Editor's Note: This version is modified from the edition mailed to our membership because of
updated or duplicate information that may be found elsewhere on our web site.

Winter 2000
     

     Well, here we are -2000 already! Nothing much has happened with the WSRT since I took office, I'm sure that will change! I wanted to thank everyone for their help and support- we all need to thank our members for taking the time out of their normally busy lives to participate and show on interest in our society. National Convention is growing closer and we still need a Region III delegate for Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry. If you have any suggestions or nominations let one of the board members know. Please remember to participate in the grass roots network; you can call 1-800-444-ASRT for information.

Sincerely,

Lesli Troastle, WSRT President

     I have been rather busy working on our web site and encourage you to check it out! Here are just some of the items you will find:
     1. I have now placed a search page that will allow you to search for just about any item contained within the WSRT web site.
     2. Updates about Federal Minimum Standards including two letters from Senator Enzi. Read about it!
     3. New information about our State Conference in September, as well as the Colorado and Nebraska State Conferences.
     4. The last issue of the Cathode, plus previous issues.
     5. The Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologist Examiners new Rules and Regulations are now on-line with brand new hyperlinks for cross-referencing.
     6. Did you know that we have classified ads including job announcements and personals? Not only will we post any local job openings for absolutely free but we have links to some of the best job banks for radiology on the internet. Please submit your ads and I will post them ASAP.
     7. Updated membership page including WSRT statistics and an application form to join. You can also renew your membership, change your information or just check your status as a member.
     8. E-Mail directory – do you have an e-mail address that you would like added to our site so other members can contact you? Let me know what it is and I’ll place it for you!
     New News!! I am putting together plans for a message board for either radiography or the medical community at large in Wyoming. The idea is to have a virtual place to go to discuss anything you want to. Do you like this idea?? I need to know so contact me ASAP!
     There are many other things that I have been doing to improve our web site and to make it interesting for you. I am considering putting in a message board so that you can talk to each other about just abut anything you want to. I need feedback for this so let me know if you are interested. Please contact me with any other ideas you have to post on the site!

     In recognition of the upcoming change to the next century, a new Region III Millennium pin is being cast and will be available to members from Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Once the pins are available, I will place a photograph on the web site for all to see and we’ll tell you how you can order one. Don’t miss your chance to obtain one of these once in a lifetime collector’s items.

     I hope everyone had a great holiday and that the millennium hasn't been too stressful to you. Here it is past Valentines day and wow, time is really flying!!!!
     CONFERENCE NEWS - The hotel could not book us for the third weekend so we will be there the last weekend of September. PUT THAT IN YOUR CALENDAR!
     On Friday, the conference theme will be "You Gotta Have Heart!" On Saturday the theme will be "You Gotta Have Hope!" There will be morning classes on Sunday if there is enough interest. On Friday we will concentrate on the "Heart", Heart anatomy, exams, vascular, patient assessment, ekg monitoring, and technology for the heart, including the most under rated exam there is, the chest x-ray. I hope to also have a scenario that will be called, "Cardiac Arrest in Radiology." I hope to make it interactive so you can actually walk through a code situation.
     On Friday we will have a MASKerade party, where we will have a mask contest. Masks will be of any era, millenium, century, decade, or year. Costumes are not necessary. A mask will get you in, otherwise there is a $5.00 cover charge. Tickets for guest can be purchased at the registration desk. There will be prizes and some fun and interesting things so you don't want to miss this first x-ray party of the millennium.
     Mike has asked me to speak on the survey again, to continue to address issues that were brought up in that survey. This is timely since I also received a flyer from the Colorado Society (Denver) of some educational opportunities for RT's. In one of the surveys, someone stated we were more promotive of the Colorado Society than we were of Wyoming. Well, you know what, I am more promotive of the WSRT members receiving the information that they need in order to get their education, wherever and whenever they can. I try not to promote anyone but the WSRT member; that is what a board officer should do.
     So for those who need ECE and will be in Denver on any of these Tuesdays, here is one fairly easy hour for you; all meetings are at Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital at 7:00pm, North and South rooms through the medical library:

