The 94th annual German Radiology Congress, DRK 2013, will take place in Hamburg from Wednesday 29 of May to Saturday 1 June. Along with the focus on oncological imaging, expert speakers will concentrate on emergency radiology, image fusion, and cost-benefit analysis.
President of the German Radiology Society, Dr. Michael Forsting, professor of radiology at the University of Essen, points out there is something for everyone at the meeting with its 400 scientific studies and 200 refresher courses. He also acknowledges the establishment of two new committees. The first focuses on oncology imaging and is led by Chief of the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Dr. Heinz-Peter Schlemmer. The second new committee will concentrate on ultrasound and is long overdue.
The Congress Center Hamburg (CCH) is the venue for DRK 2013 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary. "We are proud of the fact that CCH has been playing continuously in the 'Champions League' for the last 40 years," said Edgar Hirt, CCH division manager. "A total of 130 world congresses have been held at CCH so far."In a random survey held in our large German radiology practice, located close to Dortmund, I asked my colleagues what they are looking forward to seeing at this year's conference. Neuroradiologist Dr. Winfried Lückel wants to get updated on all radiology topics, and recommends attending Forsting's course FFF, Fit zum Facharzt (Fit for a Specialist), which will have a neuroradiological focus. Dr. Oliver Kress, head of the subdepartment in Unna, is especially interested in teleradiology. He will join Dr. Peter Mildenberger's session on European developments in teleradiology. Dr. Nima Ashori will be giving full attention to Dr. Jürgen Freyschmidt's sessions about musculoskeletal radiology.
Another issue that is likely to generate some discussion this week is the role of radiographers in Germany, following the relevant professional associations' recent initiative to reorganize the training and examination regulations for radiographers.
This year's Congress President Dr. Mathias Langer, has given the event the motto of "Radiology is future." He states that radiology will become even more a switch-point for all medical disciplines, leading from a correct diagnosis to an optimized therapy. The radiologist will have to be a competent partner for clinical colleagues, and he/she must have an overview of all the different kinds of imaging options in order to choose the right procedure for each patient's situation.
Langer is medical director and professor of radiology at the University Radiology Clinic, Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg, where he heads the department of diagnostic imaging. He says that one of the fastest developing modalities in the future will be MRI, which will help to analyze and classify a tumor on its cellular basis by means of molecular imaging.
Also, more and more specialized radioactive tracers will combine to make possible the visualization of morphologic and functional features of tumors, as well as their response to treatment. CT will also have continued importance in the fast handling of polytrauma patients, but will also have an increasing role in cardiac infarctions, which have unsure clinical parameters and do not indicate catheter examination.
Langer suggests joining the "Radiology Lecture 2013," which will address cardiac and vascular emergency radiology, and is being run by the Austrian Dr. Joseph Schoepf, from Charleston in South Carolina, a pioneer in cardiac CT imaging. Also the session "Radiology meets..." will be a highlight. The European Society for Emergency Radiology (ESER), established in 2011, will give inside information and news. Last but not least, there will be sessions and workshops for radiology technicians, approved by the German Technicians Organization VMTB. These prove popular every year.
On Wednesday evening, there will be a social gathering in the Congress Center Hamburg that will include a buffet, drinks, and music. Hamburg is easily accessible and is also worth exploring, given its culture, museums, and musical facilities. Attendance for medical students is free, and childcare is available (reservations essential).
Dr. Patrick Kokulinsky is a resident at Radiologie Unna Kamen Werne Hagen, and is located in Unna.
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