The Passing of the Cambridge Diploma

Abstract

HomeRadiologyVol. 40, No. 4 PreviousNext EditorialThe Passing of the Cambridge DiplomaPublished Online:Apr 1 1943https://doi.org/10.1148/40.4.410MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In AbstractUnder the above title Dr. A. E. Barclay,1 in the British Journal of Radiology, draws attention to the fact that the University of Cambridge has rescinded the regulations for the Diploma in Medical Radiology and Electrology, effective October 31, 1942. All American radiologists, and more particularly those who have acquired the diploma, will hear of this action with regret.Doctor Barclay gives a brief account of the beginnings of radiology and the struggle of its pioneers to establish it as a separate specialty, describing graphically the usual hospital quarters and inadequate equipment of the early radiologic department, a picture with which we are all familiar. World War I helped to highlight the value of x-ray studies, the need of well trained radiologists, and the lack of training facilities. A group of prominent radiologists of Great Britain, accordingly, realizing the importance of putting their specialty on a sound basis, petitioned Cambridge University to institute a diploma course. The first course was opened in 1920 and the first examination was given in July of that year. From the onset the course was extremely popular, taxing the available teaching facilities. Soon candidates for radiologic posts were required to hold the Cambridge Diploma and thus the status of the radiologist as a qualified specialist was firmly established. More than 500 candidates, coming from all parts of the world, have now taken this diploma by examination.It is fortunate that through the years other universities have instituted similar diploma courses so that a continuing course of training has been established. In our country the American Board of Radiology has served as an examining body, thus establishing a standard of minimum requirements for the status of specialist in radiology. To these examining bodies which have helped place it on the firm foundation that it occupies today, Radiology owes a debt of gratitude.Article HistoryPublished in print: Apr 1943 FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsRecommended Articles RSNA Education Exhibits RSNA Case Collection Vol. 40, No. 4 Metrics Altmetric Score PDF download