03/14/00 Dr. Larry Emmons - Smashes and Crashes

04/11/00 Dr. Katherine Fitting - Transplant Update

05/09/00 Dr. Debra Gander - Digital Imaging in Dentistry

     I am hoping that Kelly Hartigan will be the "fill in" Ultrasound delegate this year and will run for that position next year when the term is up for election.
     I hope that all of you are having a wonderful post holiday time. I am also hoping that we will work to build bonds, mend fences, and create a new face to an old friend, the WSRT.

Membership

     The membership files have been updated since the last Cowboy Cathode. If we have made an error we apologize and if you have or know of any problems or questions regarding memberships including address changes, please don’t hesitate to contact us on the Internet at http://www.wsrt.org/ or write to:

     It’s important that we have a current listing of ALL of our members. I encourage you to pass your copy of the Cathode around to other techs in your departments that may not have received a copy so that we have a chance to correct any errors and also a chance to encourage prospective members to join. If you have paid your membership but have not received a card, if you need to pay and haven’t received notice, or if you can help us locate other members, please notify Mary ASAP.

     The worlds of radiologic technology and the Internet advance at similar speeds. The ASRT's Web site designers drew on the momentum of these parallel technologies as they designed a new site at the ASRT's old address, www.asrt.org.
     The site has several new sections to keep those in medical imaging and radiation therapy on top of their profession and at the peak of their performance.
     "Our goal was to use the most recent advances in computer technology to help keep our members and the public apprised of the latest developments in radiologic science," said Lynn May, ASRT's chief executive officer.
     The site's Professions at a Glance section provides stories about new breakthroughs in radiologic science and other current topics concerning technologists. A click on the expanded Career Center can take visitors through a step-by-step assessment of their career achievements and goals and then with another click on ASRT JobBank, visitors can search for a position that matches their updated r6sum6 and vision.
     "Our Web site continues to focus on the perspective of the radiologic technologist as opposed to other Web sites that offer only general information on the profession," said Greg Morrison, executive vice president of professional development. "Though our site has been revised, our purpose online remains unchanged: to give medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals the knowledge, resources and support they need to provide quality patient care."
     The site's Patients and the Public section offers a convenient way for those in medical imaging and radiation therapy to provide information about different imaging examinations and therapies to their patients, either online or by distributing the printed information. Ceela McElveny, ASRT's assistant director of communication, said the goal of the section was to provide up-to-date, accurate information. Recent studies show about 74 percent of the 97 million people who visit Internet are looking for health information. The section also answers questions about radiation safety, the difference between various imaging examinations and the people who perform and interpret them.
     Other expanded sections offer legislative updates, historical perspectives and member services, such as tracking continuing education, offering directed reading online quizzes and other favorite member-only features. A new menu and a search option allow easier navigation. Tracking software records about 1,250 visits daily at the secure site.
     The ASRT is the largest and oldest professional society for radiologic technologists, with more than 8 1,000 members.

ASRT COMMISSIONERS CONSIDER NEW RULES FOR 2000

     Fifteen radiologic technologists from across the country will meet this month to consider proposals that will define the future course of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and its 82,000 members.
     Kristy Nystrom, R.T. (R) (M) (QM), is lead mammographer at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyo., and recently accepted a part-time position as breast healthcare coordinator for the hospital's new Cancer Resource Center. She is also teaches at Casper College.
     She was one the ASRT members to serve on three commissions that review resolutions submitted by members of the profession. Resolutions are proposals that direct ASRT's activities in three areas: professional practice standards, education and organization administration. She said she agreed to serve on the administration commission because she wanted to expand her experience: "I feel this will make me a better technologists for my patients, my employer and my profession."
     The non-voting commissions are similar to subcommittees for local or state government bodies. The commission members evaluate each resolution based on its benefit to the profession and then forward their proposals, with either a recommendation to approve or disapprove, to the ASRT's House of Delegates. The House is an elected legislative body with representatives from states, military service and various diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy specialties. The House will act on these resolutions at ASRT's Annual Conference in June.
     "Our times and our profession are experiencing unprecedented change," said Scott Tulane, B.S., R.T. (R) (CT), vice speaker of the House of Delegates. "The work of the commissions is to help us define the challenges that face us and help us navigate a course for the future.'

