The accidental discovery that revolutionized medicine

Like every November 8, Radiology Day is celebrated on Tuesday in honor of an accidental discovery that revolutionized medicine.

It was on the same date but in 1895 when German mechanical engineer and physicist Wilhelm Röntgen worked with cathode rays and noticed that when a current passed through the glass lamp, the barium, platinum and cyanide screen produced a fluorescence effect. In addition, note the effect of this phenomenon on photographic plates.

He called this discovery “X-rays” and claimed that using these rays he was able to see through the body. Within three months, X-rays had already been produced in major cities. For his discovery, he was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901, donating the reward to his university and refusing to register any patents related to the discovery.

Although they say it took Roentgen only 20 minutes to get his first radiograph, the procedure marked a milestone in the history of science and medicine, as his experience marked the beginning of radiology and diagnostic imaging.

In 2022, the Associations promoting World Day emphasized that the goal of the observance was to “raise awareness of the value that radiology brings to the safe care of patients and improve public understanding of the vital role that radiologists and radiographers play in the continuum of medical care.” They stressed that “we will recognize The critical role radiology plays in helping to ensure early detection, fewer surgeries, and better treatment outcomes for patients.”

In addition to worldwide, November 8 was also established in Argentina by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Action on November 8, 1973 at the request of the Argentine Association of X-ray Technicians and Physiotherapists.

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Aileen Morales

"Beer nerd. Food fanatic. Alcohol scholar. Tv practitioner. Writer. Troublemaker. Falls down a lot."

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