2025 April Ebrief of the FRS & FRBMA

Edition: April 2025

Table of Contents

Letter from the Editor |  FRS President's Message |  FRBMA President's Message
Legislative Update |  Martin Northup Resident Leadership Award
Call for Volunteer FRS/FMA Delegates | FACR Application
Medicolegal Practice For Sale |  Announcing our New FRS Career Center
Become a PAC Member

FRS Membership
Dues

Please contact the American College of Radiology Membership Services at (800) 347-7748 to pay your 2025 Florida Radiological Society membership dues.

Meet Your 2024 - 2025 FRS Executive Committee


President Juan Batlle, MD, FACR	President Elect Andrew Bowman, MD, PhD	Treasurer Edem Chen, MD


Secretary James Banks, MD	Past President Laura Vallow, MD	Radiation Oncology, Chair Jennifer Peterson, MD

Letter from the Editor
		Dear colleagues, To prepare for an uncertain future, it is imperative that we understand not just where we are now, but also how we got here. Our roles have evolved significantly over the years, driven by physician leaders, technological advancements and pivotal policy changes that influence radiological practices. Today, diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology play crucial roles in modern healthcare, thanks to the visionary work of early pioneers, as well as to the continuous innovation and refinement of imaging and treatment modalities.
Pioneer Days (1895-1950) 130 years ago, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays (Roentgen rays), unlocking a non-invasive method to view the inside of the human body. In 1896, just a year after its discovery, the first case of X-ray use for medical imaging was recorded by Dr. John Hall-Edwards, to locate a sewing needle in a patient’s hand. Radiation oncology emerged alongside diagnostic radiology, leveraging the power of X-rays and, later, radioactive substances, to treat cancer based on the pioneering work by Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie investigating radium’s ability to kill cancer cells. External beam radiotherapy (XRT) for cancer treatment initially used high doses in single exposures causing significant collateral damage to adjacent tissues. By 1911, the principles of fractionating the total dose and slow continuous low-dose-rate radium treatments were established, leading to better control over cancer growth and reduced adverse effects. In 1922, Henri Coutard, a French radiologist, successfully treated laryngeal cancer without disastrous side-effects by using a fractionated process over multiple sessions, furthering the rise of radiation oncology through the first half of the 20th century. Businesses like the Eastman Kodak Company, played significant roles in advancing medical imaging equipment in the early 20th century by improving X-ray machines, introducing the fluoroscope, and improving on photographic films to allow radiologists to refine their diagnostic capabilities. The founding of the American College of Radiology (ACR) in 1923 helped to standardize practices in diagnostic imaging followed by the establishment of formal radiology training and certification in the 1930s. Technical Expansion and Innovation (1950-1990) Ultrasound, initially developed for military purposes during World War II, was adapted for medical use in the 1950s, marking a significant milestone in non-invasive imaging. Around that time, radiation oncology was transforming by the development of linear accelerators (linacs), stereotactic radiosurgery and proton therapy, allowing for precise and controlled targeting of tumors while sparing healthy tissue. 11 years after Sven Ivar Seldinger introduced his technique to access blood vessels using coaxial systems, Dr. Charles Dotter, the "father of interventional radiology,” performed the first angioplasty in 1964 using an x-ray roll film magazine he invented to produce images at two frames per second; interventional radiology (IR) emerged as a distinct field thereafter. The establishment of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 1965 significantly expanded access to diagnostic and therapeutic radiological services. Real-time ultrasound imaging in the 1970s further expanded sonography’s applications, particularly in obstetrics, cardiology, and abdominal imaging. The 1970s and 1980s saw the development of computed tomography (CT) by Sir Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by Paul Lauterbur and Sir Peter Mansfield, marking leaps in cross sectional imaging. Computer-assisted planning systems such as 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3DCRT) based on these new imaging modalities improved tumor targeting and efficacy for radiation oncology patients. IR continued to boom in the 1980s and 1990s, with the invention of medical devices including balloon catheters, stents, and embolization techniques to treat a wide range of conditions in lieu of traditional surgery. Digital Transformation and Precision Imaging Revolution (1990-Present) The introduction of digital imaging in the 1980s prompted the ACR and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to join with industry leaders in creating a standard file format for viewing, storing and sharing images. In 1993, DICOM was established and the first pictorial archiving and communication systems (PACS) were designed. Modern PACS systems have continued to improve on the quality and speed of diagnostic imaging with advanced post processing and the potential to interface with an electronic health record (HER) and the radiology information system (RIS) for physicians to access vital information about their patients from anywhere. The establishment of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) in 1992 helped formalize the field and advocate for its growing role in healthcare. Interventionalists began using advanced imaging modalities like CT, MRI, and ultrasound to guide complex procedures with minimal risk and quicker recovery times for patients. By the early 2000s, IR had become integral to patient care, offering a range of procedures for managing vascular, oncological, and neurological conditions, among others. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the 1990s continued to advance radiation oncology, allowing tumor targeting with even greater precision while minimizing side effects. The rise of molecular imaging options for tumor mapping with new techniques such as in PET-CT and PET-MRI in the early 2000s allowed for further integration of diagnostic imaging with radiation oncology treatment planning for improved target conformality. In the 2000s, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced regulatory frameworks, encouraged meaningful use of healthcare resources and expanded access to medical imaging and therapies that directly impact radiologists and radiation oncologists. These healthcare policies reshaped our specialties, influencing reimbursement rates, practice guidelines, and the integration of new technologies. Today, diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology are pillars of modern medicine, deeply intertwined with technology and clinical innovation. From X-rays to PET-MRI, from external beam radiation therapy to precision cancer treatments, from minimally invasive vascular procedures to a wide range of complex image guided interventions, the house of radiology has transformed through the years. Just as the day-to-day practice of our fields only vaguely resembles that from 20 years ago, the jobs of today will be largely unrecognizable to future generations as the potential of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and precision medicine is unlocked. We must consider the treatise of the theory of evolution: it's not the strongest nor the most intelligent species that survives but the most responsive to change. Robust engagement with allied professions, thought leaders, government relations teams, and software developers is essential if we want to adapt and thrive in those future roles. Is the golden age behind us or ahead? It’s up to us to decide…
James Banks, MD Secretary, FRS

