HealthManagement, Volume 12 - Issue 4, 2012
The first International Day of Radiology (IDOR) on 8 November
2012 included events and publicity around the world to highlight awareness of
medical imaging and the role of radiologists.
The International Day of Radiology initiative was established to highlight the contribution of radiology to safe patient care as well as improving understanding of the vital par t which radiologists play in healthcare. The day was organised by the European Society of Radiology (ESR), American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
The date commemorates the anniversary of the discovery of the existence of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen in 1895.
“We want to celebrate the birthday of our specialty, by showing the world who we are, how well prepared we are, and what we can and are willing to do for the benefit of our patients,” said Professor Lorenzo Derchi, ESR Communication and External Affairs Committee chairman.
The organiser s aimed to raise awareness of the essential role the radiologist plays as par t of the healthcare team in countless medical scenarios, as well as the high educational and professional standards required of all staff working in medical imaging.
“We want to improve the professional image of the radiologist and the expert behind modern equipment. We want to underline the fact that there are smart people behind the smart machines we are using. Technological advances are important, but more important are the dedication and professionalism of the radiologists who use them,” Prof. Derchi said.
“Medical imaging saves lives, resources and time. Imaging exams generally cost less than the invasive surgeries that they replace and can be used to diagnose illnesses early — when they can be treated most effectively and in expensively. In fact, the beneficial impact of medical imaging exams on extending patients’ life expectancy is actually greater than the negative impact of obesity or diabetes. November 8 is International Day of Radiology, but radiology and radiologists make a world of difference ever y day,” said George S. Bisset III, M.D., president of the Radiological Society of North America.
Oncologic imaging was chosen as the main theme of the day, to reflect the important role that radiology plays in all stages of cancer management, from early detection and prevention, to treatment monitoring. A booklet on oncologic imaging was produced especially for IDOR 2012. Involvement was encouraged across social media, with sites set up on Facebook, In stagram and a Twitter hash tag so that supporters could join in.
.Radiology organisations on all continents par ticipated, including the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology (AOSR), the Colegio Interamericano de Radiología (CIR), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), and the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA – which also represents neighbouring countries) as well as the International Society of Radiology The European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) also supported IDOR 2012.
