Celebrating The 5th Annual International Day Of Radiology

Medical imaging is one of the most exciting and progressive disciplines in healthcare, and it’s one that affects each and every one of us. Every year hundreds of millions of imaging procedures are performed in the US alone. From CT’s to MRI’s to x-rays and ultrasounds, there probably isn’t one of us who hasn’t yet or won’t at some point in their future come into contact with medical imaging technology. While most people are familiar with the various medical imaging technologies available, though, the exact purpose and value of these services isn’t widely understood. That’s where the International Day Of Radiology comes in.

What is IDoR?

IDoR (International Day of Radiology, in case you hadn’t guessed) is an initiative created by the European Society of Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America, and the American College of Radiology. It’s an annual event held with the aim of “building greater awareness of the value that radiology contributes to safe patient care, and improving understanding of the vital role radiologists play in the healthcare continuum”. In short, it’s one day out of the year where we try to highlight the importance/benefits of our industry to the public, to show them that there’s a greater purpose to the radiology industry and medical technology than simply identifying a broken bone.

What’s the point?

Believe it or not, IDoR isn’t just about tooting our own horns. The event was created as a day of action with a goal of public awareness. They’re hoping to:

• Alert the world to the stunning medical, scientific and even artistic possibilities of medical imaging

• Highlight the essential role a radiologist plays in the healthcare system as a whole (even outside traditional scan reading)

• To help people understand the high educational and professional standards required of all staff working in medical imaging

Every year there’s a specific area selected as the main theme of the day, and this year the focus is on breast imaging and the importance radiology plays in the detection, diagnosis, and management of diseases to the breast.

We think IDoR is a great initiative, and we love having a day where we can celebrate the industry we’ve all devoted so much to! Public awareness is key, and IDoR is a great reminder that we should be working towards educating the public about our industry not just one day a year, but every day. You can check out what organizations around the world are doing today to celebrate IDoR 2016. Even if you weren’t able to get involved this year, it’s not too early to start thinking about what you’ll do to make a difference next year!