National Radiologic Technology Week

The Huffington Post—November 13, 2009

by Helene Pavlov, M.D., FACR, Radiologist-in-Chief at Hospital for Special Surgery

Every profession and public issue on the planet has a designated week. A quick Google search uncovered a plethora of "weeks" used to celebrate just about everything from Administrative Professionals Week and National Health IT Week to the ever popular National Clown Week. So why does the week of November 8-16 stand out as so important amongst a sea of other weeks this year? It's National Radiologic Technology Week.

The celebration takes place each November to commemorate the anniversary of the X-ray's discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895. The week-long celebration calls attention to the valuable work of Radiologic Technologists.

Registered Technologists (RTs) are responsible for capturing images using ionizing radiation (X-ray, CT, flouro) safely. They are also responsible for ensuring that the image they help to acquire provides the interpreting radiologists and referring physicians with the information they need to make, confirm or exclude a diagnosis accurately. The work of these professionally trained experts is vital to the healthcare industry and to quality patient care.

So, the next time you require an X-ray or CT examination for a medical concern, chat with your radiology technologist. Ask him/her about their training and think about saying "thank you" for doing a good job. Ultimately, your diagnosis and treatment may depend on their expertise.

Read the full story at huffingtonpost.com.