<< Back to Table of Contents

FRS President's Message
		FRS Members, I am happy to report that the FRS had a very, successful visit to Tallahassee for our State Capitol Hill Day. Upon arrival, we strategized with Dr. Charlie Williams and his wife Pat Williams at a Tallahassee hotel. We then visited the Capitol on opening day of the legislative session on Tuesday, March 4th. Many thanks to Alison Dudley, our indefatigable lobbyist, who ushered us throughout the maze of office buildings and conference rooms to fulfill an incredibly busy schedule.
We traveled with RFS Section head and past FRS president, Daryl Eber, as well as three residents: Jourdan McKinnis (University of Florida), Tyler Sargent (Mayo Clinic), and Armando Vera (Radiation Oncology-University of Miami). Believe it or not, we were able to meet with or see 21 current Representatives, 8 Senators, and a former Representative (please see complete list below). We were able to watch Senate proceedings from the Gallery, observe several Committee hearings (including a hearing on wrongful death legislation looking to expand plaintiff eligibility), and see the Governor enter the legislative chambers for his address to the Florida legislature. During our meetings, we were able to raise awareness for radiology as a profession, advocate for preventing scope creep of other allied health fields, and inform legislators about the MOBILE Act and its shortcomings leading to difficulty in licensure. Over a whirlwind day and a half, the FRS was able to have its voice heard by our lawmakers and help advocate for the houses of Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Physics as a whole. On that last point, a legislator who is also an engineer was fascinated to hear about medical physics as a profession, which allowed us to discuss the vital importance of radiology with regard to patient safety during and after imaging. For those of you interested in participating in next year's Hill Day, please contact Alison Dudley or Andrew Bowman. A special thanks to Charles Dudley for hosting us at his downtown Tallahassee office. Rep. Anne Gerwig, Rep. Karen Gonzalez-Pittman, Rep. Sam Greco, Rep. Sam Garrison, Rep. Demi Busatta, Rep. Toby Overdorf, Rep. Tom Fabricio, Rep. Dana Trabulsy, Rep. Linda Chaney, Rep. Bill Conerly, Rep Danny Nix, Rep Adam Anderson, Rep. Adam Botana, Rep Hillary Cassel, Rep Tiffany Esposito, Rep Dan Dailey, Rep Jervonte Edmonds, Rep Richard Gentry, Rep Kelly Skidmore, Rep Chip Lamarca, Rep Kaylee Tuck, Rep Mike Grant – former legislator, Sen. Tom Leek, Sen. Ed Hooper, Sen. Colleen Burton, Sen. Lori Berman, Sen. Joe Gruters, Sen. Jim Boyd, Sen. Keith Truenow, Sen. Jay Collins

You will soon be seeing the results of a new initiative by the Florida radiological society. We have partnered with a company called YM careers, which will be a revenue generating opportunity for the chapter to ensure its long-term sustainability. We have partnered with YM to provide a consolidated state-specific job board for Florida members, with Florida relevant job opportunities and openings. This will be available through both the Florida Radiological Society website as well as through an email distribution list. So if you see something new in your inbox from our society, it is the result of a lot of hard work by society leadership, board and staff. Please reach out to us if you would like to submit job postings in the future!
Juan Batlle, MD, FACR President, Florida Radiological Society

<< Back to Table of Contents

FRBMA President's Message
		Updated Medical Doctor Licensing Rules in Florida In my February 2025 article, I explained how the new M.D. licensing requirements for the state of Florida that went into effect on January 1, 2025, were causing physician groups and hospitals to lose physician candidates. Essentially, the new law prevented most recent residency and fellowship graduates from obtaining a license in Florida as most of these new graduates did not have three years of employment in their field outside of their
residency program. Additionally, if any physician had anything reported on their National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) profile, such as a medical malpractice suit or license investigation, then the physician was also disqualified from obtaining a license, unless he or she first obtained a national license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). Last week, the Florida Board of Medicine met for their regularly scheduled board meeting where they considered a handful of physician license applicants who were not able to be approved through the normal process. Additionally, the Credentials Committee for the Board of Medicine considered and approved “accepted postgraduate training to satisfy the [three-year employment requirement ] if the training was completed during the prior three years.” The caveat to this statement is that the Vice Chair must review all training before staff may issue a license, so the licensing approval process may take longer than usual. Either way, though, this is a big win for physician groups and hospitals in the state of Florida! We are now able to once again recruit recent graduates who do not have three years of employment history, so long as they graduated within the last three years and do not have any complaints or submissions on their NPDB profile. The Credentials Committee for the Board of Medicine did not change any of its policies regarding NPDB complaints. My suggestion is that you request each physician candidate to purchase his or her own NPDB self-query report for $3.00 on the HRSA.gov website and email you a copy of their report. If there is a complaint on their report, then the physician candidate will need to apply for and be approved for the IMLC license and be board-certified in order to then apply for a license in Florida. According to Florida Radiological Society’s lobbyist in Tallahassee, Ms. Alison Dudley, legislative bills are being considered by the Florida House of Representatives (HB 1299) and the Florida Senate to amend some of the language in the current law regarding M.D. licensing. For the existing law to be changed, the Florida House and the Florida Senate must both approve the same language, and then the governor must sign the bill into law. We encourage each of you to reach out to your senator and/or representative to explain why the current law must be changed. Even though the Florida Board of Medicine (BOM) changed the residency requirement last week, there’s always a possibility that this decision could be rescinded or changed again. We need the Florida law to be updated so that there’s no room for interpretation by the BOM.

Janene W. Markuske, MBA, FRBMA President, FRBMA

<< Back to Table of Contents

Legislative Update
	The halfway mark of the legislative session has arrived. Committee work is winding down and the House and Senate have proposed their respective budgets. The Senate proposal is $117.36 billion, the current fiscal year budget is $118.6 billion. The House proposal is $112.95 billion and the Governor’s budget proposal was $115 billion. The two bodies will have to come to an agreed upon amount to start the budget conference process. This is the one constitutionally required task the legislature needs to complete before adjourning the session.
The Congressional special elections have been held and Senator Randy Fine won Waltz’s former seat and CFO Jimmy Patronis won Gaetz’s former seat. Legislation coming out of the House has a definite pro trial bar slant. It will be interesting to see what the Senate will agree to and what the Governor will veto. The bright spot of the Session was the visit of Dr. Juan Batlle and the residents who visited the Capitol during the opening day ceremonies. With thirty days remaining a lot can still happen. As they say, ”its not over until its over” and the Sergeant's drop the hankies denoting sine die.
Best, Alison Dudley Lobbyist, FRS AlisonDudley@dudleyandassociates.com

<< Back to Table of Contents

Martin Northup Resident Leadership Award

H. Martin Northup Resident Leadership Award - A scholarship opportunity for Florida Diagnostic Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Medical Physicist 2nd year Residents or graduate students.

Martin Northup was very committed to radiology resident education and advancement. To eternally honor and remember him, the board of the FRS Foundation has established a special award bearing his name, the “H Martin Northup Resident Leadership Award.” During the FRS annual meeting, a $1,500 award will be given to a second year Florida radiology resident who will be a third year at the time of the fellowship. During the FRS Annual Meeting, the resident will have an officer mentor and will attend all functions including the board meeting. The goal is to develop future leaders in Radiology and develop promising residents to assume greater roles in the society, such as President of the Resident and Fellow’s Section. The award recipient will be chosen for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 11-13, 2025, by the Scholarships and Grants committee based on a competitive application process.

Please check with your Program Director to be considered for this opportunity and to complete the application. Return your completed application to lroger@edusymp.com before end of business on May 15, 2025 in order to be considered for this award.

Thank you,

Jeffrey Stone, M.D., FACR

<< Back to Table of Contents

2024 Annual Meeting of the
FRS & FRBMA

Please join the Florida Radiological Society and the Florida Radiology Business Management Association for the 2025 Annual Meeting at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, July 11-13, 2025. The meeting will focus on “Beyond the Screen: Creativity and Vision in Modern Radiology Practice” and will feature lectures by faculty who are leaders in the practice of radiology. We look forward to seeing you in July.

FRS Meeting Registration

FRBMA Meeting Registration

Call for Volunteer FRS/FMA Delegates

The FRS is seeking volunteers to be an FMA delegate. These openings are on a first come, first serve basis. If you are an FMA and FRS member and want to be an FMA delegate to represent the FRS, please contact Lorraine Roger at lroger@edusymp.com

As an FMA/FRS Delegate you agree to attend the House of Delegates meeting to represent the interests of the FRS with other FMA/FRS delegates. Below is the FMA official description:

The FMA House of Delegates (House) is the legislative and business body of the FMA. Its members are the officers of the FMA, the elected members of the Board of Governors, and the delegates officially elected by the component societies, specialty societies, Specialty Society Section, Young Physicians Section, Medical Student Section, Resident & Fellow Section and the FMA Alliance. The House meets annually at a time and location determined by the FMA Board of Governors. It is the responsibility of the Speaker of the House to prepare the agenda and assure consideration and completion of its business.

The business of the formal sessions of House is established by a blend of tradition and requirements of the Association’s charter and bylaws, and includes:

Setting policy for the FMA by acting on recommendations from the Board of Governors and resolutions presented by component county medical societies, recognized specialty medical societies, special sections and delegates.
Hearing addresses and reports from the Treasurer, Speaker, and outgoing and incoming Presidents.
Presenting awards recognizing distinguished work by members of the FMA and others whom the FMA decides to honor.
Electing Officers, Board members and AMA Delegates.

The 2025 FMA Annual Meeting is scheduled for July 24-27, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, in Orlando, Florida.

<< Back to Table of Contents

FACR Application
Want to be a fellow of the ACR? Please check your number of ACR years and review these criteria. Does this sound like you? If you believe you met some of them in your year category, please contact lroger@edusymp.com with your CV and the reasons you believe you meet the criteria. We will review the information. If we agree, we will help you proceed with your ACR fellowship application process and Florida chapter nomination. If you are applying for Fellowship, please go to: FACR Application and Process. The Final Chapter Deadline to submit a completed application with endorsements is 5:00 pm ET on May 31st. Sincerely,
Joeph Cernigliaro, MD, FSAR, FACR Florida Chapter Fellowship Committee Chair

<< Back to Table of Contents

SUBMIT AN
ARTICLE

Medicolegal Practice For Sale

Interested inquires please contact:
Mark Glickstein • 860-604-6955 • marcglick@yahoo.com

<< Back to Table of Contents


Announcing our New FRS Career Center
The Florida Radiological Society is proud to announce its new and improved FRS Career Center - the premier resource to connect career opportunities with highly qualified radiology talent. The Career Center is designed to provide you with a better overall experience through a modern design and an intuitive interface. You will be able to access the Career Center through any device of your choice- smartphone, tablet, or desktop. To access FRS Career Center, visit: Careers.flrad.org The FRS Career Center will allow you to: Manage Your Career: Search and apply to the best radiology jobs at organizations that value your credentials! Upload your anonymous resume so employers can contact you, but you maintain control of your information and choose to whom you release your information. Receive an alert every time a job becomes available that matches your personal profile, skills, interests, and preferred location(s). Access career resources and job searching tips and tools. Recruit for Open Positions: Post your jobs, or your organization’s jobs, where the most qualified radiology professionals will find and apply to them. Promote your jobs directly to Florida Radiological Society job seekers via our exclusive Job Flash email. Search the resume database and contact qualified candidates proactively. Expose your job postings to a larger audience through our NEW diversity, veterans and social networks. Take a look & log on today at Careers.flrad.org We hope this new career center will make a significant difference for our members as they navigate their career paths. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely, Executive Director Florida Radiological Society

<< Back to Table of Contents

Become A PAC Member Today
Attention FRBMA Members! Please support the cause. We encourage you to be PAC members and supporters; you do not have to belong to the FRS. Donations can be made online through our PAC website www.FLRADPAC.org. Thank you for your donation. It is critical that we support both our Florida PAC and RADPAC in order to bolster our voice in Tallahassee and Washington, respectively. Please join FRS lobbyist Alison Dudley in her special appeal for all Florida radiologists to become Florida PAC members. If you would like to help FRS defend radiology against untoward legislation and introduce bills that have a positive impact on our practices, we need your financial support to re-elect our friends in the state House and Senate. The FRS can also show you simplified ways on how to sign up your radiology group. Contact Lorraine Roger or contact Alison Dudley for more information.

<< Back to Table of Contents

<< Back to Table of Contents

Telephone (813) 806-1070
Fax (813) 806-1071

5620 W. Sligh Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33634

The E-Brief is an exclusive member benefit of Florida Radiological Society, delivering monthly member, chapter and industry news. Please do not reply to this automatic e-mail. For comments or questions about the E-Brief, please contact lroger@flrad.org.