The use of diagnostic imaging equipment has been increasing over the years and exposure to radiation from the equipment is an ongoing subject of discussion.
• Do Ontario hospitals have adequate policies and procedures in place to ensure that the management and use of diagnostic imaging equipment meets patient needs efficiently and is in compliance with applicable legislation?
• Do Ontario hospitals need to do more to ensure the safety of patients and hospital personnel, and to ensure
that exposure to radiation is as low as reasonably achievable?
• Are there any solutions to the supply crisis of isotopes used in diagnostic imaging procedures? Are patients’
treatments and diagnosis being affected by the shortage?
The conference will answer some of these questions and feature expert discussions around:
• Radiation dose reduction
• Medical isotopes
• Quality measurements for diagnostic imaging
Attention MRTs: this session could be used as 6 hours toward the CMRTO annual Q.A. requirements!
0830h Registration and Continental Breakfast
0900h Welcoming Remarks and Conference Overview
Chair: Dr. Robin Hesler
Chief Executive Officer
Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
0905h Update from Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Speaker to be announced
0940h Ionizing Radiation in Pediatric Imaging - Relative Doses and Relative Risks
• Comparative radiation dose in multi-modality pediatric imaging
• Putting current risk estimates in context
Dr. Karen Thomas
Radiologist
Department of Diagnostic Imaging
The Hospital for Sick Children
1010h Radiation Dose Reduction in Pediatric Computed Tomography (CT)
• The existing guidance in radiation protection in pediatric radiology
• Recent developments in technology and methodology
Dr. Nishard Abdeen
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
1035h Networking Refreshment Break
1055h Radiation Dose Reduction in Different Areas
Adult Computed Tomography (CT)
• Overview of the radiation dose in adult CT in current practice
• Technical ways to reduce the radiation dose. What is most efficient? What are the consequences?
• Overview of potential ways to reduce radiation dose in the future without compromising image quality
Patrik Rogalla
Professor of Radiology
Department of Medical Imaging
Toronto General Hospital
Digital Radiography
• The importance of optimizing the DR system to ensure best quality images at the lowest radiation dose for
Pediatrics
• The need for both CR and DR technology in Pediatric Imaging
• Some unique features and unique technology
Ellen Charkot
Director, Diagnostic Imaging and Vascular Access
The Hospital for Sick Children
1140h The Diagnostic Reference Level Project for CT Scanners in Ontario
• The ongoing effort to establish diagnostic reference levels for CT scanners in Ontario.
Dr. Ed Waller
Associate Professor
Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
1210h Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety in Ontario
• Overview of MRI Safety in Ontario, including various standards (i.e. American College of Radiology on Magnetic
Resonance Safety White Paper; the Report from the Diagnostic Imaging Safety Committee for Magnetic
Resonance Imaging)
• Changes to clinical practice in MRI; 1.5T versus 3T in clinical operations
Nancy Talbot
Charge MRI Technologist
Princess Margaret Hospital
1230h Networking Luncheon
1330h Medical Isotopes
• A review of the use of isotopes in medicine
• Canada's role in the provision of medical isotopes
• Potential future supply of medical isotopes
Dr. Karen Gulenchyn
Chief, Nuclear Medicine
Hamilton Health Sciences
1420h Regulatory Review
• Overview of the legislation pertaining to radiation protection for different provinces
• Comparison of radiation protection standards between Canada and other international standards
• Overview of how medical radiation technologists are regulated in Canada
Mark Given
Director of Professional Practice
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
1450h Project Management for Patient Safety: The Bridge from Ideas to Reality
• Fundamental concepts and principles of sound project management linked to the diagnostic imaging strategic
planning process
• Project selection methods in a work environment characterized by rapid pace of change, tight budgets and limited
resources
• Project management processes, tools and techniques for the successful planning, implementation and control
of patient safety projects in the area of diagnostic imaging
• Key strategies and critical success factors to meet expectations and achieve patient safety goals on time and
within budget
Zoran Bojic
DI Quality Management Leader
The Hospital for Sick Children
1525h Networking Refreshment Break
1540h Quality Measurements, General Overview – Panel Discussion
• Setting a quality-centric vision through strategy and culture
Catherine Wang
Senior Director
Joint Department of Medical Imaging
Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network and Women’s College Hospital
• A summary of a strategic initiatives – improving patient safety by learning from adverse events
Julie Mathewson
Professional Practice Leader
The Joint Department of Medical Imaging
Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Women's College Hospital
• Achieving and maintaining CT wait times
• Shared use agreement with Cancer Centre Oncology
Craig Willson
Charge Technologist - CT
Diagnostic Imaging/Cancer Care
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
1630h Wrap up & Adjournment for the Day