RESTON, Va. -- Experts in the molecular imaging field interacted and explored questions about basic research, instrumentation, drug development, clinical issues and educational needs during SNM's "Shaping the Future" industry summit. Panel presenters and attendees addressed the possibilities of molecular imaging, and their findings will be presented in December's Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

"While filled with optimism, the future of molecular imaging is far from defined," said SNM President Martin P. Sandler. "SNM--an international scientific and professional organization of more than 16,000 physician, technologist and scientist members--has traditionally represented all professionals involved in the practice of nuclear medicine--and as the society within which molecular imaging originated, SNM is uniquely responsible for supporting the new field of molecular imaging and the scientists, clinicians and technologists involved in it," he added. "SNM sees the merging of nuclear medicine techniques, new technologies, hybrid imaging and advances in molecular biology as a defining moment and is asking the necessary questions--and initiating the appropriate strategies--to identify and take advantage of the potential of molecular imaging for enhancing patient care and improving patient outcomes," noted the associate vice chancellor for hospital affairs for Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

"As summit organizer, SNM recognizes the critical role for molecular imaging in future patient care. We are working actively with the commercial sector to facilitate the movement of molecular discoveries from bench to bedside and with officials from the government and federal agencies to identify the needs and resources for advancing the nation's health care," explained SNM President-Elect Alexander J. McEwan. "The power of molecular imaging to integrate information about location, structure, function and biology will lead to a package of noni
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Contact: Maryann Verrillo
mverrillo@snm.org
703-652-6773
Society of Nuclear Medicine
1-Nov-2006