International Day of Radiology

International Day of Radiology is celebrated each year on November 8, honoring the day in 1895 when Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays, marking a major milestone in medical imaging and healthcare.

History of International Day of Radiology

The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) was launched in 2012 as a joint initiative by the European Society of Radiology (ESR), the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), and the American College of Radiology (ACR), to raise global awareness of the key role of radiology in patient care.
November 8 was chosen specifically because it marks the anniversary of Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895—a moment that transformed medical diagnostics and led to the development of the radiology field. ¹

Why is International Day of Radiology important?

This day shines a spotlight on how radiology—from X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, to ultrasound—plays an indispensable role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases, often saving lives or avoiding invasive procedures.
It also provides an opportunity to recognize the thousands of radiologists, radiographers, and imaging technicians worldwide, whose work behind the scenes supports modern healthcare, and to increase public understanding of imaging technologies, their benefits, and their risks.

• It honors the discovery and development of medical imaging technologies.
• It raises awareness of how imaging supports diagnosis and treatment.
• It highlights the contributions of radiology professionals and technologists.
• It encourages innovation and research in imaging and radiology.
• It educates the public on safe and appropriate use of imaging.

How to Celebrate International Day of Radiology

On November 8, hospitals, imaging centers, professional societies, and patient groups around the world hold open days, public lectures, media outreach, or social media campaigns to highlight imaging’s role in healthcare.
For individuals, you might take the opportunity to learn more about imaging: ask your doctor about the role of a scan you’ve had, thank a radiology technologist you know, or share on social media an appreciation of how imaging has affected someone’s care.

• Visit or support a radiology department’s open day or public talk.
• Share a story of how medical imaging helped you or a loved one.
• Learn one interesting fact about a modality you don’t know well—MRI, CT, PET, or ultrasound.
• Follow the hashtag #IDoR or #InternationalDayOfRadiology on social media and share a photo or post.
• Advocate for safe imaging practices—appropriate use, radiation safety, and informed choice.

International Day of Radiology Dates Table

1. https://www.internationaldayofradiology.com/[↩]