The way it was: radiology administrators remember.

Radiology Management wanted to understand what it was like to be a radiology administrator 24 years ago. What events were taking place in healthcare that inspired a small group of people to come together to form an organization for their mutual benefit? What role have changes in technology and the industry in general played over the years? Two roundtable discussions were held earlier this year as forums for AHRA members to come together and reminisce about the organization and the profession. One such discussion was held in Sudbury, Mass. where participants included Louise P. Broadley, FAHRA; Monte G. Clinton, FAHRA; Cecilie Godderidge, FAHRA; Chuck Mitchell, FAHRA; and Tammy Waldhauser. In addition, William W. Wheeler, FAHRA; David A. Stone, FAHRA; and Billy Wesson joined the conversation by telephone. The other roundtable was held during the Western Region's 25th anniversary meeting in San Diego in April, and included Lois A. Haas, FAHRA; Stephen J. Hage, FAHRA; Jack Healy; Merlin C. Heinselman, FAHRA; Martin T.J. Hilger, FAHRA; Brenda S. Holden, FAHRA; Sharon K. Johnson, FAHRA; Merle D. Meland, FAHRA; James Mom; Bobbie O'Boyle, FAHRA; Paula Osborn, representing Royce Osborn, FAHRA; Roland W. Rhynus, FAHRA; Mark Rutherford and Richard Steuve. As old friends will do when they get together after many years, these two groups on opposite sides of the country shared their stories with both humor and pathos. They reminisced about people they had known and hospitals where they had worked. They recalled some good times and some not so good, as they looked back at the beginning of an organization first called American Hospital Radiology Administrators. Mostly they talked of the many changes that have taken place over the years in healthcare and for the profession of radiology administration. Radiology Management is pleased to share some of those conversations here.