Conference Schedule

Browse the 2026 WSRT Annual Conference/WAERT Student Symposium schedule.

Sunday, March 29, 2026

All Sunday sessions will be held in the Cypress Room. Lunch to be held in Wisteria.

Registration (Available All Day) | 7:00 - 7:45 a.m.

Registration will be available all day.

7:45 - 8:00 a.m. | Opening Ceremony

Join us for the start of the conference!

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. | WSRT 1st Business Meeting

Catch up on the latest news from WSRT.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Unpopular MRI Safety Opinions from an MRSO

 Rebecca Nelson, BS RTR MR MRSO

  • Describe the role and responsibilities of MR Safety Roles (MRSO, MRMD, MRSE).
  • Describe commonly accepted MRI safety screening practices and options for improvements.
  • Discuss implanted device MRI safety investigation practices and alternative methods for more streamlined clearance processes.
  • Discuss the importance of MRI safety decisions being made by properly trained and identified MR personnel, highlighting non-MRI personnel’s scope does not encompass MRI safety.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Life of a Respiratory Therapist

Julie Roeske, BS RRT

  • Describe the scope and core responsibilities of the respiratory therapist across the continuum of care.
  • Identify emerging and non-traditional roles for RTs in today’s healthcare environment (e.g., Interventional Pulmonology, Hyperbaric Medicine, Outpatient Clinics).
  • Recognize collaborative opportunities between RTs and imaging professionals to improve workflow efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and patient experience.
  • Discuss the future direction of the respiratory therapy profession, including workforce trends, specialization, and technology-driven care.

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. | Where Learning Thrives: Creating & Maintaining Positive Clinical Environments

Tricia Pedretti, MA, BS, RT (R)(M)

  • Describe expectations when working with clinical learners.
  • Identify personal challenges/barriers that affect working with clinical learners.
  • Describe the diversity of clinical learners that will enhance positive engagement.
  • Identify key strategies to build technologist/learner engagement that will promote learning.

2:45 - 3:45 p.m. | A Slice of Progress: How CT Has Improved Veterinary Patient Outcomes

Dr. Thomas M. Hanson, DVM,MS, RT(R)(CT)

  • Describe the evolution of CT technology and its adoption curve within veterinary imaging, from early academic use to widespread clinical integration.
  • Explain how CT improves diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes using case examples such as porto-systemic shunts and elbow dysplasia.
  • Compare traditional imaging modalities with CT in terms of anatomical visualization, surgical planning, and client communication.
  • Evaluate the clinical utility of portable CT systems in emergency and general practice.

3:45 - 4:00 p.m. | Break & Announce Gavel Raffle

The Gavel Raffle will be announced during this break.

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Quantitative Transmission Imaging – Breast Acoustic CT Scanner | Sponsor: NXC Imaging, Canon Group

Jeanne Koshick, RTR (M) BA

  • Describe the scope and core responsibilities of the respiratory therapist across the continuum of care.
  • Identify emerging and non-traditional roles for RTs in today’s healthcare environment (e.g., Interventional Pulmonology, Hyperbaric Medicine, Outpatient Clinics).
  • Recognize collaborative opportunities between RTs and imaging professionals to improve workflow efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and patient experience.
  • Discuss the future direction of the respiratory therapy profession, including workforce trends, specialization, and technology-driven care.

Monday, March 30, 2026

Monday sessions will take place in a variety of room locations.

  • B/C/D/E/F/G for vendors, breaks, lunch, and the Quiz Bowl
  • Please see individual sessions for locations below

Registration (Available All Day) | 7:00 - 7:45 a.m.

Registration will be available all day.

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | Jim Werner Memorial Lecture - Courage to Lead: Navigating the Future of Imaging and Radiation Sciences Education | D/E Room

Dr. Cheryl DuBose, Ed.D, RT(R)(MR)(CT)(QM)(ARRT), MRSO, FASRT

  • List a few of the challenges facing educators in the current landscape.
  • Explain how advancements in technology and artificial intelligence are changing the way that we teach.
  • Discuss the latest trends in higher education and their effect on traditional program structure.
  • Provide words of encouragement as the educator community works to maintain the highest quality of patient care during stressful times of change.

9:00 - 9:40 a.m. | Break & Visit With Vendors | B/C/D/E/F/G Rooms

During this break, vendors will be available.

