RESTON, Va.-The potential of molecular imaging and therapy and the power of nuclear medicine-and their impact on patient care-will be explored as more than 4,000 doctors, technologists, scientists and pharmacists from around the world attend SNM's 54th Annual Meeting June 2-6 in Washington, D.C. SNM - an international, multidisciplinary society of more than 16,000 molecular imaging and nuclear medicine professionals in 78 countries-annually showcases research that promises to revolutionize health care.

"SNM has embarked on a mission to improve health care by advancing molecular imaging and therapy, and our program features an increased presence of related research," said SNM President Martin P. Sandler. "Molecular imaging-the use of state-of-the-art imaging technologies (such as PET, SPECT, MRI and others) to "photograph" biological targets or pathways in the body-and its therapy value will be at the forefront of 'personalized medicine,' eventually providing patient-specific information that allows tailored treatment of disease," he added.

"Nearly 2,000 scientific and technologist studies will be presented during this meeting, offering a look at molecular imaging and nuclear medicine research leading to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening cancer, heart disease and brain disorders," said Scientific Program Committee Chair Frederic H. Fahey. "A new feature this year is the InfoSNM program, which will allow attendees to participate in interactive computer presentations and educational offerings on the novel applications of computers and information science in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine," explained Fahey. Also new will be the Molecular Imaging Gateway, an area devoted specifically to this exciting field sponsored by the society's Molecular Imaging Center of Excellence.

"As molecular imaging becomes a significant force in clinical practice, SNM Technologist Section members will assume an expanded role in medical care, and this meeting brings us a look at that future," said SNMTS President D. Scott Holbrook. "Through research presented here, we can see the evolution of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine and how their advances will impact nuclear medicine technologists in the coming years," he added.

Two invited plenary addresses will be given at the meeting. John C. Gore of Vanderbilt University will present the Henry N. Wagner Jr. lecture on June 3, and James H. Thrall will present the Benedict Cassen Lecture on June 4. SNM and SNMTS will present more than 100 continuing education courses focusing on brain amyloid imaging, functional brain imaging in epilepsy and dementia, imaging instrumentation, infection imaging, lymphoma and thyroid cancer, cardiac molecular imaging, bone scanning, general nuclear medicine, reimbursement and coding and critical elements of care in radiopharmacy. More than 180 representatives from the industry's top product and service providers are participating in SNM's exhibit hall.

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