SNMMI-TS Leadership Update: Strategic Initiatives for the Year Ahead.

I am both humbled and honored to serve as the 2016–2017 SNMMI-TS president. I am humbled because I have had the opportunity as president-elect over the past year to see the inner workings of the SNMMI-TS leadership and have been awed by the direct impact that this leadership has on technologists throughout the country. It is an honor to have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the upcoming year and to witness the groundbreaking advances in our field. I will strive to serve with integrity and wisdom but know that the work ahead is more than can be accomplished by a single person. I will need the assistance of many others and am putting a great deal of thought into selecting committee chairs with commitment, drive, and passion—individuals who also have proven track records for getting things done. I have reviewed the strategic plan, which was last updated in August 2014. Since then, the practice of nuclear medicine has changed. I will, therefore, convene a Strategic Plan Task Force to align our strategies more closely with the current reality and what we project will happen in the coming years. Providing the highest quality of care is always our primary goal, and I will continue to develop the SNMMI-TS Quality Initiative, which was launched last year. My particular focus will be on the advocacy aspect of this initiative—addressing infringements on the nuclear medicine technologist’s scope of practice. The scope of practice for nuclear medicine technologists in the United States is approved by SNMMI and supported by rigorous training and licensure, but states and institutions can choose to accept or limit the scope. In certain areas of the country, technologists have been limited in their ability to administer adjunct medicines, so some technologists may need to update their skills. I am working with the SNMMI-TS leadership team to develop learning modules on adjunct medications and other areas of our practice. Short, individual continuing education courses on the administration of furosemide, captopril, cholecystokinin, etc., will be available online for easy access in the next year. I will continue working with others in the field for broader acceptance of the SNMMI Scope of Practice and Performance Standards. Nuclear medicine technology continues to evolve, so the technologist must also stay current. I look forward to expanding educational resources for front-line technologists, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge to utilize the latest imaging technologies to provide excellent care to our patients The Technologist Advocacy Group (TAG Team) is made up of dedicated members in each state who are involved at the local level. They identify changes in state laws and regulations relating to the the practice of nuclear medicine, address the concerns of members in their states, and notify members of important news and policy changes. This is a critical role, and I will make sure that TAG members have all the necessary training required to be more effective. I plan to establish regional meetings, so that TAG members within chapters know each other and are better able to collaborate. I look forward to my upcoming year as SNMMI-TS president and the opportunity to lead this fine group. Sara G. Johnson, MBA, CNMT, NCT