[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 RADIOLOGY: 100 YEARS OF HEALTH PROGRESS

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 1995
  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, just 100 years ago this year, a German 
physicist, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, discovered x rays. Within weeks, 
American scientists, physicians, and industrialists were making new 
discoveries with x rays and were putting them to work in medicine and 
industry. No major scientific discovery ever spread so fast or found 
such instant acceptance in many areas of life.
  At first physicians peered at dim images to perceive bullets, bones, 
and kidney stones. Equipment and technique were improved. Soon 
physicians could look for other health problems with x rays. They 
learned that x rays could be used to cure some diseases, particularly 
forms of cancer. A medical specialty, radiology, grew among the men and 
women who applied x rays in health care.
  Over the century, radiologists added to their competence with the 
products of scientific breakthroughs. From the atomic bomb research 
came radioisotopes, so vital for diagnosing body organ function and 
treating cancers. From radar and sonar came medical applications of 
ultrasound. From the space efforts came the ability to analyze images 
electronically, bounce them off of satellites, and store them for 
instant recall. From computers came computed tomography and magnetic 
resonance imaging. The million-volt energies of linear accelerators 
allow radiation oncologists to deliver pinpoint treatment of cancers.
  This year, two-thirds of all Americans will receive a medical 
diagnostic imaging procedure. Two-thirds of those with cancers will 
receive radiation as part of their treatment. In a hundred years, 
radiology has become a vital part of our health care pattern.
  During this year, more than 100 professional societies and companies 
which supply the family of radiology have organized Radiology 
Centennial, Inc. to conduct a year-long series of celebratory events. 
Among these events is a special convocation on April 30 here in 
Washington.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the record show that this House joins other 
Americans in recognizing the value of radiology to all of us in this, 
its 100th year.


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