Alzeimer's association and Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

In March 1953, sharing an interest in founding a nuclear medicine organization a physicist, a cardiologist, two internists, five radiologists, an engineer, & a nuclear medicine doctor from the Pacific Northwest met in Spokane, Washington. They founded the Society of Nuclear Medicine; entirely interested in nuclear medicine would be eligible for membership.

Thomas Carlyle was selected as the first president. The first assembly of the society was held in Seattle, Washington, in 1954. The society soon became a national organization, and then the original organization became the society's Pacific Northwest Chapter.

In 2012, the society transformed it name to the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging to embrace the growing field of emerging probes (radioactive or otherwise) for imaging molecular processes both in the clinic & in basic research. It’s a non-profit scientific and professional organization that promotes the science, technology & practical application of nuclear medicine & molecular imaging. SNMMI’s mission is to improve human health by advancing molecular imaging & therapy. SNMMI represents 19,000 nuclear & molecular imaging professionals worldwide. Members include pharmacists, technologists, physicists, scientists, physicians, laboratory professionals & more. For more than 50 years, SNMMI members have contributed to advances in medical imaging to permit for non-invasive diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases.