Educational Mission Statement

 The Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR) is dedicated to the lifelong learning of cardiothoracic radiologists and other health professionals and to the advancement of medical care through the science of radiology and allied disciplines.  Continuing professional development opportunities provided by the STR include educational and scientific meetings, support of a peer-reviewed journal, and funding and support of grants and awards programs.

The Purpose of the education program is to improve health care through:

1. disseminating to radiologists and other health professionals the most current scientific and clinical information on cardiothoracic imaging and image-guided interventional procedures;
2. keeping the international community of radiologists and other health professionals abreast of state-of-the-art techniques in cardiothoracic imaging;
3. stimulating critical thinking and reflection on the science and practice of cardiothoracic imaging;
4. creating and coordinating efforts that will identify, assess and respond to the learning needs of professionals;
5. promoting cardiothoracic imaging research within the radiology community, and
6. developing and supporting educators and leaders in cardiothoracic imaging.

The Target Audience includes cardiothoracic radiologists, general radiologists with an interest in cardiothoracic imaging, pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, residents, fellows, and other health professionals interested in the science and practice of cardiothoracic imaging.

The educational program Content Areas will include basic science, disease processes, state-of-the art technologies and techniques, patient safety, clinical research, evidence-based medicine, health outcomes, education, and practice management.  Educational activities will highlight optimal clinical practice and potential future practice.

The overall educational program will be comprehensive, meeting the needs of the target audience by assisting the participants in their lifelong learning and continual self-assessment, and responding to state and national licensing and certification requirements.  It will address disparities between current practice and the ideal.

Types of Activities offered by the STR include:

1. live courses, such as the annual postgraduate course and partnering in world congresses, both composed of specific symposia, refresher courses, small group workshops, and special focused lectures;
2. print materials, such as the Journal of Thoracic Imaging and syllabi based on the annual postgraduate course;
3. internet-based activities, including video capture of postgraduate course presentations, and
4. self-assessment modules (SAMs) offered at annual postgraduate courses.

Expected Results of the education program include improving participants’ competence and performance and, in so doing, improving outcomes of patients with cardiovascular and thoracic diseases.  The activities that are part of the program will be designed using the most current information available and utilizing innovative educational techniques, with an expected result of improved professional performance that enhances patient care, maximizes patient safety, and improves health outcomes.  The goal of STR’s continuing medical education program is to positively impact both the individual’s practice as well as the entire field of radiology.  The success of the program is measured directly from participants, who report the impact of STR educational activities on their clinical practice.

Approved by STR CME Subcommittee 8/16/10
Approved by the STR Executive Committee 8/24/10
Approved by the STR Executive Committee 4/23/14