History of The Society of Thoracic Radiology
The Society of Thoracic Radiology was founded in 1982 under the leadership of S. David Rockoff, MD, to develop an inclusive organization of radiologists interested in and dedicated to cardiopulmonary radiology. The original objectives, which continue to serve as the foundation for the ongoing evolution of the Society included: development and support standards for teaching and practice, fostering research, promotion of fellowship and exchange of ideas, meetings for presentation and discussion of papers, the dissemination of knowledge, promotion of closer cooperation between thoracic radiology and other branches of medicine and the mentoring of publication of scientific reports.
The current vision and mission statements incorporate the spirit of these founding principles: The Society of Thoracic Radiology will be the premier cardiothoracic imaging society in the world. The mission which is to promote cardiothoracic imaging for the excellence in patient care through research and education.
The first meeting of the STR was held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel, Orlando, Florida, March 1984.These have been held annually ever since. In 2005, the STR joined with the Fleischner, European , Korean and Japanese Thoracic Radiology Societies for the first World Congress of Thoracic Imaging which took place in Florence, Italy. The second Congress took place in Valencia in 2009, the third in Seoul in 2013, and the fourth is scheduled to be held in Boston in 2017.
The Journal of Thoracic Imaging (JTI) was launched in December 1985 under the vision of its founding editor, Eric Milne, MD. Currently it serves as the official journal of not only this Society but also of the Japanese, Korean and European Societies of Thoracic Radiology/Imaging. Phil Boiselle serves as the current editor of the journal. Past editors include Sanford Rubin, Charles White, Jeffrey Klein and Rick Webb.
The Society has collaborative agreements with the European Society of Thoracic Imaging, the Japanese Society of Thoracic Radiology and the Korean Society of Thoracic Radiology, whereby the societies exchange selected speakers for their respective annual meetings. In addition, an ad hoc Global Relations Committee has been recently established to foster collaborations with other thoracic imaging societies worldwide.
The Society has developed thoracic imaging protocols which are now part of the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria.
Important educational resources developed by the Society include:
- Thoracic and Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Core Curriculum
- Revised Curriculum on Cardiothoracic Radiology for Diagnostic Radiology Residency with Goals and Objectives
- A Cardiothoracic Radiology Curriculum for Medical Students
- Consensus statement on Pulmonary embolism Imaging with the American Thoracic Society
Online education and communication opportunities abound, including lectures, the Case of the Month, the STR Newsletter Inspiration, and a recently established weekly web teleconference. The majority of these resources are available to members and nonmembers at no cost.
The Society established the Lifetime Achievement Awards Committee in 2006 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to thoracic radiology and to the STR. Gold medals have been awarded to S. David Rockoff , MD (2007), Lawrence Goodman , MD,(2008), the late Gordon Gamsu, MB, BCh (2009), Theresa C. McLoud, MD, (2010), Nestor L. Muller, MD, PhD, (2011), David P. Naidich, MD, (2012) , W. Richard Webb, MD, (2013), Sanford A. Rubin, MD, (2014).
In support of research and education the Society maintains the STR Research and Education Fund. The fund raising arm is the recently established Development Committee. To date 30 grants have been awarded to residents, fellows and junior faculty, ranging in amounts from $8000 to $20,000 per year. The first award was granted in 1993.
The Society continues to attract the best and the brightest, providing a forum for continuous learning and exciting forays into the future!