A healthcare facility – hospital, private practice, imaging center – may choose to utilize the services of a teleradiology company to enhance their radiology capabilities and streamline their diagnostic imaging processes. Teleradiology services offers numerous advantages, such as increased access to specialized radiologists, expedited turnaround times, reduced waiting time for patients, and improved patient care. By partnering with a reputable teleradiology company, healthcare facilities can leverage advanced technology, secure data transmission, and a network of skilled radiologists to obtain accurate and timely radiology preliminary and final interpretations. This collaboration allows healthcare providers to optimize their resources, extend their coverage, and ultimately deliver high-quality diagnostic imaging services to their patients, regardless of time or location.
Teleradiology Reports Delivery
Before engaging with an outsourced radiology company, you may wonder how reports are delivered. Teleradiology specialists deliver their reports through secure electronic means, utilizing advanced technology and secure communication platforms.
When you partner with Vesta, a Gateway application is installed remotely to allow your systems direct access to our PACS. Once linked, your technicians send exams straight from your machine to our PACS. Vesta account specialists assign it to the proper physician who read and dictate the report, it’s uploaded to your branded template where it’s easily accessible for your facility to access and download!
These customized reports can also be distributed electronically, and any critical findings are immediately shared with the facility via phone, email, or text. We also facilitate callbacks between the physician and radiologist and provide an unlimited amount of customized report templates with your facility’s information and logo. It’s a seamless experience which allows you to focus on what matters most, the patient experience.
Safety and Security: HIPAA
Teleradiology companies like Vesta prioritize the security and confidentiality of patient data throughout the entire process. They employ strict data encryption, comply with privacy regulations (such as HIPAA in the United States), and implement robust security measures to protect patient information during transmission and storage.
Look to Vesta for secure and compliant reports
Looking to outsource your radiology interpretations? Please reach out to Vesta to learn more. Vesta Teleradiology can accommodate any type of volume, large, medium and small.
Emergency rooms (ERs) play a critical and indispensable role in the healthcare system, serving as the front line of medical care for individuals experiencing urgent and life-threatening situations. These bustling hubs of medical expertise and resources are designed to provide immediate and comprehensive care to patients who require immediate attention, regardless of their condition or ability to pay. Emergency rooms act as the safety net for communities, offering round-the-clock access to highly trained healthcare professionals, advanced diagnostic tools, and life-saving interventions. From trauma cases and acute illnesses to critical injuries and emergencies, emergency rooms serve as the gateway to timely and potentially life-saving medical care, ensuring that patients receive the immediate attention they need in their most vulnerable moments.
During the summer months in the United States, emergency rooms tend to see an increase in patient visits due to various reasons.Pew Research states that close to 45,000 people visit U.S. hospital emergency rooms for treatment of injuries each day on July 4 and 5 which are the highest daily numbers in the entire year.
Some common reasons people visit emergency rooms during the summer include:
Heat-Related Illnesses: The hot weather can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Symptoms may include dehydration, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and altered mental status, which may require immediate medical attention.
Trauma from Outdoor Activities: Outdoor recreational activities like hiking, camping, and rock climbing can lead to injuries such as fractures, sprains, cuts, and wounds. Emergency care may be necessary for evaluation, wound management, and potential surgical interventions. This means an increase in imaging procedures like x-rays.
Water-related incidents can be more prevalent during summer
Accidents and Injuries: Summer activities and outdoor sports can result in an uptick in accidents and injuries. This includes injuries from water-related activities, such asswimming accidents, diving accidents, near-drownings, and boating accidents, as well as bicycle accidents, falls, and recreational sports injuries.
Allergic Reactions: Summertime brings increased exposure to allergens like pollen, insect bites, and stings. Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, requiring emergency medical care.
Respiratory Issues: People with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may experience exacerbations during the summer due to factors like poor air quality, increased pollen, and higher levels of pollution. These exacerbations can lead to respiratory distress and necessitate emergency care.
Outdoor and Recreational Injuries: With warmer weather, people engage in various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and team sports. These activities can result in injuries such as fractures, sprains, strains, dislocations, and head injuries.
Foodborne Illnesses: Barbecues, picnics, and outdoor gatherings increase the risk of foodborne illnesses due to improper food handling and storage. Severe cases of food poisoning can lead to dehydration and require medical evaluation and treatment.
ERs can see more patients coming in due to foodborne illnesses
Sunburn and Sun-Related Injuries: Prolonged sun exposure without proper protection can result in sunburn, sun poisoning, and related skin injuries. Severe sunburns may require medical attention to manage pain, prevent infection, and address complications.
