Radiology: Giving Back to New York

Friday, April 1, 2005

Diagnostic Imaging, Radiology, is an essential part of patient care, and with advances in technology (offering precise diagnosis and disease follow-up) and with the growth of the aging population, the demand for radiology services is developing at a rapid pace. As the specialty continues to expand, there is an ever-increasing need for both radiologists and related occupational personnel. Radiology: Giving Back to New York allows those involved in clinical radiological practice and research to transmit their excitement about the field to students interested in science or the allied health profession as a career choice.

A total of 35 high school juniors, representing all five boroughs of New York City, accompanied by their science teachers, were asked to participate in this half-day program, where they listened to short presentations by some of the country’s most accomplished radiologists and experts in the field. The students took part in hands-on demonstrations and also learned about alternative careers in medicine and science by listening to radiological technicians, nurses, hospital administrators, and representatives of the medical imaging and scientific publication industries.  Jasna Markovac, from Elsevier San Diego, spoke about careers in STM publishing.

Sponsored by General Electric Medical Systems, Philips Medical Systems, and Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc., the program was organized by the New York Roentgen Society (NYRS—   www.nyrs.net), a New York City-based medical membership society in radiology, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Education (  www.nyccte.org).

Prior to the seminar, students were asked to submit an essay about radiology and its role in patient care. The winning essay, reproduced here, is by Madelena Ng from the Bronx High School of Science.

The Expanding Field of Radiology: What Role Do You See For Yourself?

Madelena Ng

Radiology is the field of medical research that uses X rays and other means to create images of structures and processes within a body.  On November 8, 1895, the German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen accidentally discovered the existence of X rays while examining cathode rays in a Crookes tube.  Although cathode rays are generally weak and cannot pass through the glass of a Crookes tube, they can excite the electrons of barium platinocyanide molecules and make them glow.  While Roentgen was observing the glow emitted within the vacuum of the tube, he noticed a barium platinocyanide painted screen across the room glowing as well.  After further investigation, Roentgen not only proved that the glow came solely from the emissions of the Crookes tube, but he also realized that when materials are placed between emission beams and a barium platinocyanide screen, images of the inside matter can be seen when developed onto photographic paper.  These emissions were later called X rays, and Roentgen’s discovery garnered him the world’s first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901.  

Roentgen’s discovery of X rays created a new field in science termed “radiology” and changed the course of medicine.  With X rays, one can now examine the inside of the body without invasive surgery.  An image can be obtained when X rays pass through outer tissues and become absorbed by bones and other structures, thus allowing a figure to be captured on film when the remaining rays hit it.  X rays provide physicians with a new diagnostic tool where they can observe the status of bones and organs while also locating certain tumors and foreign objects.   Because of the advantages that X rays offer, many devices have been developed for imaging specific parts of the body.  One type of X ray technological advancement is mammography, which involves radiological imaging to determine the presence of breast cancer.  Another innovation in the field of radiology is the progress of radiopaque substances, which are virtually impenetrable to X rays.  Two X ray technologies that involve the insertion of the radiopaque material into the body include angiography and myelography, which can provide images of blood vessels and the spinal cord respectively.

For nearly 80 years, the field of radiology mainly revolved around X rays.  The benefits of X rays gave rise to a whole new array of machines and technologies specific in graphing the human body, its processes, and malfunctions.  With the applications of X rays through different techniques, many new detection systems have been developed.  Radiologists are primarily concerned with imaging the body to diagnose disease.  Radiotherapy is a method in which X rays or other radioactive materials are used to treat diseases such as cancer. There are certain disadvantages to the use of X rays as well-- standard X rays do not reveal everything that is abnormal within a body.  One of the previously mentioned methods, angiography, can actually be quite painful for a patient to endure and is unable to reveal small but deadly tumors.  X rays also emit ionizing radiation, which is harmful to humans under frequent exposure.  Thus, with the help of computers, new radiological methods have been devised.

In the mid-20th century, many breakthroughs were made concerning nonradiological techniques in radiology.  Ultrasound was the first of such methods used and it generally uses a type of pulse-echo radar to image structures within a body.  Ultrasound can provide images of fetuses and various internal organs as well as help diagnose atherosclerotic disease.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners first became available in the 1980s and became useful in examining bodies.  MRI works by creating a magnetic field around the patient and then protons are used to create a pulse that can be transmitted into computer-generated images.  With MRI, many diseases, injuries, brain tumors, and cartoid artery obstructions within a person can be diagnosed.  A major advancement in radiology is the positron emission tomography (PET) which also involves the use of computers.  PET has been used to study the dynamics of the body; glucose metabolism, oxygen consumption, blood flow, and drug interactions can be observed using PET.

Interventional radiology is one of the most recent developments within the field and shows the most promise with regard to the future.  With the introduction of interventional technology, radiology has evolved from simply being a diagnostic tool to being a novelty of science.  Interventional radiology can create images needed in ballooning dilations of arteries, drainage of abscesses, removal of gallstones, and treatment of cancers.  Interventional radiology is also necessary for many image-guided needle biopsies and can improve the results of medical procedures.

Many opportunities lie within the field of radiology.  Being a radiologist involves completing medical school and 4-5 years of studying diagnostic, therapeutic, or interventional radiology.  Some future career choices after one has completed an examination given by the American Board of Radiology include working or researching in hospitals or private offices.  By passing the Board’s exam, individuals can continue to practice until they choose which aspects of radiology they would like to concentrate in.  Radiologists are assisted by aides, like radiological technologists.  Radiological technologists are high school graduates who have spent a couple of years studying radiology and then pass a written exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  If addition interest exists, the radiological technologist can continue on with his or her training to obtain a certification in an area of specialty.  Radiology definitely provides the community with excellent opportunities in employment, education, and health.

The field of radiology is incessantly expanding.  Due to development of new technologies, science will continue to advance as well.  Radiology has not only assisted in this growth, but it has also provided the world with new insight into the mysteries of nature.  Radiology has provided the human race with answers to its diseases and processes.  Although the field of radiology initially began with the study of X rays, the advances relating to nonradiological methods have and will continue to help advance the potential of radiology and science to benefit the world.  

Works Cited

[1] The Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Gale Research, an International Thomson Company. Volume 5. Radiology, pgs.3042-3045. 1996.

[2] World Book Encyclopedia. World Book, Inc. Volume 16. Radiology pgs.98-99. Chicago, 2004.

[3] Encarta 2004. "Radiology," and “Roentgen, Wilhelm Conrad” Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2005   http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2005 Microsoft  Corporation. All Rights Reserved.