9:40 - 11:10 a.m. | I Can See That It's Rotated, But Why Does it Matter? | D/E Room

Randy Griswold, M.P.A., RTR

  • Explain the relationship between X-ray beam geometry and “Profile Imaging.”
  • Discuss the role of the cardiac silhouette in chest radiograph interpretation.
  • Identify specific anatomic lines, stripes, and markings used by radiologists.
  • Calculate the cardio-thoracic ratio and its positioning considerations.
  • Identify clinically important anatomical measurements used by radiologists in cervical spine and orthopedic radiography.

9:40 - 10:30 a.m. | Pain in the Assessment - Rethinking Lab Assessment for Clinical Readiness | Cypress Room

Dr. Christina Smith, EdD, RTR, M & Misty Susa, RTR

  • Adapt radiation protection practices for patient safety to include portable and trauma radiography.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to adapt and modify positioning to obtain radiographic images.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of X-ray equipment operation and setting appropriate technical factors.
  • Discussion of evaluating patient safety and clinical awareness preparedness.
  • Discussion of evaluating Image Analysis, communication with patient and technologist, flow of exam, etc.

10:30 - 11:10 a.m. | Break | Cypress Room

The Cypress Room will have a short break between the 9:40 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. sessions.

11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Scintillators in Medical Imaging | D/E Room

Amber Schuck, RTR MBA

  • Comprehend how Barium Platinocyanide enabled the discovery of X-rays.
  • Outline the difference between actual fluorescence and radioluminescence.
  • Illustrate the process of how few X-ray photons can result in many light photons emitted.
  • Discuss the evolution of Scintillators used in diagnostic medical imaging.
  • Explore different scintillators used in other imaging modalities and what the future may hold.

11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | JRCERT Standards Revision: Draft One 2031 Standards | Cypress Room | Sponsor: JRCERT

Jennifer Michael, Ed.D., R.T.(R)

  • Describe the JRCERT Standards revision process.
  • Identify the proposed Standards and Objectives for the 2031 Standards for an Accredited Educational Program.
  • Critique the proposed revisions in Draft One document.

1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | Radiologist/Technologist Relationships: Can We Go Back to the Future? | D/E Room

Dr. Cheryl DuBose, Ed.D, RT(R)(MR)(CT)(QM)(ARRT), MRSO, FASRT & Dr. Paul Larson, MD, FACR

  • Understand the history of Radiologist/Technologist working relationships.
  • Provide possible reasons for changes in the Radiologist/Technologist working relationship.
  • Recognize the value of the Radiologist/Technologist relationship.
  • Discuss methods to improve collaboration between Radiologists and Technologists.
WSRT Annual Conference Speaker, Dr. Cheryl DuBose and Dr. Paul Larson

1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | Medical Imaging for Pain Management | Cypress Room

Dr. Thomas Faull

  • Recognize common anatomy for procedures used in pain management.
  • Recognize common procedures in pain management.
  • Understand optimal patient positioning to improve imaging.

2:00 - 2:50 p.m. | ARRT Jeopardy Game—Your Favorite Topics to Review | D/E Room

Troy Albrecht, MS R.T.(R)(CT)                                 

  • Review ARRT content specs
  • Review Patient Care
  • Review of Safety
  • Review of Image Production
  • Review of Procedures

2:00 - 2:50 p.m. | From RT to DVM: Positioned for Success | Cypress Room

Dr. Thomas M. Hanson, DVM, MS, RT(R)(CT)

  • Identify why alternate career paths deserve deliberate consideration rather than reflexive dismissal.
  • Identify key factors that influence successful transitions along non-traditional career paths in medical imaging and beyond.
  • Apply mentorship strategies to accelerate learning, expand networks, and navigate unfamiliar career terrain.
  • Develop a personalized goal-setting framework that integrates reflection, adaptability, and strategic action.

2:50 - 3:10 p.m. | Break & Visit With Vendors | B/C/D/E/F/G Rooms

During this break, vendors will be available.

