New attention for radiation protection drugs; managing radiologist-RT relationships

Dear AuntMinnie Member,

Can you protect yourself from the damaging effects of radiation by popping a pill? The idea is getting renewed attention in the wake of this month's nuclear crisis in Japan, as U.S. residents unnerved by the potential of radioactive fallout emptied drug stores of their supplies of potassium iodide.

However, better alternatives exist: Several firms are developing radiation protection drugs that are potentially far more effective than potassium iodide. These drugs could be used to help protect patients from the relatively low levels of radiation dose delivered during medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures, as well from accidental releases of radiation into the environment.

Learn about three radiation protection formulas that are either ready now or far along in the pipeline in an article by international editor Eric Barnes in our CT Digital Community.

Of course we'll also keep you apprised of developments in the Japanese crisis as they relate to radiology, such as this warning by several medical societies on whether Americans should be taking potassium iodide at all.

Managing radiologist-RT relationships

In other news, we're highlighting an article this week in our Imaging Leaders Digital Community on strategies for managing relationships between radiologists and radiologic technologists (RTs).

Any busy professional environment can create problems between co-workers, but when radiologists and technologists aren't getting along, patient care can suffer. Fortunately, associate editor Kate Madden Yee uncovers strategies you can use to improve communication and collaboration in your imaging facility.

For one thing, RTs shouldn't be afraid to step up and ask questions, and to demonstrate confidence in what they're doing. Learn about other strategies by clicking here, or visit our Imaging Leaders Digital Community at leaders.auntminnie.com.