National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW) is celebrated yearly to commemorate Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s groundbreaking discovery of the X-ray in 1895. This week, Erlanger will join hospitals and healthcare providers nationwide to recognize the essential role of radiologic technologists (rad techs) and medical imaging specialists in healthcare.
What do they do?
Rad techs are an integral part of the Erlanger and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger care teams. They are skilled in the safe and accurate use of imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Which are vital tools for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring a wide range of conditions. This week celebrates their commitment to patient safety, technical expertise, and physician collaboration to provide clear, accurate images that drive high-quality care. Rad techs ensure these powerful technologies are used safely, adhering to protocols that protect patients from unnecessary exposure while providing the highest quality images.
Who do they help?
One area where radiologic technology is indispensable is orthopaedics. Our radiology team supports Erlanger Orthopaedics. This enables quick and accurate diagnosis of fractures, dislocations, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Our rad techs work closely with orthopedic specialists through advanced imaging techniques to evaluate injuries, guide treatment decisions, and support post-surgical monitoring. This collaboration enhances patient outcomes by helping our orthopedic providers make precise assessments and deliver targeted care for each patient.
Erlanger’s radiology team supports many other areas, including cardiology, oncology, emergency medicine, and trauma care. In the Emergency Department, quick and accurate imaging can be lifesaving, providing doctors with essential information to make critical, time-sensitive decisions. Rad techs perform vital scans for oncology patients to detect, stage, and monitor treatment progress. In cardiology, imaging specialists provide detailed images that help physicians assess heart health and detect any signs of cardiovascular disease. This versatility and proficiency make rad techs valuable to almost every patient’s healthcare journey.
“As an orthopaedic traumatologist, I rely on the skill of our rad techs daily to help diagnose, treat, and monitor the most complex orthopaedic injuries. Erlanger is the region’s only level I trauma center, and our rad techs are essential from the ER to the operating room and into the office to ensure that our patients are receiving the best care possible. I absolutely consider our techs active and essential members of the trauma team.” Mike Yee, MD Erlanger Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Congratulations to our team
Erlanger is incredibly proud of our radiology team’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to patient-centered care. Throughout NRTW, we celebrate the expertise and compassion that these imaging professionals bring to their work each day.
Their efforts reflect Wilhelm Röntgen’s legacy and pioneering discovery, showing that the field of radiologic technology remains as impactful and essential as ever.
Thank you to Erlanger’s radiologic technology team for being the imaging experts our patients and providers rely on.