3:10 - 4:00 p.m. | Teamwork and Maximizing Experience in the OR | D/E Room

Dr. Matt Niesen, M.D. MHA

  • Maximizing your experience in the OR
  • How to be a valuable team member
  • How to talk to the surgeon
  • Case Examples
  • C-arm Demonstration

3:10 - 4:00 p.m. | The Site Visitor Experience | Cypress Room | Sponsor: JRCERT

Jennifer Michael, Ed.D., R.T.(R) JRCERT, and Kyle Theine MBA RT(R) (MR)

  • Define the roles of the JRCERT staff and Site Visitors.
  • Define the requirements to become a Site Visitor.
  • Discuss the Site Visitor workflows after Self-Study Submission through the final report of site visit findings.
  • Engage in Q&A with JRCERT about site visit experiences and provide advice to help prepare for a successful visit.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Tuesday sessions will take place in a variety of room locations.

  • B/C/D/E/F/G for lunch
  • Please see individual sessions for locations below

Registration (Available All Day) | 7:00 - 7:45 a.m.

Registration will be available all day.

7:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Student Presentations | Cypress Room

Watch presentations of the top essays. To minimize distractions, entry into the room will not be permitted while any presentations are in progress.

8:10 - 9:00 am | Cone Beam CT in Advanced, Peripheral Bronchoscopic Lung Biopsies | D/E Room

Dr. Shilpa Tatineni

  • Explore the evolving field of Interventional Pulmonary Medicine.
  • Understand the clinical impact of Cone Beam CT for advanced peripheral lung biopsies.
  • Discover cutting-edge technologies, including robotic-assisted navigational bronchoscopy.
  • Learn best practices for patient positioning and procedural room setup.
  • Review real-world cases and the role of a multidisciplinary pulmonary nodule clinic.

9:00 - 9:50 a.m. | Picture Perfect: Interactive Image Review | D/E Room

Sarah Averbeck, RTR

  • Build confidence in evaluating and improving image quality through interactive, case-based image review.
  • Learn to recognize and address common image quality challenges encountered in clinical settings.
  • Develop critical thinking skills through collaborative image review.
  • Utilize best practices and professional standards to support consistent, high-quality imaging.

9:00 - 9:50 a.m. | From Image to Insight: Radiography Assessment with AI Support | Cypress Room

Amber Williams & Alexandra Liezert-Dale M., ED RTR

  • Explore AI for a realistic clinical scenario.
  • Apply AI-supported strategies to develop an assessment tool.
  • Connect the newly developed tool to incorporate into the assessment plan.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Everything You Need to Know About Physics in an Hour | D/E Room

Dan Cordas

  • Identify and discuss components of X-ray circuit.
  • Discuss the two X-rays producing interactions in the tube.
  • Discuss the properties of X-ray photons and their interactions in matter.
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Dan Cordas

10:10 - 11:00 a.m. | Beyond X-Ray: The New Era of Medical Imaging | Cypress Room

Dr. Ted Hanson

  • Radiology’s Role in Personalized Breast Cancer Screening
  • Lutetium Therapy for Prostate Cancer
  • Role of CT Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Disease

11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | Radiation Protection: A Review | D/E Room

Mary Legler, M.Ed. R.T.(R)

  • Identify interactions that produce X-rays.
  • Identify X-ray interactions with matter.
  • Discuss stochastic and tissue effects/responses.
  • Review occupational and non-occupational dose limits.
  • Review safety practices and protective requirements.

11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | Supporting Wisconsin RTR Programs: Responding to Educational, Clinical, and Policy Concerns from the Examining Board | Cypress Room

Dr. Chad Dall, DHSc, RT(R)(MR)

  • Describe the role and authority of the Wisconsin Radiologic Examining Board in licensure oversight and regulatory enforcement for radiologic technologists.
  • Identify the most common educational, clinical, and administrative concerns brought forward by Wisconsin RTR programs and understand how these issues relate to state regulatory requirements.
  • Discuss strategies for resolving program-reported concerns, including clarification of scope of practice questions, documentation standards, and clinical placement challenges.
  • Engage in a structured Q&A that allows educators to clarify concerns, request interpretation of state guidelines, and identify strategies to support students in meeting licensure requirements.

1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | How to Stand Out When Everyone Looks Qualified | D/E Room

Jason Herrington, MBA

  • Understanding the importance of a good resume and cover letter.
  • Better understanding of ATS systems and how they work.
  • Creating good bullet points.
  • Info on how to use AI appropriately.
  • Tips on telling stories to sell yourself in an interview.