2017 World Radiography Day (November 8)
WORLD RADIOGRAPHY DAY (WRD) NOV 8, 2017
2017 theme: We care about your safety
Preamble: World Radiography Day (WRD) as Radiographers in Nigeria, and on different corners of the globe call it, is a special and treasured day. It is considered, and celebrated as, the professional birthday of the Radiography profession. That day, for the the avoidance of doubt, is 8th November.
We are convinced that the keyword is Radiography and nothing else, since Radiology, Radiation Science, and, or Medical Imaging were subsequent, serendipitous evolutions, consequent on that spectacular and history-changing happenstance of the late 19th century.
The Historical Event
What actually happened? A 50-year old German researcher who trained as a physicist, and was appointed professor of Physics at 30 years, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, accidentally discovered a hitherto unknown electromagnetic rays.
That singular feat, by that great mind, opened up a whole world of possibilities in the sciences and medicine. The discovery was so profound that the discoverer won the first Nobel prize in Physics 6 years later (1901). Documented evidence abound to confirm that his wife was his first 'patient', with a popular radiograph of a ringed finger available as evidence.
Sadly, Roetgen's wife and himself were radiation matyrs, as they fell under the heavy blow of the sledgehammer of carcinoma in 1919 and 1923, respectively.
Due Memorial/Anniversary
As mortals whose training and livelihood is built on that miracle of the evening of Friday, 8th November, 1895, marking that day in fanfare, glamour, and with visible impact on the society, is our mimimum obligation. The emphasis is however, on the discovery, rather than the discoverer who has been adequately immortalized. He won the first Nobel prize in Physics, a chemical element (111, Roentgenium) was named after him by IUPAC in 2004, a statue stands regal in his honour in Germany, amongst other garlands.
WRD Celebration is A Mandate/Mandatory for Nigerian Radiographers
The national ARN mandates every state of Nigeria where there are atleast 5 radiographers to mark that anniversary. It would be unimaginable for a trained radiographer who has been ‘found worthy in character and learning’, to be indifferent to that professional birthday. We urge those alone in their locality, since that is a possibility in our clime, to find a way to give back to society using their skills or their assets.
From the national headquarters of the ARN, the marking of WRD is strong proof that a state have radiographers who are alive to their responsibilities.
Uniform Theme
There shall not be a separate theme for WRD from that of the international society of radiographers and radiologic technologists (ISRRT). The ARN concedes that prerogative to them. Maintaining uniformity in times like this will likely consolidate the impact of the occasion, and send a strong message to the society about our common aspirations.
Subthemes could however, be built around ‘safety’ and ‘care’ which are the keywords in the theme. But the logo and global theme should appear on whatever may be printed or designed.
Our guiding principle is one profession, one collective destiny, one message.
And like the former ARN President, Prince Ayo Okhiria would preach, “We are stronger together.â€
Thank you, great and diligent colleagues.
© ARN EDUCOM, 8 October, 2017
01 Comments
John Doe
03 Days Agoncididunt ut labore elore lokate magna aliqua enim adminim sitae veniam quis nostrud acitation ullamcoaris nisiutia aliquip ex ea commodo consequat aute irure dolor reprehenderit inoluptate velitita esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas.
Ryann Ridgeway
05 Minutes Agoncididunt ut labore elore lokate magna aliqua enim adminim sitae veniam quis nostrud acitation ullamcoaris nisiutia aliquip ex ea commodo consequat aute irure dolor reprehenderit inoluptate velitita esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas.