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OUR VISION
"These have been my best years!" -colon cancer survivor, Nick Forgione
After being successfully treated for cancer, Nick biked over 160 miles in two days for an appearance at the White House in support of fellow cancer survivor, then president, Ronald Reagan. |
Delusions of grandeur or a vision of the future. This must have been what the founding fathers of the American Osteopathic College of Radiology had in mind when they formed the College. Did they foresee the heart and soul of our existence - post graduate education and the training of residents? Did they envision state of the art continuing medical education, and residents able to compete with our allopathic brethren for residencies, fellowships, and jobs? Did they foresee the strengthening of ties between the AOCR and the ACR and an independent AOCR participating in the mainstream of radiology?
Twenty years ago the AOCR had another dream - an Education Foundation. That dream has become a reality. Through the Foundation, numerous programs have been developed which are enhancing public awareness of healthcare issues.
Recently, the Education Foundation took another bold step to ensure the future of our profession. We will continue to consider new projects designed to inform the public about radiological procedures which are vital in preventing and treating dev- astating diseases. Other programs include supporting continuing medical education which is essential to practicing radiologists.
OUR GOALS
- Develop educational programs for the public and referring physicians
- Sponsor post-graduate educational opportunities
- Promote the AOCR as the spokesman for osteopathic radiology
- Advance osteopathic radiologists' commitment to cost effective healthcare
- Develop and foster good relationships with commercial interest
- Ensure delivery of quality radiology through research, teaching, and clinical practice
- Assist osteopathic radiologists in selecting strategies for meeting the needs of a changing healthcare environment
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
The AOCR Education Foundation remains active in making a difference in people's lives through educational programs.
Educational videos have been sponsored by the Foundation, stressing the advantages of routine mammography and the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer. These tapes, "A Gift of Life" and "Coping with Colorectal Cancer and the Importance of Early Detection," include testimonials from numerous cancer survivors. These videos have been shown during countless public awareness presentations and conventions, as well as appearing on the Public Broadcast System. Copies of the educational videos may be ordered from the American Osteopathic College of Radiology Education Foundation. For order information, please contact Pamela Smith, Executive Director at 800-258-AOCR.
Recently, the Foundation recently developed an on-line educational series which is available to osteopathic residents and teaching departments. This series, features prominent osteopathic and allopathic radiologists, to augment and enhance osteopathic residency education.
Becky Haddad, 47, still enjoys an active life with her three athletic teenage children. Becky was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine physical which she credits with her life.
Edie Freeman detected blood in her stools, but kept herself "busy" doing other things to avoid seeing a doctor. Edie almost waited too long. After undergoing two surgeries for cancer of the colon, Edie says she doesn't waste time any more, and she stresses the importance of early screenings. Becky now enjoys life and her lovely granddaughters. |
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"Early Detection and Management of Breast Cancer," an informational program on mammography, was sponsored during the 1988 AOA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. A featured lecture at the AOCR Annual Convention is sponsored each year by the Foundation. The Foundation also co-sponsored an osteopathic leadership training seminar for officers and leaders of the AOCR.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As part of a truly close-knit osteopathic radiology foundation, you have an opportunity to make a difference. The American Osteopathic College of Radiology Education Foundation is a not-for-profit entity supported solely by contributions. We are asking for your assistance in sustaining the high standards of AOCR educational activities. Your continuous gifts to the Foundation in honor of colleagues, in memory of death of a friend, or other occasions will help us reach our goal. Your support will ensure that AOCR's high standards are maintained through ongoing educational programs. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible.
The AOCR must and will endure in the expanding healthcare world. Our educational programs are our top priority. We are given an opportunity to train and practice radiology. We must preserve that opportunity for the future of osteopathic radiology. Contact the AOCR office at 800-258-AOCR to find out how you can share the vision and make the dream become reality.
Steve Allen, comedian. At the age of 62, Steve showed symptoms of colorectal cancer, but was "too busy" to see a doctor immediately. Fortunately for Steve, his loved ones made the choice for him; and he lived until the age of 78, when he died of an apparent heart attack. Steve Allen testifies to the importance of early detection in "Coping with Colorectal Cancer and the Importance of Early Detection."
Seventeen years ago, Dr. Abigail Faerber, detected breast cancer by routine mammography in very early stage, when self-exams could not detect. As Dr. Faerber testifies in "A Gift of Life," routine mammograhy can be survival. "It saved my life!"
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