Organized Medicine and its Relation to Roentgenology

Abstract

If we consider that the science of roentgenology is indispensable to “organized medicine,” we must first apply the acid test to this theory by attempting to visualize the present practice of medicine without the X-ray. Is there a modern physician who would agree to continue his profession without the valuable aid of the X-ray? I do not think there is. Each year shows an improvement in our specialty, whether it be diagnostic or therapeutic, and each year increased recognition is given this valued branch of medicine. But the fear has grown within me that possibly we are neglecting some phases of our work, and this fear has crystallized into the following questions: 1. Are the roentgenologists protected as other medical specialties are? 2. How important does the medical profession consider the science of roentgenology? Is it considered a science? 3. Has roentgenology a secure place in the medical world? What are its future prospects? These questions I have carefully reviewed for some time and finally decided to have them answered by men prominent in “organized medicine.” As president of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, I sent out a questionnaire to the various executive officers of the State Boards of the United States, with the following questions: 1. Are there any X-ray questions in your examination? 2. Do you think that the science of roentgenology has attained sufficient importance in medicine so that the Medical Examining Boards should give more attention to it? 3. Do you permit other than regular licensed physicians to practice the science of roentgenology? If so, to whom is this practice granted? 4. Is the practice of roentgenology considered as practicing medicine in your state? The reason for asking the first question was to find out whether the various State Boards thought the physicians taking the examination should have received X-ray training in their medical course. The reason for the second question was to find out the attitude of the State Boards of Medical Examiners toward the science of roentgenology. The reason for the third question was to ascertain if the roentgenologists were being protected by the various medical laws, in the same manner as other specialties of medicine; also to find out if technicians were permitted by law to have the same privileges as the regular licensed roentgenologists. The reason for the fourth question was to try to pin down the opinion given in answer to Question No. 3, especially when the answer was somewhat evasive. I have received answers from every state except four: New York, Illinois, Oklahoma and Oregon. In answer to Question No. 1, 24 State Boards, or 52 per cent, answered that they did not incorporate X-ray questions in their examinations, and 14 State Boards, or 30 per cent, did incorporate X-ray questions in their examinations. Three states answered that they would ask X-ray questions at a later time.