It’s a new approach for the latest MRI course at the BIR. David Lomas, Chair of the MRI Special Interest Group (SIG), explains how this 4-day course has been designed to offer a more interactive style, after listening to feedback from the MRI SIG and previous course delegates.
Tell us about the event
The MRI SIG has exploited the interdisciplinary skills of the BIR membership to produce a course that focuses on the practical aspects of MRI and the mainstream rather than the more niche applications. The SIG has worked hard together to develop this new 4-day course, which will be held at Aston Conference Centre, Birmingham. I believe it offers an excellent learning opportunity and key training for a range of professionals and, in the spirit of the BIR ethos, has something for all the imaging-related professions.
What topics are included?
We are delighted to welcome a host of experienced and expert speakers from around the UK who will provide a combination of didactic lectures, interactive case review workshops and expert panel discussions. The course will retain its modular daily format covering MR physics and business essentials, neuroradiology focussing on the spine, musculoskeletal imaging of the upper limb and body imaging targeting the male genitourinary tract. There will be an emphasis on promoting interaction with the faculty through case reviews in workshops and expert panels.
Listening to the feedback on the clinical sessions, we decided not to attempt to cover too many topics in limited detail but to focus on specific areas to enhance learning and retention in those areas. This also allows us to change the focus in each major area in subsequent annual courses, encouraging a refresh of the faculty and broadening the appeal over future years of the course by providing coverage of all the major MRI clinical and related topics over a 3–4-year cycle.
Day 1’s topics will include: basic physics, image contrast, K space, artefacts, 1.5 or 3T?, fast imaging, difficult patients, procurement, installation, safety update.
Day 2: Spine: paediatric spine, infections, tumours, trauma, myelopathy.
Day 3: Upper Limb: elbow pain, paediatric upper limb, sports injuries, medicolegal aspects, brachial plexus.
Day 4: Male genitourinary: prostate, bladder, testes/penis, adrenal, kidney.
How long is the course?
What has worked well for delegates previously is the modular style of the event, allowing delegates to come just for a specific day or all four days—so we have retained this aspect of the course.
Is there something for managers?
Yes: highlights of the programme include key information for managers around managing difficult patients, procurement and installation. These are topics often overlooked but increasingly important for those of us involved in operating and managing MRI.
Who should come to this event?
This course will appeal to radiologists, radiographers, managers and imaging researchers, but has material that is attractive for physicists and research nurses. It is designed to provide learning for both trainees and established staff who may be at differing career stages.
Can I claim continuing professional development points?
24 RCR CPD Credits (applied for).
Where is it being held this year?
This year the course is being held at the Aston Conference Centre, Birmingham. There are three mainline rail stations within walking distance of the venue: Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street. The centre has excellent modern facilities with linked accommodation. We hope that, in the spirit of the original Somerset MRI Course, there will be opportunities for delegates to interact with the faculty outside of the formal teaching sessions; there are plenty of nearby facilities in the local area.
Cost:
One day:
BIR consultant members: £125
BIR non-consultant members: £95
BIR retired/student or trainee members: £50
Non BIR member: £195
Full course:
BIR consultant members: £450
BIR non-consultant members: £305
BIR retired/student or trainee members: £180
Non BIR member: £700
To apply, click here
