[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 31, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 31, 1995

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to a medical 
association that most of us know very little about, but rely on every 
day when we walk into a hospital or medical clinic for diagnosis of an 
injury or treatment for cancer. This society has existed for 75 years 
with most of us taking for granted the fine professionals who are 
committed to the safety of patients receiving x rays, ultrasound, and 
radiopharmaceuticals. Therefore, it seems befitting in this centennial 
year of the discovery of the x ray that we pay tribute to these 
radiologic technologists, therapists, and sonographers.
  1995 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the x ray 
by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen and celebrates the 75th year of the oldest 
radiologic technologist society in the world. Roentgen's discovery 
revolutionized medicine allowing doctors to view the inner workings of 
the human body like never before. The American Society of Radiologic 
Technologists was the first to establish professional standards for 
radiologic technologists performing x rays, emphasizing quality 
techniques and radiation protection for both patient and technologist.
  With more than 200,000 radiologic technology professionals 
nationwide, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is on the 
forefront in promoting patient safety and technologist education. 
Society founder, Ed Jerman, brought together 13 technologists in 1920 
to form an association that would advance the profession and the 
technologists working in radiologic technology. His dedication to 
professionalism and service remains the foundation of the society.
  Technologists, therapists, and sonographers operate the equipment and 
deal directly with patients to produce the images that physicians use 
to diagnose and develop treatment plans. Radiologic technologists' 
skill and professionalism in performing exams influences the quality of 
patient health care from excellent images, to accurate diagnosis and 
treatment, to effective follow up.
  For 75 years the ASRT has responded to the issues challenging 
radiologic technologists and the profession. Ed Jerman was the first to 
standardize radiographic techniques in the 1920's. The ASRT helped 
establish uniform educational and accreditation standards in the 
1950's. The testimony of the ASRT's leaders assisted in the passage of 
the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act in 1981. Today, 
the society continues to promote radiation safety by supporting 
licensure at the State level and continuing education for all 
radiologic technologists. The ASRT's dedication to high standards in 
safety and education acknowledges the vital role of radiologic 
technology professionals as members of today's health care team.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to such a 
hard-working, dedicated group of professionals represented by the 
American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

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