World Radiography Day observed at Heart Hospital

The Clinical Imaging Department at Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Heart Hospital (HH) recently observed World Radiography Day (WRD) in association with Sidra Medical and Research Center, HMC’s Pediatric Emergency Centers and the Neonatal Imaging Unit in Women’s Hospital, among others.

WRD marks the anniversary of the discovery of x-radiation by a German physicist, Wilhelm Röentgen, in 1895. Röentgen produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range that was known as x-rays or Röentgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

On WRD, radiographers and their partners, such as radiotherapist and radiation protection providers worldwide, promote radiography as a career and demonstrate the field’s vital contribution to modern healthcare.

The occasion also aims to create public awareness of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. This year, “pediatric imaging” has been chosen as the main theme of the day. This focuses on highlighting the important role radiology plays in the detection, diagnosis and management of a wide variety of diseases affecting children and the special treatment younger patients need.

Ms. Fatima Al Sulaiti, Chief Technologist at HH’s Clinical Imaging Department and Chairperson of the World Radiography Day events said, “We are proud to have joined in the celebration of Röentgen, who is considered the father of diagnostic radiology, the medical specialty that uses imaging to diagnose diseases. We hope that radiographers across Qatar have shared updates in the field by coming together during our symposium.”

As part of the events marking the day, there were different activities planned in HH, Al Khor Hospital and Rumailah Hospital for the public, focusing on radiography.

Other activities included a symposium and a gala dinner during which appreciation awards were presented to staff selected as best employee in their field. Additionally, long-serving staff members were honored at each facility.

The objectives of this symposium, attended by radiographers, physicians, residents and other healthcare providers, included building effective communication between all radiographers and raising awareness of radiology practice in Qatar. These aims reflect the core values, identity and confidence of radiographers in Qatar, while recent advances in radiology between radiographers and others who work in the healthcare industry were also shared. The event also served to encourage students to consider the field of radiography as a future career path.