Why Staffing is Important
Adequatehealthcare staffing is of paramount importance for emergency rooms as it directly impacts the quality and timeliness of care provided to patients in critical situations. Emergency rooms must be adequately staffed with physicians, nurses, and support staff who possess the necessary skills and expertise to handle a wide range of emergencies. The unpredictable nature of emergency room cases, the potential for multiple simultaneous emergencies, and the need for rapid decision-making necessitate a sufficient number of healthcare professionals to ensure efficient triage, timely assessments, and appropriate interventions. With adequate staffing, emergency rooms can effectively manage patient flow, reduce wait times, provide continuous monitoring, and deliver the highest standard of care, ultimately maximizing patient outcomes and saving lives.
Vesta Fills in for Your Radiologists
Whether you have a shortage of radiologists due to a hiring shortage or simply your staff is unavailable nights and weekends, Vesta is here for you. Hospitals and ERs can’t always predict with complete accuracy future patient volume which is where Vesta can help you with the unexpected. OurUS Board Certified radiologists can work on-site or remotely for your preliminary and final interpretations.
In 2011,a large study examined the use of x-rays and other radiation imaging on children—they estimated that the average child would get more than seven radiation scans by the age of 18. No doubt, then, that the role of a pediatric radiologist is important in accurately diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions in children. Their specialized knowledge, expertise in radiation safety, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals contribute to the well-being and optimal care of pediatric patients. It’s estimated that only3% of all radiologists in the US are pediatric radiologists, making this a small subspeciality. In this article, we will review the role and responsibilities of a pediatric radiologist.
A pediatric radiologist is a specialized medical doctor who focuses on using medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. They have expertise in interpreting and analyzing imaging studies specifically related to pediatric patients.
The role of a pediatric radiologist involves the following:
Interpreting Imaging Studies: Pediatric radiologists review and interpret various imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine scans. They analyze the images to identify abnormalities or signs of disease. If you choose to work with Vesta Teleradiology, we haveUS board certified radiologists that handle subspecialty preliminary and final interpretations in pediatric imaging.
Diagnosing Diseases and Conditions: By studying the imaging results, pediatric radiologists can diagnose a wide range of diseases and conditions that affect children. This can include congenital anomalies, infections, tumors, fractures, organ abnormalities, and other medical conditions.
Minimizing Radiation Exposure: Pediatric radiologists are particularly mindful of the potential risks associated with radiation exposure in children. They employ techniques and protocols that minimize the amount of radiation used during imaging procedures, ensuring the safety of young patients while still obtaining the necessary diagnostic information. For example, when appropriate, pediatric radiologists may use lead shields or aprons to protect sensitive areas of a child’s body that are not being imaged. This helps minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissues. They also undergo specialized training in pediatric radiology, which includes radiation safety and dose optimization techniques.
Guiding Treatment Decisions: Pediatric radiologists collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, surgeons, and oncologists, to help guide treatment decisions. The imaging findings they provide play a crucial role in determining the most appropriate course of treatment.
Performing Image-Guided Procedures: In addition to interpreting images, pediatric radiologists may also perform image-guided procedures. These procedures can include biopsies, drainages, and minimally invasive interventions. They use imaging technology to guide their instruments and ensure precise placement.
Collaboration and Consultation: Pediatric radiologists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including referring physicians, to discuss imaging findings, provide recommendations, and answer any questions. They may also consult with pediatric subspecialists to provide further expertise in specific areas of pediatric radiology.
Overall, the role of a pediatric radiologist is vital in the accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of medical conditions affecting children. Their specialized knowledge and skills in pediatric imaging contribute to the well-being and treatment outcomes of young patients.
It’s a staggering statistic. Healthcare company bankruptcies were up 84% in 2022 as compared to 2021. Things are getting so severe that in California, there are legislative proposals for offering emergency loans for hospitals facing closure or that are trying to reopen. Why is this happening?
COVID’s Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on hospitals financially. Here are some of the ways hospitals have been affected:
Increased expenses: Hospitals faced increased expenses due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. These expenses include the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE), additional staffing needs, testing supplies, ventilators, and other medical equipment required to treat COVID-19 patients. Hospitals also had to invest in facility modifications and create dedicated COVID-19 units or wards.
Canceled or postponed elective procedures: To free up resources and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, many hospitals had to cancel or postpone elective surgeries and procedures. These procedures often contribute a significant portion of a hospital’s revenue, and their suspension led to financial losses.
Reduction in outpatient visits: Many people postponed or avoided non-emergency medical visits and procedures due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure. As a result, hospitals experienced a decline in outpatient visits, diagnostic tests, and routine care. Outpatient services are an essential revenue source for hospitals, and the decrease in patient volumes had a negative financial impact.
Decline in emergency department visits: While emergency departments experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases, they also saw a decline in visits for non-COVID-19 emergencies. Fear of exposure to the virus, stay-at-home orders, and limited access to transportation may have contributed to this decline. Since emergency department visits often generate revenue for hospitals, the decrease in non-COVID-19 cases had financial implications.
Unequal distribution of funding: While governments and healthcare systems provided financial relief and support to hospitals during the pandemic, the distribution of funds varied. Some hospitals, particularly those in hard-hit areas or with a high percentage of COVID-19 patients, received additional funding. However, smaller or rural hospitals with fewer COVID-19 cases may have faced financial challenges due to reduced patient volumes and inadequate financial support.
It’s important to note that the specific financial impact can vary among hospitals based on factors such as their location, patient demographics, size, and pre-pandemic financial health. These factors can influence the severity of the financial challenges faced by hospitals during the COVID-19 crisis.
Partnering with Vesta Teleradiology Group to Reduce Costs
Vesta Teleradiology understands that financial costs can be a burden, so that’s why they are always on the lookout to bring the latest technologies to healthcare facilities to help improve efficiency and quality while reducing costs. Vesta doesn’t believe you have to sacrifice quality for cost. Whether you operate a largehospital, urgent care center, or private practice, we are here to help fully or in part, for all your radiology interpretation needs, includingsubspecialties.
Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is a medical imaging technology that has become increasingly important in modern healthcare. PACS is a digital platform that allows medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to be stored, viewed, and shared electronically between healthcare professionals. This technology has revolutionized the way medical images are managed and has brought many benefits to hospitals and patients alike.
The function of PACS in hospitals is multifaceted, but its primary purpose is to facilitate the storage and retrieval of medical images. This enables healthcare professionals to access patient information quickly and easily, which can improve patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.
Some of the key benefits of PACS include:
Improved efficiency: PACS eliminates the need for physical film and enables medical images to be shared quickly and easily between healthcare professionals. This can save time and improve the efficiency of medical imaging services.
Enhanced patient care: PACS enables healthcare professionals to access patient information quickly and easily, which can improve patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.
Cost savings: PACS eliminates the need for physical film and the associated costs of processing and storing it. This can result in significant cost savings for hospitals.
How are PACS Evolving?
The benefits of PACS are numerous, and the technology is constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern healthcare. Some of the ways in which PACS is improving include:
Cloud-based solutions: Many PACS vendors now offer cloud-based solutions, which can provide greater flexibility and scalability. This enables healthcare professionals to access medical images from anywhere, at any time.
Artificial intelligence (AI):AI is being integrated into PACS to improve image analysis and interpretation. This can help healthcare professionals to make more accurate diagnoses and provide better patient care.
Mobile access: Many PACS vendors now offer mobile apps, which enable healthcare professionals to access medical images from their mobile devices. This can provide greater flexibility and convenience, particularly for healthcare professionals who are working remotely.
Vesta Teleradiology Works with Your System
Vesta is proud to help integrate their hospital partners with our PACS and systems. This allows clients to provide referring physicians digital access to their own studies, images and reports as soon as they are released. Further, with Vesta Direct Messaging technology, receive reports as well as significant images directly into the RIS. Vesta is always on the lookout to bring the latest technologies to our clients to help improve efficiency, quality while reducing costs
If you need a radiology partner that is not only reliable but can support your workflow, please contact us today: 877-55-VESTA
As a healthcare professional, events like conferences serve as opportunities to learn and grow professionally while expanding our network.
If you want to achieve new insights and techniques in imaging and healthcare, 2023 Imaging and Healthcare Conferences are among the best opportunities. Here are the top conferences in the United States.
RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) 2023
The Radiological Society of North America is one of the largest conferences globally, focusing on radiology and imaging. The conference covers everything from basic science to emerging technologies and features various sessions and workshops covering all field aspects.
RSNA 2023will occur in Chicago, Illinois, from November 27 to December 1, 2023.
The meeting takes place from June 29-July 2, 2023, in the City by the Bay, San Francisco. The SIIM conference offers CME opportunities for attendees to be professionally accredited, making it one of the world’s most significant events in imaging informatics.
