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Innovative online march on Capitol Hill brings together molecular imaging supporters In a first among professional associations, SNM has launched a "virtual march" to elevate awareness among policymakers on Capitol Hill about the value of molecular imaging and to ensure that patients have access to the safest and most promising healthcare innovations, both today and in the future. The virtual march, is a unique way for the molecular imaging community—including physicians, technologists, researchers, patients and concerned others—to show support for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine issues.

Molecular imaging is a key element of today's medical practice, allowing physicians to diagnose cancer, neurological conditions and cardiovascular events early on—before disease spreads. "Molecular imaging and nuclear medicine procedures are playing an increasingly valuable role in healthcare," said SNM president Robert W. Atcher, Ph.D., M.B.A., "and thousands of patients will benefit if that value is better recognized and understood.

To join the march, visitors should go online to www.MIMarchforHealth.org. From this site, visitors can create an avatar or "virtual me." For the avatar, visitors can select features such as hair color and clothing to reflect their individual profession and personality. Once an avatar has been created, visitors then submit a letter to their senators and representative in Congress to make their voice heard. Finally, visitors can check back on the march through interactive maps of both Capitol Hill and the United States. Visitors can see who else is marching as well as locate themselves on the maps. The march is fully interactive and can be linked to social networking tools such as Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

"The MIMarchforHealth is an exciting and important innovation that will greatly enhance SNM's already effective advocacy efforts," added Atcher. "SNM continues to work to ensure that molecular imaging procedures, such as PET and PET/CT scans, are reimbursed at the highest levels. We also work with the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies to ensure appropriate funding for nuclear medicine research—all of which are essential for making sure that access to molecular imaging technologies is available to patients today and in the future."

About SNM
SNM is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about what molecular imaging is and how it can help provide patients with the best health care possible.

Source: SNM