Radiology societies across Europe celebrate inaugural European Day of Radiology

Thursday 10th February 2011. The European Society of Radiology (ESR) will for the first time coordinate pan European press and PR activities to celebrate this first Day of Radiology.

Its aim is to raise awareness and initiatives concerning radiology. While many people are aware of the concept of the diagnostic X-ray, much needs to be done to promote public awareness of the significant broader contribution imaging plays in general healthcare.

Societies from nineteen countries have accepted the ESR’s invitation to take part in this endeavour, all of whom will launch press releases on key topics, focusing on the recent challenges and achievements in their respective countries. The topics reflect some of the most important issues in radiology, which are just as relevant to potential patients as they are to those working in the field. Cancer detection and therapy, emergency radiology, patient safety and radiation dose reduction, and stroke imaging are all areas of major importance in radiology, and each participating country will take at least one of these subjects as the focus of its press activities, with some societies also deciding to support them with various events held on and around February 10.

The Royal College of Radiologists represents the UK in this endeavour. Dr Jane Barrett, President of the RCR hopes it will raise the profile of the Societies involved “and lead to even greater coordination across Europe, aimed at providing the best possible services for cancer patients in curative and diagnostic services” View the full press release here.

The date of February 10 was chosen for the European Day of Radiology to draw a link between the beginnings of radiology and its current status, so as to highlight the progress made, as much as to honour the life of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen who made the very first steps in founding the discipline.

For more information please visit ESR’s website: http://www.myesr.org/cms/website.php?id=/en/about_esr_ecr/european_day_of_radiology.htm