The AI in Healthcare Summit aims to bring the world’s brightest minds to discuss ideas on developing AI technology in healthcare imaging. Attendees will enjoy learning from cross-industry thought leaders, researchers, and technology innovators.
CME (Continuing Medical Education) Conferences
Continuing education is essential for professionals in the healthcare industry.CME conferences are offered throughout the year, allowing attendees opportunities for advancement.
Organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the Radiological Society of North America offer these conferences.
Attending these imaging and healthcare conferences will allow you to gain experience and interaction with industry professionals and keep abreast of the latest technology and groundbreaking research.
Plan to attend any of these 2023 conferences to improve yourimaging and healthcare skills and knowledge and keep yourself updated and engaged with peers.
Medical science makes incredible strides every year, finding new ways to heal the sick and injured. One of the most exciting of these new frontiers isultrasound technology.
With its ability to safely and painlessly penetrate the human body, scientists and doctors are discovering new possibilities in diagnosing and treating conditions that previously required more invasive procedures.
Ultrasound in Cancer Treatment
In cancer treatment, chemotherapy often comes with various unpleasant side effects. But new research has shown that ultrasound technology canenhance chemotherapyeffectiveness, sometimes even reducing the dosage of the drugs required.
Ultrasound can also help increase the uptake of cancer drugs into tumors, making their delivery more targeted and efficient.
Ultrasound and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s diseaseis one of the most heartbreaking conditions facing our aging population, and while there is no cure for it, there is hope for better treatment.
Recent research has discovered the possibility of using ultrasound to break up the plaques that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, reducing the inflammation and damage that cause the disease. Research in this field is still in its early stages, but the possibility of a breakthrough treatment in the years to come is an exciting prospect.
Ultrasound Diagnostics
Of course, one of the primary uses ofultrasound in medicine is as a diagnostic tool. However, new studies are refining and expanding the possibilities of what ultrasound can detect.
For example, technicians now use ultrasound to locate anddiagnose skin cancersand traditionalmammographyfor breast cancer screening. Ultrasound also offers a non-invasive way to examine the heart and blood vessels in incredible detail, giving doctors a better understanding of the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.
Ultrasound and Pain Management
In addition to being an incredible diagnostic tool, patients can use ultrasound tomanage pain.
Ultrasound-guided nerve block injections can relieve patients suffering from chronic pain without the side effects of prolonged medication use. Studies are ongoing to refine this technique and expand its benefits beyond chronic pain.
Other Applications of Ultrasound
The research and innovation happening in ultrasound are constantly expanding their possibilities.
For example, researchers are exploring ultrasound technology to treatkidney stones, sometimes allowing for less invasive procedures than traditional surgery.
The possibilities of ultrasound technology seem almost limitless, with new studies constantly uncovering ways to use this powerful tool for medical treatment and research.
From cancer treatment to pain management, diagnostics to disease prevention, ultrasound is a field that promises to revolutionize the face of medicine in the years to come. We can only look forward with enthusiasm and hope for what discoveries may come on this exciting frontier.
Teleradiology in Conjunction with Ultrasound
When you think about the role a teleradiology company like Vesta plays with healthcare providers, you might envision that the radiologists deal only with x-rays and MRI scans. We also work closely with hospitals for ultrasound readings, too. If you’re seeking an extra hand for preliminary and final ultrasound interpretations, please reach out to us today. We can handle any volume, large or small.
Americans, and everyone all over the world, depend on proper medical care. From dental checkups to urgent care visits, medical professionals are absolutely essential, especially when it comes to massive emergencies. If we didn’t learn this fact yet, the pandemic certainly brought it into focus. In 2020, hospitals and medical buildings surged with COVID patients, overloading facilities and professionals alike. Now, with labor shortages, and unfair compensation, nurses and medical staff are going on strike to re-negotiate contracts to make their workplaces a fairer place to be.
Healthcare Strikes Going on Now
Beginning in January of this year, over 7,000 medical professionals went on strike in New York City, saysVox. The strikes involve Mt. Sinai Hospital, and three other facilities, located in the Bronx, owned by Montefiore. Recent contract negotiations failed to provide health care workers with more staff, as well as desired salary compensation, says the article. Over 700 positions are open within the Montefiore facilities, and nurses and medical staff feel overburdened and undervalued. As explained by Vox, when billable hours and revenue collection are limited to doctors who prescribe surgeries and medicine, nurses and other medical staff are a complete cost to the hospital. Even though these professionals are essential to properly run any medical facility, investing in nursing staff becomes a problem when the American structure is a pay-for-treatment transaction in healthcare systems that are for profit.
