COLLEGIALITY AND SUPPORT
The SRU is the only ultrasound society in North America which solely represents issues from the perspective of the radiologist. The Fellows of the society are leaders in the field who promote the advancement and involvement of radiologists in ultrasound. These experts are available to lend their support and encouragement to you.
PUBLICATIONS
The SRU publishes a peer-reviewed journal, Ultrasound Quarterly, which includes review articles by leading experts, as well as popular features such as “What’s your Diagnosis?” The society also publishes a quarterly news letter which includes a president’s letter, annual meeting highlights, committee reports and a column entitled “Ask the Expert?” in which experts provide answers to technical, clinical, political or socioeconomic questions.
ANNUAL MEETING
The SRU sponsors an annual meeting and post-graduate educational course, which is generally held during the month of October, alternating between the East Coast, Midwest and West Coast. The meeting typically consists of a plenary session, panel discussions and focused lectures that cover a wide variety of topics including abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, vascular, pediatric, interventional and superficial ultrasound. Audience participation is enhanced with the use of an audience response system. The gala reception is a major event, featuring live scanning and demonstration of the latest ultrasound technologies.
CONSENSUS CONFERENCES
The SRU has sponsored a number of consensus conferences on several important topics including: postmenopausal bleeding, carotid stenosis and thyroid nodule evaluation. The reports of these conferences are routinely published in a major journal such as Radiology, The Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine and Ultrasound Quarterly.
AWARDS
Each year, the SRU recognizes an outstanding paper as the recipient of the Larry Mack Award, which is presented to the best original research paper submitted to the Research Committee. In addition, the SRU generally funds one or more grant proposals for original research projects which are often the product of an SRU-sponsored conference. The award recipient presents the results of their research at the following annual meeting.
ONLINE SUPPORT
The recently-updated Web site includes information related to membership, publications, activities, awards and applications for membership, and includes links to other radiology- and ultrasound-related Web sites.
PROGRAMS FOR TRAINEES
A program for members in training, sponsored by Toshiba, gives grants to residents and fellows to help defray the costs of attending the annual meeting. A member in training award is given to the best resident's original scientific paper. Membership in the SRU is free for residents and fellows, and a reduced fee transitional membership is also offered for those who have recently completed training.
SRU FELLOWSHIP
General members who spend a substantial amount of time in ultrasound and have made significant contributions to the specialty can be nominated for fellowship in the society. Fellows interact closely at a one-day meeting prior to the annual meeting.
LIASON AND NETWORKING
The SRU has liaisons to the ACR Commission on Ultrasound, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, ICAVL, and other societies. Networking and frequent communication is encouraged between the SRU leadership and these organizations. The SRU also has a vast network of corporate associates and there is frequent communication between the membership and ultrasound corporations, specifically at designated focus sessions held during the annual meeting.
PROMOTING ULTRASOUND IN RADIOLOGY
Ultrasound offers several unique advantages for the practicing radiologist, including noninvasive real-time scanning, portability, instant multiplanar imaging, and a lack of ionizing radiation. However, in order for the specialty of radiology to maintain its leadership in clinical ultrasound imaging, ultrasound must be taught to radiologists-in-training and evangelized within radiology departments. No group is better suited to ensuring the future of ultrasound in radiology than the SRU.
