Happy Rad Tech Week!

National Radiologic Technology Week is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of Radiologic Technologists across the nation.  The celebration takes place during the week of November 8th to commemorate the discovery of the X-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895. 

The week-long celebration calls attention to the important role radiology professionals play in patient and health care safety.  Our dedicated radiology department is dedicated to safe, quality care for all and we are in their debt for their knowledge and expertise.

Here are some fun facts:

• X-rays will always have an air of mystery.  The “X” in X-ray stands for “unknown.” Roentgen named them X-rays because he detected the rays, but wasn’t quite sure what they were.
• X-rays were a novelty for a period.  Until it was known that x-rays were dangerous for those exposed to them, they were used as a novelty at carnivals and circuses like modern photo booths.  Shoe stores even used x-rays to ensure a better fit of the shoe using size and shape of bones.
• Roentgen’s first x-ray was of his wife’s hand that showed her wedding ring, but she was not impressed and exclaimed, “I have seen my death!”
• They have advanced medical treatments!  Chest X-rays allowed for doctors to detect shadows on the lungs earlier, making tuberculosis treatments more effective with earlier diagnosis.  Today X-rays (radiotherapy) are used to treat some forms of cancer.
• Roentgen wouldn’t patent his discovery, deciding that if he did, their use would be too limited due to cost.  He envisioned the wide-spread benefits that could come from x-rays and their use and he wanted all to benefit.
• One of the greatest inventors was afraid of X-rays.  Thomas Edison worked for a number of years on an X-ray light bulb.  He cancelled the project after his team members developed cancer and died due to radiation exposure.  Edison no longer wanted to talk about x-rays and declared that he was afraid of them.
• In 1927, 37% of radiologic technologists were nuns.  Today there are over 330,000 registered radiologic technologists.