Last month, on February 27, another strike took place on Long Island with about 800 nurses, saysCBS News. At Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital, nurses are demanding “safe staffing and fair wage,” says the article. 99% of the nurses voted to authorize the strike.
It isn’t just the United States that’s involved with strikes. Across the pond, in the UK, nurses are also having a difficult time negotiating what they need in their contracts, says IN News. For the first time in Royal College of Nursing history, medical staff, which spanned over 100 services, held England’s largest nursing strike on March 1 of this year. In the 48-hour strike, staff from emergency departments, intensive care units, cancer care, and other services were involved, says the article. Compensation, workload, and workplace conditions are the terms UK nurses are fighting for. Since 2010, nurses’ compensation has fallen 8%, says the article.
Both in the US and UK, nurses have made it clear that they do not want to strike, leaving vulnerable patients in a bind, saysUSA Today, and IN News. “Bosses have pushed us to strike by refusing to seriously consider our proposals to address the desperate crisis of unsafe staffing that harms our patients,” said a union representative from The Nurses Association to USA Today.
Re-negotiated contracts and tentative agreements were reached in New York, some involving a raise of 5-7% over the next three years for nursing staff, as well as staffing increases, says Today. Negotiations in the UK came to an agreement on March 16, with more than 1 million NHS staff receiving a raise, saysgov.uk.
Shortage in Radiologists
It’s not just nurses that are in shortage, but alsothose in the radiology field as well.Luckily, partnering with ateleradiology company like Vesta allows you to fill in those gaps you have—whether you’re short-staffed for weekend work or simply need reliable interpretations around the clock. Vesta also offers top-to-bottom healthcare staffing from its sister company,Momentum Healthcare Staffing for positions such as locums tenens and permanent nurse practitioners, physicians, medical assistants and more.
Being told that you need diagnostic imaging can be scary. Healthcare professionals deal with diagnostic imaging every day, so they may become immune to the concerns of patients.
Still, amidst patients’ fear of diagnostic imaging, healthcare professionals can set their minds at ease.
The main thing to remember is to simply treat your patients like humans. Slow down, treat them with kindness, and really listen to their concerns. Doing these simple things can go a long way in setting your patients’ minds at ease.
What Concerns Do Patients Have About Diagnostic Imaging?
One of the most common concerns amongst patients is the claustrophobia caused by MRI machines. Dealing with the tight space of an MRI machine can be very stressful for patients dealing with claustrophobia and anxiety.
Regarding X-rays, patients are often concerned about their radiation exposure. Theyfear that the imaging may put them at increased risk for cancer.
Treat Your Patient Like a Person
One of the most common complaints from patients is that they don’t feel like the person working with them is treating them with care and understanding.
Address the patients concerns
Smile and say hello when you first enter the room. Something as small as a smile can instantly put a person’s mind at ease, especially in a clinical setting that is scary for many patients.
Always refer to the patient by their name. Never refer to them as “the patient” while they are in earshot. Doing so sounds cold, while using their name makes the interaction feel more personal.
Maintain eye contact with your patient. Don’t look at their chart so much that you forget to make them feel like they’re being heard. Eye contact can make them less anxious, especially if they’ve been waiting a long time or have specific fears.
Make sure you sit — standing over a seated patient can be intimidating.
Listen & Understand
Health Management emphasizes how important it is to listen to your patient and ask questions. Let them explain what is going on before you begin to speak. Don’t interrupt them. If they have something to add while you’re talking, allow them to interject and listen to what they say.
Giving your patient space to speak can clarify any confusion on both parts.
After they have finished, reiterate what they’ve said to ensure you understand their concerns. Doing so shows the patient that you are interested in helping them and have respect for their situation. It also ensures that both the patient and healthcare provider are on the same page with treatment going forward.
Also, remember to slow down. Many patients feel that healthcare providers are in a rush, that they’re wasting their time, and that the provider would rather be elsewhere. Patients deserve to feel that their time is valued. Slowing down also helps patients to feel like they are heard and understood.
Watch Your Tone
Patients often come to healthcare providers with sensitive information that can make them feel vulnerable. Health Management encourages professionals to speak to patients with a warm, calm tone of voice. It can do a lot to set their mind at ease. Speaking more slowly can do the same.
Educate Your Patients
Lawrence T. Dauer et al. say professionals should educate their patients. They should know exactly what’s happening during the imaging and what effects the imaging may have on their bodies.
