Reasons to Celebrate

Each year during the week of November 8, we celebrate National Radiologic Technology week to highlight the vital role radiologic technologists (RTs) play in patient care and safety. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists chose November 8 to coincide with the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895. Notably, the week also includes the birthday of Marie Curie. Among other important accomplishments, Curie developed portable X-ray machines to be used in the battlefield during World War I. She not only trained 150 women—the world’s first battlefield radiologic technologists—to operate the machines, but also joined them on the battlefield to help treat wounded soldiers.