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Conference Schedule

Browse the 2025 WSRT Annual Conference/WAERT Student Symposium schedule.

Monday, April 21, 2025

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

7:00 - 7:45 a.m. | Registration

Registration will be available from 7:00 a.m. until the start of the Opening Ceremony.

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.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Improving MRI Utilization: Triaging Implants and Anesthesia Prior To Scheduling

Kelley Thounlasenh B.S. RT(R) (MR)

  • Over-utilization of MRI continues to be a challenge in healthcare however making efficient changes in basic practices show promising paths for the future.
  • We will outline our efforts to inform ordering providers about alternative sedation options, the limitations of the MRI environment, and the educational components of sedation in MRI.
  • We will describe our established process, which has been in place for nearly four years, focusing on work queues, MRSO support, and the necessary partnerships to ensure proper triaging before scheduling patients.
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Kelley Thounlasenh

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Color Me Brave: A Kaleidoscope of Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Through Ribbons

Afton Jena, B.S., A.S., R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT)

  • To educate a comprehensive overview of the different ribbon colors associated with each color and their significance of awareness to support those colors.
  • To promote advocacy and support to fight against cancer plus discussing how people and organizations get involved and provice resources.
  • To inspire the audience to participate in local and national cancer awareness events and how radiology impacts our fight against cancer. A Kaleidoscope of colors, let the ribbons unite us in the defeat of cancer.
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Afton Jena

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | TBA

Angie Chapman (VP Radiology at Ascension WI)

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. | Best Practices in DR Imaging - An Update

Randy Griswold M.P.A., RTR

  • Review the history of “Best Practices” Documents
  • Compare the updated “Best Practices in DR” document to past DR practices
  • Analyze the updated “Best Practices in DR” as they apply to your performance as a technologist
  • Discuss the growth of future DR technologies as identified in the new Best Practices document
WSRT Annual Conference Speaker, Randy Griswold

2:45 - 3:45 p.m. | Quantitative Transmission Imaging A REVOLUTION IN BREAST IMAGING

Kevin Mattson, Vice President of Strategic Business – NXC Imaging

  • Discuss and understand the challenges of current breast imaging technology
  • Provide an overview of Breast Acoustic CT for breast imaging and how it is utilized by clinicians.
  • Explain what speed of sound or transmission imaging is and how it is useful
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Kevin Mattson

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Enhancing Imaging Reliability: The Importance of Quality Control Programs in X-ray

Sarah Averbeck RT(R)

  • Understand the importance of a comprehensive x-ray quality control program and its key stakeholders.
  • Recognize the usefulness of repeat rate goals and how to utilize the data provided by the manufacturer.
  • Appreciate the value of technologist image review performed on a routine basis.
  • Identify areas for educational improvement for technologists based on data collected through quality reports.
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Sarah Averbeck

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Intro to Interventional Radiology

Debra Barnes BS, RT(R), CV

  • Introduction to the IR Team
  • Patient Management: Pre and Post Procedure
  • Sterile Technique
  • Basic Tools
  • Imaging Methods
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Debra Barnes

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Tuesday 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

7:00 - 7:45 a.m. | Registration

Registration will be available from 7:00 a.m. until 15 minutes before our first session of the day.

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. | Advocacy in the Profession | A/H Room

Christina Smith, EdD, RT (R)(M) and Miranda Hurley M.Ed., R.T(R)

  • To inspire future technologists and current technologists about getting involved in local and national radiology groups
  • To motivate individuals to overcome challenges and find fulfillment in their work
  • To educate the radiology or soon-to-be radiology professional on the importance of passion in professional success and personal well-being
  • To share personal and professional experiences that demonstrate the power of passion

9:00 - 9:50 a.m. | Balancing Patient Care and Technology | A/H Room

Dr. Casey Rentmeesteer PhD, MA, BA

  • Discuss the history of technological mediation in healthcare in the United States
  • Differentiate between the body as a person and the body as an object
  • Investigate health communication theories related to the allied health sciences
  • Explore examples in which interpersonal communication skills help to optimize image quality in various modalities
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Casey Rentmeester

9:50 - 10:10 a.m. | Visit With Vendors | B/C/D/E/F/G Rooms

During this break, vendors will be available.

10:10 - 11:00 a.m. | Birds and the Bees of X-ray: An Illustrative Approach | A/H Room

Amber Schuck, MBA, BSRT(R)

  • Explore the anatomy of the X-ray tube
  • Outline the process of X-ray Production
  • Review atoms – special attention to Tungsten
  • Differentiate photons along the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Compare and contrast X-ray interactions in matter
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Amber Schuck

10:10 - 11:00 a.m. | Meet Your New Teaching Assistant: Leveraging AI for Teaching and Learning | Cypress Room

Kate Grovergrys and Jami Moe M.S., R.T(R)

  • Identify specific teaching and learning tasks that can be delegated to AI to improve efficiency and support personalized instruction
  • Analyze strategies for integrating AI into teaching practices while preserving the human connection essential for learning
  • Explain how AI tools can enhance both instructional workflows and student learning experiences in a meaningful way
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Kate Groveryns
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Jamie Moe

11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Good or Not So Good: An Image Analysis Review | A/H Room

Dan Cordas, B.S., RTR

  • State the characteristics of an optimal projection
  • Review how to properly display projections of all body structures
  • List the image analysis guidelines for accurately positioned patients
  • Determine the amount of patient or CR adjustment required when poorly positioned projections are obtained
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Dan Cordas

11:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Accreditation 101 | Cypress Room

Krista Lambert MSSL, BSRS, RT(R)(MR), JRCERT

  • Identify the value of JRCERT programmatic accreditation
  • Discuss the process of obtaining initial accreditation
  • Discuss the process of maintaining continuing accreditation
  • Identify various accreditation awards
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Krista Lambert

1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | The Importance of the Technologist in Patient Care | A/H Room

Dr. Ryan Schmidt

  • Understand the flow of clinical information from when an order is placed through patient care decisions
  • Be able to identify how image quality impacts how images are interpreted
  • Use a cased based approach to identify common pathology and understand how technique impacts patient care
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Ryan Schmidt

1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | TBA

Session information to come!

2:00 - 2:50 p.m. | Animals Need Imaging Too | A/H Room

Stacey Marski

  • Participants will be able to identify basic differences in human anatomy vs. small animal anatomy
  • Participants will learn about imaging available in veterinary
  • Participants will learn about positioning for most common imaging procedures

2:00 - 2:50 p.m. | Creating Proactive Safety Nets for Students | Cypress Room

Ann Brandau, Ph. D, MSW

  • Share information about Western’s one-stop early alert system for staff and students
  • Identify frequently used mental health supports for students
  • Discuss the various benefits to a strong faculty/counseling connection on campus
  • Explore common mental health and basic need concerns students are presenting at our college
  • Consider ways faculty members can expand their net of supports for students
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Ann Brandau

3:10 - 4:00 p.m. | Career & Life Skills | A/H Room

Ronaldo L. Cordeiro GCDF, M.S.

  • Better understanding career and life skills pertaining to healthcare settings
  • Review your own top ten career and life skills (CALS)
  • Discuss how to integrate CALS into your daily routines and career pursuits
  • Interpret and reflect on individual observations and goals
  • How to prepare for the interview process starting from the minute you arrive
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Ronaldo Cordeiro

3:10 - 4:00 p.m. | RA the More You Know | Cypress Room

Will Bryan MSRS RRA RT (R)(VI)

  • Describe the educational process of RA
  • Discuss entry-level eligibility requirements and the credentialing process
  • Compare the RA role in different practice settings focusing on procedures and day-to-day tasks
  • Identify the collaborative needs of professional and mid-level stakeholders
  • Review MARCA Bill/Prepare for professional engagement
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Will Bryan

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Wednesday 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

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

View WAERT Student Symposium exhibits.

9:00 - 9:50 a.m. | Building Inclusion Within the Classroom and Beyond | A/H Room

Naomi Takahashi MSW, LCSW

  • Improving the teaching and learning environment by identifying inclusive practices
  • Reflect and build self-awareness on how to be a part of creating an inclusive learning and/or work environment
  • Strategize how to embed inclusive practices within your own daily work
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Naomi Takahashi

9:00 - 9:50 a.m. | Program Engagement: How to Bait the Hook, Set the Hook, and Reel Them In | Cypress Room

Dr. Christina Smith EdD RT (R)(M), Dr. Mark Bake DBA RT (R)(CT), and Dr. Chad Dall, DHSc, RT (R) (MR)

  • Career exploration and recruitment strategies
  • Reflect and students
  • Retention strategies
  • Preparing students for the rigors of the medical program
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Mark Bake
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Chad Dall

10:00 - 10:50 a.m. | We Can Get To That | A/H Room

Dr. Amy Jaeger – Pulmonary Interventionalist

  • Technology introduction of pulmonary imaging cases in surgery
  • Optimal PT and room set up for pulmonary imaging
  • Understanding imaging in pulmonary
  • Patient clearance for pulmonary surgery imaging
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Amy Jaeger

10:00 - 10:50 a.m. | Interventional Radiology: Beginning & Beyond | Cypress Room

David Smith, BSRT

  • Introduction to IR
  • What is the technologist’s role
  • Types of procedures in IR
  • Patient aftercare and closing questions
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, David Smith

11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | Unveiling Hidden Scars: Radiology's Role in Combating Child Abuse & Trafficking | A/H Room

Jackie Damiano RT(R) and Shandra Watson RT(R)

  • Discuss abuse and trafficking laws, stats, and misconceptions
  • Discuss how abuse and trafficking might present in a clinic
  • Discuss how X-rays can assist in recognizing abuse and trafficking
  • Discuss how early recognition aids in communities
  • Discuss how to make technologists more approachable
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Jackie Damiano
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Shandra Watson

11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | Is This the Right Job for Me? | Cypress Room

Tom Hopper CNMT, BS

  • Learn questions to ask potential employers that will give insight into a typical day-to-day experience
  • Learn insight into what hiring managers are looking for
  • Learn things to think about so you can make the best career decision
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Tom Hopper

2:00 - 2:50 p.m. | Fluoro-ishing in the OR & Common Orthopedic Procedures and Tips | A/H Room

Dr. Matt Niesen MD MHA

  • Discuss the operating room and maximizing your contribution to the team
  • Discuss Tips for success to connect and communicate with the surgeon
  • Review common orthopedic surgical procedures and use of intraoperative imaging
  • Demonstration of fluoroscopy and orthopedic procedure
  • Answer questions/motivate you to be excited to work in the OR
WSRT Annual Conference speaker, Matt Niesen