For example, many patients fear how much radiation they’re getting. Explain that they are receiving very little radiation exposure.
Don’t lie to them. Professionals know that repeated exposure, a person’s age, and other factors may increase risk. Patients deserve to know that, but you can set their minds at ease by explaining their risks.
Patients should always have informed consent. They should know precisely what they’re going into and be okay with it. Consent is not just about getting the patient to sign a form. It ensures they are adequately educated about their procedure and entirely on board.
Be Clear
As a healthcare professional, you know a lot of medical and technical jargon that the patient likely does not. Speak straightforwardly, using familiar words. It is crucial that the patient understands what is going on with their treatment.
At the same time, Health Management warns you to be careful not to come across as patronizing. Although patients may not know medical jargon, it doesn’t mean they’re stupid.
Reducing MRI Claustrophobia Concerns
The University of Virginia says the main reason patients are fearful of MRI machines is because they lack understanding of them. Many professionals can ease patients’ minds by informing them that MRI machines are well-lit and open at both ends. They are not closed off and dark, as many patients fear.
Understand some people may have claustrophobia
Professionals can teach their patients easy breathing and meditation techniques to help keep them calm during the procedure. Another option is to tell them to count to keep their minds busy or to go to their “happy place.”
Provide them with a towel or washcloth they can drape over their eyes so they can’t see what’s going on.
Provide patients with headphones and allow them to listen to their music of choice.
Talk to your patients — about anything — get their minds off the procedure.
Conclusion
Diagnostic imaging can be scary for patients, especially those dealing with anxiety. Medical professionals are critical in setting a patient’s mind at ease, and it’s not hard to do.
Slow down, treat your patients with kindness and respect, and ensure they are properly informed. These simple things can help calm your patients and help you build a lasting professional relationship.
March is a month set aside to celebrate women. During this month, Women’s History month, people are encouraged to learn about and celebrate the strong women in their lives and throughout history. But women’s history is wide reaching and all encompassing. There are thousands of women in hundreds of different industries that have made lasting impacts.
One of those industries is the medical industry. Women have left their mark everywhere in medicine and have helped develop new ideas, new medicines and treatments, and new pieces of technology. Let’s take a look atpillars in medical imaging.
History of Medical Imaging
But first, what exactly ismedical imaging? This section of the medical industry includes different technologies that help medical professionals view various internal body systems within the human body. Medical imaging is used to find, diagnose, monitor, and even treat different medical conditions or injury.
Each piece of technology encompassed in medical imaging focuses on a different area or system of the body. Takex-rays for example.X-rays are used to view the skeletal system – the bones – of the body. X-rays are used to identify different issues with a patient’s bones and joints. Other types of medical imaging includes ultrasounds, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and even mammography.
Medical imaging, as a practice, has been around since the last 19th century. It began with the development of x-rays. The first x-ray was taken in 1895, and since then the industry has grown as new pieces of technology have been developed. And women have played a pivotal role in this development.
Women in Medical Imaging
There have been innumerable women who have had a hand in the development and advancement of medical imaging. Of those, there are a few that we’d like to highlight.
Marie Curie
The first woman of medical imaging was a Polish scientist namedMarie Curie. While this name is often familiar to many people, it’s familiar because of her discovery of radium. Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that was instrumental to the development of medical imaging.
Without Marie Curie’s discoveries, medical imaging may not exist, or would at least have been seriously delayed. Medical imaging uses radiation to see within the human body, so Marie Curie and her developments were imperative.
Florence Ada Stoney
Florence Ada Stoney was a radiologist during World War I. While she may not have created a new technology or radiology treatment, she was the lynchpin of women’s participation in medical imaging and radiology.
Florence Ada Stoney in the center pictured with her sister and father
Stoney was not allowed to serve in the x-ray department of a London hospital during the war effort because she was a woman. Rather than admit defeat, Stoney created a volunteer unit comprised entirely of women. In 1915, Stoney was hired as the head of the Fulham Military Hospital’s x-ray department – the first time a woman headed such a department.
Muyinatu Bell
Muyinatu Bell is a modern counterpart of the forerunners of medical imaging. In the mid-2010s, Bell developed a new ultrasound technique that produces higher-quality images and is most effective for use in obese patients.
Without these women, modern medical imaging wouldn’t be where it is today. But this list is not exhaustive. There are countless more women who have found their place in medical imaging and left their mark.
While the number of women actively working in medical imaging is rarelyhigher 30%, no matter what area or discipline, they are still making serious gains. Women are a small portion of the medical imaging world, but they are mighty.
