Today, November 8th, marks the first International Day of Radiology, marking the anniversary of the discovery by German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895 of the electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range commonly known as X-rays. It celebrates the tremendous advances in patient care made possible by radiation therapy and medical imaging technologies in the 117 years following, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
Roentgen’s discovery was considered one of the technological wonders of the age, for which he won the first Nobel Prize in physics. The X-ray quickly became an important tool for medical researchers and clinicians. More than a century of radiological research since has produced great technological leaps, enabled more effective and efficient care and revolutionized medicine. The New England Journal of Medicine named imaging among the top 10 medical advances of the last 1,000 years.
Medical imaging saves lives, resources, and time, and is an essential part of modern health care. Scans have virtually eliminated exploratory surgeries, reduced unnecessary hospital admissions, and often shorten hospital stays. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, access to medical imaging is directly linked to greater life expectancy.
International Day of Radiology is sponsored by the American College of Radiology, the European Society of Radiology, and the Radiological Society of North America. In North America, 18 radiology-related societies will take part in activities marking the event, and 42 European national radiological societies and an additional 14 European subspecialty & allied sciences societies are participating.
