by
Sean Ruck, Contributing Editor | November 23, 2011
From the November 2011 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
With RSNA fast approaching, DOTmed Business News was fortunate enough to have RSNA president Dr. Burton Drayer take time out of his busy schedule to provide a look at where the society is today and where it’s headed for the future. Drayer also talked about the professional experience that led him to his current position.
DMBN: How did you become involved in radiology?
Drayer: I am fortunate to be Board Certified in Neurology, Radiology, and Neuroradiology. Early in my career as a Neurologist, I wanted to do research in anatomy and physiology rather than the more traditional neurochemistry research and neuroradiology seemed a perfect outlet. I suppose I am a frustrated architect and the complex architectural structure of the central nervous system seemed very exciting.
DMBN: Are there any aspects of your career you would change if you could?
Drayer: I’m really incredibly satisfied with what I’ve been able to do. My career has permitted me to be a researcher, educator, clinician, administrator and manager. It’s always been exciting and I’ve been very fortunate in always being able to do new things.
DMBN: What has been a high point in your career?
Drayer: My ability to utilize advanced imaging techniques to better and minimally invasively understand contrast materials, regional cerebral blood flow, brain iron, and MRA have been high points of my career. In addition, I have had the good fortune to work at great institutions like University of Pittsburgh, Duke, Barrow Neurological Institute, and Mount Sinai with great people and had the chance to serve my fellow radiologists as President of the ASNR and RSNA.
DMBN: Can you share some of the initiatives you have championed as president of RSNA?
Drayer: Board service at the RSNA involves eight years with my first five years as liaison for Information Technology and the Annual Meeting and Technical Exhibits. Sitting on the Board you better understand and have input into all the educational, research, and information technology initiatives of the society. During my tenure I have always focused on the opportunities for radiology organizations to better collaborate. I am also very proud of the success of the RSNA R & E foundation which will fund 2.7 million dollars for 74 scientific and educational grants this year. I have also attempted to package the vast array of RSNA Information Technology products so that they could play a more vital role in health care whether it is IHE, image sharing, RADLEX, structured reporting, MIRC, or myRSNA.
