By Lee Ross
On Nov. 8, 2025, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists held the RAD Dash 5K Run/Walk in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals from around Albuquerque and beyond enjoyed the sunny, late-fall day. The event was held to celebrate medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, and the meandering, sandy trails and cottonwood trees lining the Rio Grande offered a great location to do just that.
In addition to the local event, ASRT affiliate societies, businesses and other groups participated virtually, holding events across the country. These events are not only an excuse to exercise and enjoy the outdoors but also build connections with other members of the profession, according to Josh Lucero, A.S., R.T.(R), a technologist at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, a city near Albuquerque.
“It was all around a great time,” he said. “I love being able to run with patients and other technologists from across modalities and facilities, and to meet their significant others.”
Lucero brought his 6-year-old son, Landon, with him. On the day before the race, Lucero took Landon and Landon’s cousin to the pre-race packet pickup at the ASRT office, which is nestled at the foot of the Sandia Mountains.
Picking up the packet was like a take-your-child-to-work day, Lucero said, because they toured the ASRT Museum and Archives’ interactive displays and educational exhibits. Landon and his cousin’s favorite display was a digital touchscreen, which allows visitors to assemble a complete skeleton using individual medical images.
“He was amazed by the technology we use, and he loved putting the skeleton together. It was great because he learned a lot about what his dad does, and on the next day, at the race, he saw the type of community we have in our profession,” Lucero said.
Making Connections
Visitors often remark on ASRT’s museum, which showcases the progress of the profession, starting from Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s discovery of the X-ray on Nov. 8, 1895 – not coincidentally the same day as the RAD Dash. In addition, the museum tracks ASRT’s history, including how it was founded by just over a dozen individuals in 1920 and grew to about 2,500 members by 1946, when the Society established its first office in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. (The Society has nearly 156,000 members today.)
That history is the reason the Wisconsin Society of Radiologic Technologists held its RAD Dash in Fond du Lac, according to Christina Smith, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M). Smith, who is president of the WSRT, added that the event’s venue, Lakeside Park on the shore of Lake Winnebago, includes a 40-foot-tall lighthouse and covered bridges.
“We chose Fond du Lac due to its history, its great park and because it’s centrally located,” Smith said. “Our members were excited about the tie-in to ASRT.”
Making Memories
Another way Wisconsin helped build excitement was by framing it as a rivalry against its neighbor, the Minnesota Society of Radiologic Technologists. MSRT President Afton Jena, B.S., R.T.(R)(M)(BD), said she developed the idea with WSRT Chair of the Board Miranda Hurley, M.Ed., R.T.(R), to drum up a “friendly border battle,” similar to the Green Bay Packers-Minnesota Vikings rivalry.
Minnesota won the numbers game with 49 participants to 30, but “in the end, both societies won because we collaborated and it got people talking about the event,” Jena said. “I’ve spoken to affiliate leaders in Missouri, Iowa and North Dakota, and they love the idea of a friendly competition. Who knows? We could call it a Cornfield Clash for the RAD Dash.”
For the Minnesota event, the MSRT also collaborated with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, whose headquarters are in St. Paul. They partnered under the name “The North Star Scanners.”
Collaborative events like these align with one of Jena’s goals as MSRT president: to foster a family atmosphere among society members. To that end, MSRT participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event hosted by the American Cancer Society in October 2024 and held a Relay for Life event on Aug. 9, 2025. The society has plans to work with local Marines on a Toys for Tots event, and host or participate in events that benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure for Breast Cancer, the Special Olympics and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“We want to let patients and their loved ones know that they aren’t alone in their journey. Their fight is our fight,” Jena said. “These events make memories that become the glue holding our professional family together. They transform ordinary days into extraordinary ones and strengthen the bonds that make us resilient, visible and united.”
Lee Ross is the managing editor of Scanner, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists member magazine.
