By C.A. Wolski

The 2019 annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America—which takes place from December 1-6 at Chicago’s sprawling McCormick Center—is all about collaboration. So much so, in fact, that this year’s RSNA theme is “Seeing the Possibilities Together.” 

Chief among these possibilities is artificial intelligence (AI), which is taking center stage during the annual conference, with sessions covering a wide range of technical, operational, and ethical issues related to what is quickly becoming an everyday reality. Practical demonstrations will be held in the RSNA AI Showcase Theatre. Attendees who want to understand the depths of AI can explore the technology even further in the RSNA Deep Learning Classroom.

The cutting-edge AI-related presentations that should be considered among your must-attends include: 

  • Informatics keynote session: Artificial Intelligence: Cutting Edge Artificial Intelligence (Sunday, December 1) 
  • Ethics in AI Radiology: The Summary of the European and North American Multisociety Statement (Sunday, December 1)
  • Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise on Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (Monday, December 2)
  • Emerging Imaging Trends (Tuesday, December 3)
  • How RSNA Is Fostering the AI Ecosystem (Tuesday, December 3)
  • Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) (Note: It is recommended that attendees bring a laptop) (Monday, December 2)
  • Getting Your IT Infrastructure Ready for Big Data (Tuesday, December 3)

This is just the tip of the AI iceberg, however. There are a plethora of valuable sessions to choose from as you’re making your RSNA 2019 schedule. And no matter which ones you select, you’re sure to leave them informed—and intrigued.

Balancing Humanity and Technology

While future-forward AI technology is dominating much of this year’s RSNA content, the opening plenary sessions will also remind attendees that at the heart of patient related-technology is the patient. Nowhere does this ring truer than in the President’s Address. 2019 RSNA President Valerie Jackson, MD, will take the podium at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday to deliver a speech titled, “A Matter of Perspective: Putting a New Lens on Our Patient Interactions.” 

Following Jackson, author, speaker, and physician Abraham Verghese, MD, will present the opening session on “Finding the Caring in Care.” Verghese, who received the National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama in 2016, emphasizes empathy and seeing patients as individuals who need comfort and reassurance as part of their care. These talks are sure to be conversation-starters and will certainly challenge perspectives on the role of technology in patient care.

Another plenary sessions highlight is the Annual Oration in Diagnostic Radiology. On Tuesday, December 3, at 1:30 p.m., Sanjiv Gambhir, MD, PhD, will present “Next Generation Technologies and Strategies for Precision Health.” In his paradigm-shifting presentation, Gambhir will discuss how “precision health” can be used to keep people healthy with technologies such as smart toilets and mirrors. By following this course, the health enterprise can transition from its traditional treatment model to a prevention-first one.

Focus on Egypt and India

RSNA attendees will be able to expand perspectives geographically, as well as technologically and conceptually, during this year’s annual meeting. Egypt and India will be spotlighted, in particular.

“RSNA is highlighting the work of our colleagues in Egypt and India,” RSNA organizers say. “As part of our Egypt Presents and India Presents programs, attend sessions led by leaders in radiology from Egypt and India, learn about the Egyptian Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, and explore innovations from Egyptian and Indian companies in our exhibit halls,” note RSNA organizers.

In addition to this slew of educational offerings, attendees will also have the opportunity to view the most cutting-edge devices in the exhibit halls. And, as always, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with other attendees to trade ideas and build professional networks.

To learn more about RSNA 2019 or to begin planning your trip to Chicago, go to https://meeting.rsna.org.

C.A. Wolski is a contributing writer for 24×7 Magazine. Questions and comments can be directed to chief editor Keri Forsythe-Stephens at [email protected].