International Day of Radiology Will Help Inform Public on Importance of Medical Imaging

November 8, 2013, is the International Day of Radiology (IDoR), and radiologists worldwide are planning events and campaigns to help the public understand the role of medical imaging.

Over 100 international societies are taking part and many are arranging their own events, such as public lectures, national media appearances, departmental open days, and press events. In 2012, over 80 societies from all five continents joined the initiative, including 43 European national radiological societies, 14 European subspecialty and allied sciences societies and 20 North American radiology societies.

In 2012, IDoR focused on oncologic imaging and this time it is focusing on lung imaging, emphasizing the critical role that radiology plays in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of lung diseases.

Patient organizations have also chosen to support the initiative this year by helping inform the public about the importance of imaging in the fight against lung diseases. “IDoR can raise awareness among the public and patients of the different techniques that are available with regards to imaging, which can help determine diagnosis and appropriate treatment of lung conditions. We are happy to work with other health organizations that are trying to empower patients. As imaging can play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease then it is important to support this initiative,” said Monica Fletcher, chair of the European Lung Foundation (ELF; Sheffield, UK).

The ELF is not the only patient group taking part in IDoR in 2013. The European Patients’ Forum represents patient groups from all over Europe and is now helping IDoR reach the most important stake holder; the patient. “IDoR is strongly welcomed by our organization and all patient groups with a particular interest in medical imaging. This initiative could, moreover, provide an excellent model for other medical societies to replicate,” said Nicola Bedlington, executive director of the European Patients’ Forum.

IDoR was launched in 2012 by the European Society of Radiology (ESR; Vienna, Austria), the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA; Oak Brook, IL, USA), and the American College of Radiology (ACR; Reston, VA, USA). They chose November 8 to observe the day Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered the existence of X-rays in 1895. The aim of the initiative is to enhance the public’s understanding of the role played by radiology in healthcare and the expertise required to practice radiology.

This will have a positive effect on healthcare, according to Prof. Guy Frija, president of the ESR. “I think that this day has to be considered a first step on the path towards awareness. Talking about the benefits is certainly important, but we also have to promote better use of imaging, not only for safety reasons, but also, and very simply, for improving quality of care," said Frija, who heads the imaging department at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris.

IDoR has again received the complete cooperation and involvement of the International Society of Radiology, as well as umbrella organizations from all continents, including the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology, the Colegio Interamericano de Radiología, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, the Radiological Society of South Africa, which also represents neighboring countries, and the European Federation of Radiographer Societies.

All information about the International Day of Radiology, including the booklets, can be found on the official International Day of Radiology website.

International Day of Radiology
European Society of Radiology
Radiological Society of North America


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