Reston, Va. -- SNM, an international scientific and professional organization of more than 16,000 physician, technologist and scientist members, announced that it has redefined its core mission and intends "to improve health care by advancing molecular imaging and therapy."

"We have reached a defining moment--one where molecular imaging and nuclear medicine merge into one at SNM--and one that will impact the evolution of molecular medicine and current practitioners and those of generations to come," noted SNM President Martin P. Sandler, the associate vice chancellor for hospital affairs for Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. "SNM is uniquely poised to take on a strategic position as the recognized leader in knowledge of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine by capitalizing on our signature strengths: multidisciplinary members who are intensely gifted researchers; forward-thinking leaders who promote the discovery of new science and the creation of new techniques and technologies; the extensive body of knowledge published in our journal; exceptional annual meetings that showcase current research; and the longstanding and deep commitment to training the next generation of medical practitioners," he added. SNM leaders voted in April--and affirmed at the society's Annual Meeting in San Diego in June--to embrace this new core mission: To improve health care by advancing molecular imaging and therapy. "This is the right thing to do and the right time to do it. We are moving forward with a clear vision and strong plan for the future," stated Sandler.

"For more than 50 years, SNM has successfully followed its mission of educating professionals, policy makers and the general public about the potential of nuclear medicine," noted Virginia Pappas, SNM's chief executive officer. "Advances in molecular biology, molecular medicine and medical imaging, however, have signaled an expansion in the direction of the profession and its abi
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Contact: Maryann Verrillo
mverrillo@snm.org
703-708-9000
Society of Nuclear Medicine
2-Aug-2006