Sri Lankan radiologists celebrate International Day of Radiology highlighting their role in patient journey

November 8 is earmarked as the International Day of Radiology, and it is celebrated each year by the global radiology community. This signifies the day German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen made history by inventing the X-ray, a discovery that revolutionised the practice of medicine.

Since then, radiology has emerged as one of the most important branches of medicine, continuing to develop by leaps and bounds and helping to save precious lives. Now in Sri Lanka, too, radiologists render a valuable service as specialised medical professionals in patient management, disease prevention, health screening, patient care, and other areas.

On November 8, the Sri Lanka College of Radiologists, which is the professional body of radiologists in Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan Radiology Community will join the world radiology community in celebrating the International Day of Radiology (IDOR 2023) to create greater awareness of the value that radiology contributes to safe patient care and improving public understanding of the vital role radiologists play in healthcare.

This year, the International Day of Radiology will be dedicated to promoting the essential role radiologists plays in the patient journey. As Sri Lanka is now recovering from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic hardships, it is important to acknowledge that medical imaging has been recognised in all branches of medicine, not only during unforeseen circumstances such as the pandemic but also daily in all areas of patient care. The field of radiology, with its unique and growing subspecialties, helps protect patients every day.

For IDOR 2023, which is the 11th in succession, everyone is invited to appreciate the essential role radiology plays in treating and managing patients. This is the opportunity for imaging professionals across the world to pause for a moment, look back at their hard work, and celebrate the contributions of radiology in the active care of patients.

Interventional radiology is a branch of radiology that can be defined as a division of radiology dedicated to the minimally invasive treatment of patients under imaging guidance. This deals with the management of patients in many facets, including those who are acutely ill or injured, in palliative management, in supportive therapy, as an alternative to surgery, etc. Although relatively new as a field, interventional radiology, along with its main arm, has already emerged as a vital and indispensable specialty, with rapid growth parallel to the expansion of medical technology, which itself is considered a separate specialty.

Healthcare institutions worldwide have established radiology and interventional facilities, customising them to their requirements, including emergency services. Most interventional radiology procedures are quick and safe. They also allow for shorter recovery times and better outcomes than more invasive, traditional surgical procedures.

The sophisticated digital and computer-enhanced imaging equipment currently available in many key hospitals allows radiologists to perform high-tech, unprecedented radiological imaging and intervention using extremely low radiation. Most of the major teaching hospitals in Sri Lanka currently have radiologists with advanced diagnostic and interventional radiology training and skills, providing sophisticated radiology services on par with any centre in the world.

All radiologists in Sri Lanka are proud of these achievements and are vital members of multidisciplinary medical care teams.

We, as Sri Lankan radiologists, mark the International Day of Radiology and align with its theme by highlighting the contribution of radiology to patients’ journeys and the care of our patients. We will always strive to provide the best imaging and interventional radiology facilities to our needy patients with the same commitment.

As Sri Lanka is now recovering from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic hardships, it is important to acknowledge that medical imaging has been recognised in all branches of medicine