SLU NMT Program Director Earns Two Prestigious Awards at SNMMI Annual Meeting

Saint Louis University (SLU) Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) Program Director Crystal Botkin, Ph.D., MPH, CNMT, PET, FSNMMI-TS, was recently awarded the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Kathy E. Hunt Outstanding Educator Award and the Presidential Distinguished Service Award at the society’s annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia in June. 

The Kathy E. Hunt Outstanding Educator Award was given to Dr. Botkin for advancement and promotion of the field of nuclear medicine technology through outstanding work in education. The Presidential Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Botkin for her outstanding leadership and strategic vision with the nuclear medicine technology entry-level curriculum revision. She explained what a great honor it was to be given both prestigious awards.

“I am so grateful to be recognized for my time and dedication to the society and the field of nuclear medicine. All of the numerous nominees form the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging were very deserving.”

Both the Kathy E. Hunt Outstanding Educator Award and the Presidential Distinguished Service Award recognize contributions to education in the field of nuclear medicine technology. Dr. Botkin discussed why she believes it is so important to focus on continuing to improve and evolve education in the field.

“The field of nuclear medicine is ever changing and evolving. New technology and radiopharmaceuticals are being approved for use very rapidly. As an educator it is imperative to stay abreast of all the new and exciting things happening in our field and educate the newest technologists,” Dr. Botkin said. “It is important to make sure the educational curriculum and models stay in tune with and change to accommodate the necessary training for nuclear medicine technologists and match the trends in higher education as well. Without proper training, new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures cannot be implemented successfully.”

SLU Clinical Health Sciences Department Chairperson Amy Harkins, MBA, Ph.D., discussed how the accolades that Dr. Botkin received were all well deserved.

“I am not at all surprised that Crystal Botkin has been recognized and awarded for both teaching and service to the SNMMI. She is certainly a leader in both of those categories in the NMT program, CHS department and in the Doisy College of Health Sciences,” Dr. Harkins said. “She is amazing at all she does, from imparting the knowledge of nuclear medicine to students, providing service at the level of a large international society, to her scholarly activity that she continuously is recognized through the categorical awards at SNMMI.  I am so proud of Crystal’s accomplishments that bring such visibility to SLU and the education of our professional students.

The SNMMI Annual Meeting is the premier educational, scientific, research and networking event in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. The event provides physicians, technologists, pharmacists, laboratory professionals and scientists with an in-depth view of the latest research and development in the field as well as providing insights into practical applications for the clinic. The annual meeting is sponsored by the SNMMI, headquartered in Reston, VA, a nonprofit scientific and professional organization that promotes the science, technology and practical application of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.