getFeaturedImage()

/**
* If the image data wasn't already requested, ask for it
*/
if(!isset($objPublication->image{
    $objPublication->getFeaturedImage();
}

/**
* Now the featured image data has been retrieved and is available
* just like it would be if it had been enabled at the controller
* level
*/
if($objPublication->image != ''){
    //keep on truckin' !!!
}