Cutline: Pictured are imaging staff at HCMC enjoying food and fellowship during National Radiologic Technology Week in 2018. Celebrating this year looks a little different, but our staff still are enjoying food and recognition during this time.
Paris, TN – Providing patients with safe medical imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments is the prime goal for the nation’s radiologic technologists. To recognize the vital work of its R.T.s, Henry County Medical Center is celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week®, November 8-14, 2020 and X-Ray Discovery Day, November 8, 2020.
Diagnostic imaging has greatly improved since the X-ray was first discovered in 1895. According to Joe Gwaltney, Director of Imaging, the invention of the X-ray plays an instrumental role in providing high-quality patient care and improved outcomes.
“Most people know that the X-ray is used to produce images of inside the body he said. “But the general public often doesn’t know about the various advanced radiology systems that perform sophisticated medical tests using X-rays, such as Cat Scan, Mammography and Nuclear Medicine.
The radiology staff at Henry County Medical Center is composed of one radiologist with 45 radiologic technologists, and performs 62,000 X-ray exams annually, in addition to many CT scans, ultrasounds and mammograms.
“X-ray technology allows us to produce high-quality images that help physicians quickly and accurately detect, diagnose and treat injury and illness,” Gwaltney said. “Our team is extremely dedicated to providing the best possible patient care, and we’re excited to celebrate our achievements during National Radiologic Technology Week.”
Radiologic Technology Week activities will include:
- Food, Games and Recognition of Staff
NRTW was created by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists in 1979. The event is celebrated each year during the week of Nov. 8, the day that German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered the x-ray in 1895.
Medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals work with some of the most innovative equipment in the medical field to help identify pathologies, plan and administer treatment and restore patient health. R.T.s specialize in breast imaging, computed tomography, cardiac-interventional procedures, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, radiation therapy and general diagnostic radiology.
At HCMC, we offer imaging services both at the main campus and the Diagnostic Center. The Henry County Diagnostic Center is a 10,000 square foot facility which integrates state-of-the-art technology with convenience, comfort and communication to ensure that patients have the best experience possible. This technically advanced Imaging facility is a place where our exceptional Radiologists read images from the most advanced digital imaging equipment available. This means that images are viewed electronically rather than on traditional film.
Digital imaging provides clearer, more detailed images. Patients are now able to have their outpatient exams done in a timely manner with easy access thanks to a patient drop off and close parking.
Services offered at the facility include:
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- Diagnostic X-Ray
- EKGs
- Laboratory
- Pre-admission Testing
- Specialized Women’s Imaging
- Mammography
- Diagnostic Mammography
- Screening Mammography
- 3D Tomosynthesis
- Breast Ultrasound
- CAD: Computer-aided
- Bone Densitometry Detection
The Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology, The Joint Commission, and certified by the FDA. The Center is recognized as a Diagnostic Center of Excellence. All Radiologists are board certified by the American College of Radiology.
Contact Joe Gwaltney, Director of Imaging, at 731-644-8482, or by e-mail at jgwaltney@hcmc-tn.org for more information. You can also go online to learn about imaging services at HCMC at www.hcmc-tn.org.
About ASRT
The ASRT represents more than 152,000 members who perform medical imaging procedures or plan and deliver radiation therapy. The Society is the largest radiologic science association in the world. Its mission is to advance and elevate the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality and safety of patient care.
About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit in. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org