Conference News

Marilyn Walker, R.T. (R), Executive Secretary
1220 S. Pennsylvania St.
Denver, CO 80210

Home Phone: 303-733-8021
Work Phone: 303-839-6869

     The Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists is holding their Annual Conference from May 2^nd – 4^th in Lincoln, NE. The Nebraska Board has agreed to allow WSRT members to attend the conference at NSRT member prices. I am currently trying to find out more information, however you can call 800-484-6671 Code #9130 or check the NSRT website address at http://www.nsrt.net/Annual%20Conference.htm for information as it becomes available.
     We are interested in publishing conference and other educational functions of all surrounding states of Wyoming. We believe that you as members have the right to be able to attend not only the WSRT conference, but other affiliate conferences as well. If you have any contact information for South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, or Utah, please let me know ASAP!

Nominations

     Nominations for next year’s elections are as follows:

Vice-President -    Patty Massey
                    Kelly Hartigan
                    Kristy Nystrom

Secretary -         Vera Trimble
                    Peggy Jereb

     If you would like to run for office or would like to nominate someone, please contact us as soon as you can!!

Scraps

     Linda Holden tells me that she still needs speakers for the WSRT conference in September. Remember - all speakers receive free admission to the entire conference (about a $200 value) except for lodging and meals.
     It’s my understanding that a very small percentage of ASRT ballots have been returned to the ASRT, approximately less than 5%. This means that only one in twenty members of the ASRT are making the decisions for the rest of us. Turn in your ballots today!!
     My apologies for this late issue of the Cathode. We have had very little in the way of news to pass along to you so I have been stalling a bit. Costs for producing this newsletter, like any else, continue to slowly rise so I like to publish as much as possible at one time. The next issue is due out May 1, but I may delay that slightly as well.
     If you have anything that you wish to share with other members in our Society, let me know. We will even publish free advertisements for job placements from hospitals and clinics in Wyoming in both this newsletter and on the web site. We also need advertisers so send them our way!

     Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Science through an external program of studies designed for the working technologist. The Degree Completion program provides a course of studies specific to the discipline of radiologic technology and associated management applications. It creates an opportunity for advancement through a ten-week special externship in a modality or area of specialization that suits an individual student's needs.
     The Degree Completion Program has four avenues available for obtaining credit. Technologists in good standing with ARRT are awarded eighty-seven credits for being ARRT registered. Fifty-three credits are offered through OIT's modes of external delivery and seventy credits may be transferred from another college or university. Transfer credits may have been taken prior to enrolling in the program, or can be taken at a local college/university while completing OIT's degree completion courses. Additionally, technologists who have passed advanced registry examinations may be awarded credit for up to two advanced registries in the corresponding OIT courses: Computed Imaging, Cardiovascular/Interventional Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, and Advanced Quality Assurance/Quality Control.
     There is no requirement to travel to OIT. Testing is done locally through proctors selected by the student. More information on this program may be found by visiting our website at www.oit.edu/zimmermg, by e-mail evansd@oit.edu, or by calling 541-885-1676, or toll free 1-800-422-2017

     The Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologist Examiners continues to encourage all technologists in Wyoming to make sure that their licenses are not only current, but of the proper type. Remember, although the Board mails out renewal notices to licensed techs who are on file at their office, there are two caveats to keep in mind; first, you won’t receive a notice if the Board does not have your current address and second, whether or not you actually receive a notice, it is your responsibility to keep your license current.
     The WSRT has received several complaints concerning the WBRTE office in Cheyenne. As advocates for our members, we are interested in resolving any difficulties that may be occurring and we share that concern with the WBRTE board members. We encourage you to contact us, or the WBRTE board members, with your experiences so that we may help resolve any issues that may be occurring.
     The WBRTE members are Dr. Jack Wright - Cheyenne, Shelly Breazeale - Cheyenne and Sue Foy - Cheyenne.

