The Future of Radiology

Abstract

Immediately following the discovery of the X-ray, when the science of radiology was in its infancy, those who took up this new line of work were looked upon with some degree of contempt. In that day, the problems presented by the new science were more or less physical problems concerning the perfection of apparatus and technic, so as to secure more satisfactory radiographs. The very nature of the science, at that time, led many individuals without medical training to engage in the work, and caused physicians to look down upon any of their number who embarked upon this field of endeavor, apparently so foreign to medicine. The very attitude of the medical profession toward the workers in this new field compelled them to seek counsel among themselves. The Situation as It was in the Last Decade The last decade, however, has seen a distinct change in the problems of radiology. The physical problems which heretofore held the important place in the science of radiology, became the problems of minor importance; medical problems, the interpretation of pathological findings in the radiograph, became those of foremost importance. This stage marked the passing of the lay radiologist. It is true that some men, other than physicians, are still engaged in the practice of radiology, but these are relatively few and represent those who went into the work when its character presented a legitimate field for the layman, and who, having made friends during that time, are still permitted to continue their previous practice. With the continuous advancement of radiology the lay worker will become less and less a factor in the practice of this branch of the science of medicine. The Situation as It is Now With the passing of the lay radiologist, however, all our troubles are not ended. We are confronted by even more serious conditions. Probably one of the most serious of these is the commercial laboratory, usually owned by laymen and operated by an insufficiently trained physician, who accepts a small salary in order to get the benefit of a large experience. The dollar being the foremost consideration, inferior work is ground out in large amounts, unscientific reports are spread far and wide, and, as a result, radiology is discredited among the very physicians whom it should most effectually serve. At times unethical practices are carried on in connection with such laboratories which tend to lower still more the standing of the physician who supports such institutions. Situations are known where a commercial X-ray laboratory, being forbidden by law to operate, has secured the name of a physician under which it operates, when the physician himself has no active connection with the laboratory.