Celebrating Imaging Advances on International Radiology Day

Nov. 8, 2012, marks the 117th anniversary of the discovery of the X-ray—the first of many imaging technologies that have revolutionized modern medicine. Professionals across the world are celebrating radiology’s significant contributions to modern medicine through the first International Day of Radiology. 

"Advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans virtually eliminated exploratory surgeries—reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and shortening hospital stays,” says Jannette Collins, MD, Ben Felson Professor and Chair of Radiology at the UC College of Medicine and UC Health radiologist. "These tests are also improving diagnosis accuracy, enabling treatment teams to plan more effective care regimens.”

One example of this, Collins says, is the Prostate Imaging Program offered in partnership with UC Health through the UC Cancer Institute. Led by Sadhna Verma, MD, the service uses MRI to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the prostate gland that includes both anatomic and biochemical information. This provides more accurate cancer staging information to help urologic surgeons plan for surgery. 

UC Health University Hospital-based imaging services are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for all types of diagnostic imaging—an honor UC Health holds exclusively in the Cincinnati area. 

"Accreditation signifies a guarantee to patients that they will receive the benefits of unprecedented quality in imaging equipment, highly trained personnel and a stern quality control program,” says Arthur Ray Morton, a senior medical physicist at University Hospital. 

ACR-accredited services include mammography, breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine gamma cameras, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. University Hospital remains the only facility in Greater Cincinnati accredited for breast MRI.