The Society for Computer Applications in Radiology

E LECTRONIC Image Management Systems representa burgeoning new frontier for Radiology. At the 1997 Radiological Society of North America meeting in Chicago, more than 90 companies exhibited picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) or components. But, as Edward Tenner notes, "A new frontier is never stable."l Vendors come and go, new systems are introduced frequently, and today's cutting edge technology may be tomorrow's Edsel. How can radiologists survive and even prosper on this frontier? How can we benefit from the improved quality and efficiency of these systems at the least risk? I believe that the most important step is to be informed. We don't all have to be computer scientists or engineers, but we do need to understand the basic concepts of PACS technology. Just as radiologists need to understand the basics of radiation biology or MRI image production, we also need to understand the basic concepts of the digital image communications in medicine (DICOM) standard, the basics of image compression, and why an effective PACS system requires a radiology information system (RIS). The Society for Computer Applications in Radiology (SCAR) offers resources that can help in this process. The annual SCAR conference, to be held this year June 4-7 in Baltimore, Maryland, is an excellent source of practical information regarding the implementation of PACS and teleradiology. Tutorials, panel discussions, and scientific papers will address a broad range of topics, from introductory to advanced, and there is ample time to share experiences in informal discussions with colleagues from many backgrounds. There is no better place to obtain practical information about PACS and other computer applications in radiology. SCAR publications such as Understanding PACS, Understanding Teleradiology, and the recently-completed Understanding Compression provide vatuable background information. And SCAR members have access to the Expert Hotline where leading experts in the field answer focused questions. The Expert Hotline can be accessed by contacting the SCAR office or by e-mail at scarexpert@acr.org. Finally, readers of this journal are already aware of the wealth of information contained within its pages. SCAR is proud to be the official sponsor of the Journal of Digital Imaging. The 1998 SCAR Officers and Board of Directors are listed on the next page. Please do not hesitate to call on any one of us with questions or suggestions for improving our society or its services.