Wyoming Radiologic Technologist Graduates from ASRT Leadership Academy

     The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has chosen its hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., as the site of the organization's 2000 Annual Conference. The conference theme, "Old World, New World" will be seen not only in the New Mexico landscape and traditions, but throughout the conference. A number of impressive lectures, scientific displays and educational workshops will showcase the rapid advances in the radiologic sciences.
     Scheduled from June 3-8 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, the conference is expected to draw 1,000 attendees from all 50 states. The meeting will add nearly $850,000 to city's coffers, according to the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Hyatt Regency Albuquerque will serve as the event headquarters.
     The keynote speaker for the conference is Wally Schirra, one of NASA’s original seven astronauts and the only person to have flown in three space programs - Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. As command pilot, Mr. Schirra flew the initial flight of the Apollo series (Apollo 7). He will discuss "How Professionals Must Change To Meet Changing Environments" on June 5.
     More than 90 courses will be available to conference attendees, providing them with the opportunity to earn continuing education credits and to learn new patient care techniques. "Many of these courses will cover the latest in cutting-edge technologies in our field)" said ASRT Professional Development Assistant Ellen Lipman, M.S., R.T. (R) (MR).
     The program includes courses in ultrasound contrast studies, mammography and general radiography. There also will be a session on death and dying issues for radiologic technologists who treat patients with life-threatening illnesses.
      The 2000 meeting marks the return of a full-scale exhibit hall to the ASRT Annual Conference, providing an opportunity for radiologic technologists to view the latest developments in medical imaging and radiation therapy. Also featured will be a computer room where attendees can learn basic computer skills.
     For more information about the 2000 ASRT Annual Conference, contact Peggy Green at 800-444-2778.
     The American Society of Radiologic Technologists is the world's largest radiologic science organization. Founded in 1920, ASRT now has more than 80,000 members. ASRT provides its members with educational opportunities, promotes radiologic technology as a career and monitors state and federal legislation that affects the profession.

WYOMING SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS COMPETITION AND GRANTS

     The WSRT's Education Committee annually sponsors paper and exhibit competitions for both students and technologists at the WSRT Fall Conference held each September. Contestants are required to submit their paper or exhibit application to the Education Committee by July 1, 2000 in order to participate in this year's competitions. The papers are judged by WSRT members throughout the state, with the top three being selected to present a ten-minute synopsis of their research. The exhibits simply require that an application be completed by the deadline outlining the proposed topic and identifying any special equipment needs. A potential exhibitor should plan on setting up his/her exhibit independently on Friday of the conference with tear down on Saturday afternoon. Both the paper and exhibit competitions award $100 for first place entries, and slightly lower awards for two runners-up in each category.
     In addition to the competition, the Education Committee sponsors three WSRT Educational Grants for students and a Mickey Patch Scholarship Award for a technologist who is pursuing continuing education. Each of these grants is worth $300 and is awarded based on need and other factors. The deadline for the submission of the applications for these awards is also July 1,2000. Please note that these grants are only available to WSRT members in good standing.
     If you are interested in receiving more information and applications for any of these WSRT sponsored activities, please call Robin Hobbs at (307) 634-0871 (work). You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain!

If you have any contributions to the Cowboy Cathode
please send them to cowboycathode@wsrt.org
or mail them to 2615 East 18th Street, Cheyenne, WY., 82001