Radiology, Vol 198, 643-650, Copyright © 1996 by Radiological Society of North America
Consensus quest: reshaping the future of radiology. RSNA Hartman Lecture/Eugene P. Pendergrass New Horizons Lecture
EV Staab
Department of Radiology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
We are practicing medicine in an era of economic revolution and find
ourselves re-examining virtually all of our beliefs, practices, rituals,
habits, and ethics. This revolution is not driven by the government but--in
large part--by economic factors that work to lower costs by restricting
access to the health care system. Re-thinking all that we do and
formulating responses in this new era should be viewed in a positive light;
opportunities abound for radiologists to revive enthusiasm, stimulate
creativity, deepen their involvement, and intensify their commitment. Are
we capable of identifying what is valuable in our specialty and of
safeguarding its stature? Can we develop a vision of what our future should
be? Can we convince the majority of radiologists that change is inevitable
and that a reshaping of our profession is critical? Can we develop a
consensus about what we value most? Can we continue to entice bright
individuals into our field? Can we identify our sundry missions and use
them as guideposts? Can we create effective strategies for dealing with
discontinuous change? Our rich heritage of innovation and our skills as
consummate managers of medical information suggest that we can. The
challenges will be great but the rewards are worth our best efforts.
