In the August 1996 issue of Applied Radiology, the editorial was focused on "The Radiology Vision." One year later, it is appropriate to revisit this subject. The approach used below is to provide the original statement (in segments) followed by more specific information, which was gleaned from several of my heroes at the Diagnostic Imaging conference (April 1997, San Francisco) and the Health Tech '97 conference (May 1997, San Diego). The purpose indicates where we want to be. The mission describes how we can achieve that purpose.

Purpose:

Provide continually improving healthcare decisions, in imaging and treatment, in the most cost-effective manner to an ever-increasing patient population.

Ed Staab-The focus for the future includes cost, productivity, and diagnostic accuracy.

Mission:

Combine technology, clinical service, and socioeconomics to optimize value.

Jim Thrall-The game today is market-driven healthcare. It is important to understand the carve-in model (integrated delivery systems) and the carve-out model (radiology supergroups).

Achieve strategic value by becoming healthcare information managers.

Steve Horii-Benefits of information technology include productivity, retention of turf, improved diagnostic ability, and reduced operating costs.

Establish the radiologist as a primary team member connecting diagnostic information and the patient.

Ed Staab-Radiology and surgery are going to blend in the future. In less than ten years, minimally invasive surgery will become 70% of all procedures.

Be a visionary planner by adapting behavior modification to effect change in healthcare.

Bob Pyatt-The radiologist must "take charge of quality." Quality is the key to success. It is the differentiating factor for survival.

Actively support the investigation, discovery, and development of new technology.

Bill Hendee-There are many "innovative frontiers" that are providing a foundation for the growth of diagnostic imaging. These include molecular biology, genetics, computational biology, functional imaging, information systems/networking, nanotechnologies, and microelectronics.

Educate the radiological community and its customers to influence and manage the destiny of radiology.

George Leopold-Surgeons believe that they must "never let the skin stand between ultrasound and a diagnosis."