Dave Wilson, a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of experience, has a treasure trove of stories from his time at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meetings. As the VP of Marketing & Communications at Enlitic, Dave brings a unique perspective to the world of radiology, having started his career as a Nuclear Medicine and MRI technologist before transitioning to marketing and leadership roles. His passion for improving patient care and reducing burnout among healthcare providers shines through in the anecdotes he shares from past RSNA events.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Dave and the Enlitic team at RSNA 2024! Visit them at Booth 4365 in the South Hall, the Laitek Booth 7707 in the North Hall, or the Radiology Reimagined AI Showcase Booth 5104 in the South Hall to learn how Enlitic is revolutionizing radiology and data migration with innovative AI solutions.
Anyone who’s ever attended RSNA knows that what happens in Chicago definitely doesn’t stay in Chicago. So, a big shoutout to my former colleagues (and still friends, for now) DK, Hoover, and Renee Marie—sorry in advance for airing our dirty laundry!
This year marks my 25th Thanksgiving at RSNA. Yes, you heard that right! I’ve been celebrating turkey day by mingling with radiologists since 1999. Over the years, Chicago has transformed dramatically—remember when the area around McCormick Place felt more like a scene from a horror movie than a convention center? Back in 2001, we thought it would be a brilliant idea to WALK to dinner nearby. Spoiler alert: it was not! Upon returning to the hotel, the concierge looked at us like we were survivors of a zombie apocalypse, relieved that we hadn’t been eaten alive by the neighborhood.
And yes, the urban legend about people sleeping in bathtubs? Totally true. One year, our booth was so terrible that we spent as much time fixing things as we did demonstrating. After long days of booth duty, we hit the bars harder than we hit our deadlines—bedtimes were more like “what’s sleep?” at 3-4 AM with a 7:30 AM wake-up call. Thank goodness for the Hyatt at McCormick Place; it was our oasis in a desert of regret!
One year, I brought along a colleague from the hospital to help at our booth. He slept like a baby until I returned and turned into a freight train of snores. I still chuckle when I think about him trying to stop me, but I’d wake as soon as his foot touched the carpet.
And then there’s my other colleague who thought he was rooming with a ghost when he woke up one morning to find his bedmate missing. He knocked on the bathroom door only to hear “One minute!” and opened it to find someone had turned the tub into their personal sleep sanctuary. To quote the tub sleeper: “Eh, it wasn’ta thata bad!”
Over the years, I’ve amassed enough RSNA stories to fill a book titled?How Not to Do RSNA.
- Miller’s Pub: Where we gave a colleague the nickname “Hoover” – you can figure out why.
- The CEO Slide: Yes, you read that right – thanks to the walls he slid along to get to the hotel
- Tequila Shots: At Howl at the Moon—because who doesn’t need more questionable decisions?
- Dancing at Excalibur: More shuffling than dancing on that packed floor. If you’ve been there, you remember it was basically a crowded Japanese train at rush hour.
- Being Left Behind: At Howl at the Moon—thanks for nothing, “friends”!
- Melatonin Application: Let’s just say I found a new way to apply it… and it didn’t involve spraying it under my tongue.
- Segway Shenanigans: Apparently riding Segways through the conference hall is frowned upon.
- Suit Steaming: We steamed our suits but forgot to turn off the shower—let’s just say they were a bit soggy in the morning.
Ah, the memories! Got any good RSNA stories? Share them with us on social media so we can all have a good laugh – and remember lip balm, comfy shoes, and friends are what make RSNA truly unforgettable!
