Reston, Va. - With a refined strategy and a new look, the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section (SNMTS) last week re-launched its Professional Development and Education Fund (PDEF). The PDEF, created in 2001, aims to support the advancement of molecular and nuclear medicine technologists through professional development that promotes clinical excellence and optimal patient outcomes.

With the new strategy, the PDEF will make the leap from providing continuing education and certification opportunities to creating a complete program for funding professional development opportunities."With critical developments in functional imaging and the methods and practice of nuclear medicine, technologists are in need of new skill sets and educational models to advance their careers," said Ann Marie Alessi, BS, CNMT, NCT, RT(N), "Support from the PDEF enables technologists to provide better healthcare service and better meet future challenges of the profession."

The PDEF offers a forum in which corporate entities, academic institutions-and now individuals-can contribute financial support to technologist-related programs and activities. PDEF programs contribute to innovative research and a more knowledgeable, advanced technologist workforce and its supporters join with SNMTS to empower the front lines of the nuclear medicine technology field.
Over the past ten years, the PDEF has enabled the SNMTS to offer various scholarships and grant programs, including:

* the Mickey Williams Minority Scholarship Fund
* travel awards for students to SNM's Annual Meeting
* professional development scholarships
* research grants
* the SNMTS Leadership Academy

In addition to its refined strategy, the PDEF launched a new logo, materials and Web site that highlight the fund's focus on empowering nuclear medicine technologist professionals. More information about the PDEF and details on how to get involved can be found at www.snm.org/pdef.

"This is a huge opportunity for the SNMTS to grow and expand our professional development offerings. Our new tagline-Give. Learn. Lead.-explains it all," noted Alessi. "By giving to the PDEF, sponsors are providing learning opportunities for technologists. By learning, they will lead!"

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About SNM-Advancing Molecular Imaging and Therapy

SNM is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about what molecular imaging is and how it can help provide patients with the best health care possible. SNM members specialize in molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated.

SNM's more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit www.snm.org.

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