International Day of Radiology (IDoR) or World Radiography Day is annually observed across the globe on 8 November to honors the vital role of radiographers and radiological technologists in healthcare. and to celebrate their contributions to diagnosing and treating countless medical conditions.
- IDoR was created to mark the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German physicist and the winner of the first Nobel Prize in Physics (1901), in 1895.
8th November 2024 marks the observance of the 13th International Day of Radiology (IDoR).
Theme:
The theme for IDoR 2024 is “ Radiographers: Seeing the Unseen.”
- This theme focuses on how radiographers help discover health issues inside the body that would otherwise remain hidden.
Background:
i.The IDoR was established in 2011 as a follow-up to the European Day of Radiology (EDoR).
ii.The first and only EDoR took place on February 10, 2011, organized by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) to honour the death anniversary of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (February 10, 1923).
iii.Afterward, the ESR teamed up with the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) to establish IDoR, which replaced EDoR.
- Later, the observance was moved from Röntgen’s death anniversary to that of his discovery of X-rays.
iv.On November 28, 2011, during the annual RSNA meeting in Chicago, the United States of America (USA) November 8 was officially confirmed as the IDoR by ESR, ACR and RSNA.
v.The IDoR was first observed in 2012, as a joint initiative of ESR, the RSNA and the ACR.
Radiology:
Radiology is a branch of medical science that uses imaging technologies to diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases affecting human and animal bodies.
Types of Radiology:
Radiology may be divided into two different areas:
i.Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic radiology focuses on creating images of the body’s structures and organs to detect and diagnose medical conditions.
- It involves non-invasive imaging techniques such as X-rays, Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) Scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Mammography, each offering unique insights into different parts of the body.
ii.Interventional Radiology : Interventional radiology uses imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures like angiography, biopsies, and embolization, allowing treatment without traditional surgery and reducing recovery times and risks.
Role of Radiology in Healthcare:
Radiology supports healthcare in numerous ways, offering essential tools for:
- Early Disease Detection: Imaging technologies like mammograms and chest X-rays can detect cancers, fractures, and infections at early stages, improving treatment outcomes.
- Personalized Treatment: Pinpoints health issues, aiding in precise, targeted treatment.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Supports guided procedures with less surgery and faster recovery.
- Patient Monitoring: Tracks treatment progress, allowing timely adjustment.
About European Society of Radiology (ESR):
Chair- Carlo Catalano
President- Andrea G. Rockall
Membership- 130,316 members across 186 countries
Headquarters- Vienna, Austria
Founded- 2005
