HealthManagement, Volume 10 - Issue 4, 2010

History of the Czech Radiological Society

The Czech Radiological Society of the "J. E. Purkyne" Czech Medical Association was founded on July 28, 1924 in Prague under the name of the Czechoslovak Society for Röntgenology and Radiology. At the initiation of Pilsen radiologist Dr. Antonin Čipera, and founder Dr. Rudolf Jedlicka, the first Czechoslovak radiological congress was organised in 1926 to mark the 30th anniversary of Roentgen's discovery. 


Until 1948, the society sought recognition for radiology as an independent field from the outside world. After the Second World War the Czech Radiological Society focused on educational activities at pre- and postgraduate educational levels, on professional development and on scientific endeavours. In 1953, after the establishment of the Institute for Postgraduate Education, a separate x-ray department was constructed. 


The Velvet Revolution of November 1989 opened a new chapter in Czech radiology. Gradually, it became possible for Czech radiologists to renew contacts with academics at centres abroad and to establish new contacts, which greatly helped in the exchange of information and experiences. Technology and equipment in workplaces began to be modernised as well, and centres were equipped with state-of-the-art systems. After the "Velvet Divorce" of Czechoslovakia in 1994, Czech radiology developed independently of its sister society in Slovakia.


Member Services

The radiological society provides its members with educational opportunities, promotes radiologic technology as a career, and monitors relevant legislation that affects the profession. It is also responsible for setting standards of practice for the radiologic profession. Members of Czech Society of Radiology include the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and also those who deliver radiation therapy treatments. They may specialise in a specific area of radiologic technology, such as CT, mammography, MRI or nuclear medicine. The radiological society committee is made up of the president, vice-president, scientific secretary and seven members.


Currently in the Czech Republic there are 1,550 radiologists and a further 300 physicians in the process of preparing their specialisation to work in the field. Overall, there are 600 radiology departments located in the Czech Republic. The academic community includes 13 professors and associated professors. 


Radiology in the Czech Republic includes (according to the present statutory standards) four basic disciplines: radiology and imaging methods (general radiology) and three other specialised fields: interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and paediatric radiology. These medical examinations require erudition in specialised procedures and are carried out by radiologists with specialised training in the areas mentioned above. 


The Czech Radiological Society publishes a reviewed research journal entitled "Čes ká Radiologie" – Czech Radiology, which continues the tradition of Czechoslovak Radiology. This journal is published quarterly. The radiological society organises a biannual national congress and many other specialised initiatives such as MRI meeting sections, CT courses, abdominal radiologic diagnostics courses, and more. 


International Cooperation

The Czech Radiology Society is a full member of the Radiology Section of UEMS (Union des Médecins Spécialistes) in Brussels, where we are represented by two national delegates. Through this representation, we participate in the creation of radiological legislation within the EU and accept the advice of the EU and EURATOM in the field of radiation protection. As a full member of the European Society of Radiology (ESR), via the election of members participating in their bodies, this route is being increasingly developed in our participation in international research projects and multi-centre trials. The ESR also helps to develop bilateral contacts between the national radiological societies in Europe and in Central Europe. 

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