The past 25 years in medical imaging research: a memoir

During the past 25 years, medical imaging research has progressed in both scope and quality. Factors intrinsic to the specialty and changes occurring in medicine and society have fostered imaging research development. The advent of new, computer-based technologies that can be brought to bear on research, the increasing sophistication of researchers, and the greater availability of extramural funding have been primary factors in the promulgation of research improvements. Radiology researchers have the opportunity to play an important role in the genesis of the molecular medicine of the future. Whether they do so is dependent on whether radiologists identify necessary resources, new researchers receive appropriate training, and investigators are willing to think differently than they have in the past about the capabilities of imaging.