to promote professionalism within their facilities, including a professionalism self-reflection assessment. 

To learn more about these tools and the BeRAD Award, click here. 

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In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.

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