This year brings changes as well as a lot of opportunities

It's a time of change, the rite of winter when we assess the past year, tidy up a bit, and prepare for the year ahead.

The last year was one of tremendous upheaval in the medical imaging industry. The impact of the Deficit Reduction Act was felt acutely. Business for some major manufacturers has slowed, and recouping expenses has become more challenging, requiring different strategies.

All was not bad news, fortunately. There was a concerted effort on the part of equipment makers and the medical community alike to lessen the impact on the environment. And as we saw at the Radiological Society of North America meeting in November, amazing technologies are emerging. We are sure to hear more about those in the new year as they begin installations.

There are great mysteries ahead in 2008: Congress is still considering the Sustainable Growth Rate, for example, and it is a presidential election year, which is sure to be engaging, if not downright entertaining. This month, the American College of Radiology opens its Education Center, which has already garnered a lot of attention for the training it will offer the industry. How will it be embraced and how will the training offered there affect the industry? And the debate that emerged late in 2007 about CT's role in increasing cancer risk will certainly continue to play out. Noted radiologist and Imaging Economics editorial advisor Alexander Margulis, MD, writes about the debate in this month's Last Word column.

Speaking of editorial advisors, we welcome two new members to our board this month:

• James Polfreman is CEO of outpatient imaging services for the Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston. He started there in 2004 as assistant vice president of outpatient imaging, overseeing the development of 10 freestanding imaging facilities. The following year, nine existing inpatient facilities were added to his oversight. Previously, he served as vice president of operations for River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostics, Houston, and in business development positions with various companies involved in international trade.
• Edward Soll, MD, has served in every imaginable role in medical imaging: radiologist; clinical associate professor at his alma mater, Tulane University School of Medicine; medical director; founder and chief of imaging center groups; and his current role as a consultant.

Imaging Economics will remain on top of the dynamic industry changes. With the help of our editorial advisors, we have expanded the scope and variety of our stories. Our advisors also have helped us with some other, more subtle changes throughout the magazine—all designed to make information for your decision-making a little easier.

Here's hoping 2008 is peaceful and prosperous.

Dan Anderson
Editorial Director