November 4, 2013 – Northern Montana Health Care will be celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW) which runs from November 4-10. NRTW is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of Radiologic Technicians (RTs) across the nation. This week calls attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and health care safety.
The celebration takes place each November to commemorate the anniversary of the x-ray’s discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895. By using an evacuated cathode ray tube and passing high electric voltage through it, Roentgen found that the X-ray would pass through the tissue of humans leaving the bones and metals visible. The news of his discovery spread quickly throughout the world as the materials he used were readily available. By early 1896, X-rays were being utilized for medical uses in the United States for things such as bone fractures and locating gunshot wounds. Roentgen chose the name X-Ray because X is the symbol for unknown in Math and Science.
The highly technical images acquired by Radiologic Technologists today play an integral role in the medical process and in the lives of millions of patients. RTs work hard every day to acquire the best radiographic images with the lowest possible radiation dose to the patient. Treatment decisions are determined by your physician based on the accuracy and clarity of your images.
Dr. Steven Liston, Radiologist at Northern Montana Hospital, reports “X-ray images are most useful in the early stages of a disease or a condition, when the finding is small. It is at this point that treatments can be most effective. An early diagnosis can prevent delays in treatment, limit unnecessary pain, and can ultimately save lives.”
RTs are also especially talented in being able to calm and comfort anxious patients. A successful RT is also able to engage their patient’s cooperation in the diagnostic imaging exam, and works closely with the Radiologists and referring Physicians in the mission to provide high quality patient care. Dr. Liston adds, “The work of these professionally trained experts is vital to the healthcare industry and to quality patient care. Our RTs are especially valuable to the success of all of the medical providers at Northern Montana Healthcare.”