ISRRT-DEC-2017_WEB

REPORT
Exponential growth of medical imaging
World Radiography Day
November 8, 2017
Report by Nicole Dhanraj, Guam
Every year, across the globe, radiology professionals celebrate the
anniversary of the discovery of x-rays. The birth of our profession
arose out of the works of German physicist WC Roentgen in 1895.
For the past 122 years we have grown exponentially as professionals
and as an industry. We are mesmerised at the growth in technology
and the advances in our clinical practices. Considering our
tremendous growth and progress in such a brief period, the radiology
industry have much to celebrate and brag about to the world!
Celebration Activities
This month’s article highlights some of the ways our profession is
celebrated around the world.
It is often celebrated in facilities in the following ways
1) Managers provide gifts to staff. These gifts include items like
lunch bags, t-shirts, cups, mugs, pens, umbrellas, gift certificates
and other novelty items.
2) Vendors sponsor continuing education at various facilities or
online, most of which are free or deeply discounted.
3) Vendors, radiologists or organisations sponsor luncheons,
snacks, cake, and other goodies to all staff members.
4) Managers sometimes provide a short public announcement
which is typically published in the newspaper.
5) Associations like the ASRT, AHRA, and ACR post, tweet
and share information on social media regarding celebration
activities and events.
6) Various journals or newsletters publish the many
accomplishments of various professional bodies within the field
7) The local governing body can provide an official proclamation
recognising the celebration.
8) Organisations or vendors sponsor community events to
emphasise the importance and role of radiology.
9) Organisations create events to increase patient awareness of the
facilities services, expertise and offerings.
10) Local or national lectures that enhance knowledge and learning
with the goal of improving ourselves as professionals which in
turn results in improved care for the patients.
Around the world highlights
In the US, celebration is a week-long activity centered around
November 8 and is referred to as National Radiologic Technology
Week. The goal is to call attention to the role that medical imaging
plays in health care.
In the UK, there are similar celebrations like the United States.
However, the celebration is typically centered on the date x-rays were
discovered, November 8 and is referred to as World Radiography
Day. On this day, radiography professionals are urged to promote the
profession as much as they can.
In other countries like Bhutan, India, Nigeria, Palestine,
Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, the Caribbean, Canada, the Philippines the
day is celebrated as Word Radiology Day, World Radiography Day
or International Day of Radiology with similar celebration activities.
While many radiology departments are fortunate to have the
budget dedicated for celebration or receive sponsorship from third
party sources, lack of financial resources do not deter our celebration
activities. They may not be as grand as some celebrations, but in most
cases, we can see the dedication and pride put forth to celebrate in
whatever way possible.
Regardless of the economic state of the country or department,
most of the radiology professionals make the effort to muster
decorations, food and host a learning event – three key items needed
for any celebration!
The following are some photo highlights from around the world!n
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