Total Radiology Conference enables in-depth exploration of research and innovations

Last updated Nov 10, 2023

More than 500 people registered for the Total Radiology Conference in August, which was part of Asia Health 2023 Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand.

The conference offers an in-depth exploration of the latest advances, research and innovations in the field of radiology. This brings together radiologists, radiographers, researchers and industry professionals to share insights on topics including advances in medical imaging, radiation therapy and patient-centred care.

X-ray exhibition — Stewart Whitley in discussion with Chavinvit Thangthongkum of Kongsak, a Thailand-based x-ray manufacturer, in the main exhibition area.

Conference chair was president of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) Dr Napapong Pongnapang from Mahidol University, Bangkok. Scientific co-chair was ISRRT director of professional practice Dr Edward Chan, vice president of Hong Kong College of Radiographers and
Radiation Therapists.

The theme on day one was ‘Advancing medical imaging and radiation therapy,’ which included talks on ChatGPT; CT-photon CT; MRI 5.0T and 7.0T clinical applications; updates on theragnostic nuclear medicine; and heavy particle therapy.

Dr Pongnapang delivered a keynote address on ‘Advancing medical imaging and radiation therapy: role of the radiographers and radiation therapist’. The day concluded with a panel discussion on re-imagining radiology.

ISRRT representatives. — Dr Edward Chan, vice-president, Hong Kong College of Radiographers and Radiation Therapists, Dr Napapong Pongnapang, president, ISRRT, Stewart Whitley, UK and Muhammad Khairulnizar Bin Azman, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore.

The theme for day two was ‘Patient-centred care’, which included talks on radiography perspectives; infection control in radiology; data security versus patient experience; and AI governing. The keynote address on ‘Drivers and important considerations of patient centred care in radiology’ was delivered by Stewart Whitley.
During the talk, Whitley covered many aspects that contribute to patient-centred care, including the important steps in the patient journey and pathway before and after their encounter with radiology. He said it is important to reflect on the patient’s expectations and campaigns such as ‘Hello my name is …’ which enhance the patient’s experience. Whitley extended his gratitude to the many colleagues and friends who contributed to his presentation and for The Society of Radiographers’ Patient Public and Practitioner Partnership within Imaging and Radiotherapy: Guiding Principles publication and its patient advisory group for giving him time to discuss this important topic.

Stewart Whitley presenting his talk. — Stewart Whitley presenting ‘Patient Centred Care in Radiology’.

Whitley stressed the importance of considering both holistic and ethical aspects of patient care, emphasising recent publications from WHO and the ICRP that emphasise how important ethical aspects are and that they should be central in decision making with patients.

Lead picture: Stewart Whitley (right) with speakers and panellists: editor of ISRT Journal and senior radiographer at SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India, Dr Mukesh Jain; ISRRT director of education, Melbourne, Australia, Stephen Lacey; ISRRT president Dr Napapong Pongnapang; vice president at Hong Kong College of Radiographers and Radiation Therapists and ISRRT director of professional practice Dr Edward Chan.

Published on page 19 of the October 2023 issue of RAD Magazine.