Radiology, the discipline that employs imaging techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, has significantly reshaped contemporary medicine. What began with ethereal images on glass plates has progressed into the advanced 3D imaging and AI-enhanced diagnostic tools we depend on today. This journey has been marked by remarkable discoveries, serendipitous findings, and instances of both success and adversity. Below are some of the most significant milestones in the evolution of radiology.

1. The Discovery of X-Rays (1895)

The journey commenced with an enigmatic luminescence. In 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen stumbled upon X-rays while conducting experiments with cathode rays. He observed a fluorescent screen illuminating despite not being exposed to direct light. Within a matter of weeks, he captured the first X-ray image—his wife’s hand, which displayed her bones and wedding ring. This pivotal moment revolutionized diagnostic practices and earned Roentgen the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

2. Marie Curie and the Advent of Mobile Radiology (World War I)

Marie Curie, a distinguished two-time Nobel Prize laureate, transformed medical care on the battlefield during World War I. She invented and implemented mobile X-ray units, referred to as “Little Curies,” enabling physicians to identify bullets and shrapnel without resorting to invasive procedures. With over a million soldiers examined using her devices, Curie’s impact on radiology was both valiant and scientific.

3. The First CT Scan (1971)

British engineer Sir Godfrey Hounsfield and South African physicist Allan Cormack pioneered computed tomography (CT), which integrated X-rays with computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the human body. The inaugural CT scan was conducted in 1971 on a patient suspected of having a brain tumor. This innovation provided an unparalleled glimpse inside the body and paved the way for new advancements in diagnostic imaging.

4. MRI: Imaging Without Radiation (1977)

In 1977, the first human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed. Developed by Raymond Damadian and advanced by Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield, MRI utilized magnets and radio waves instead of ionizing radiation, marking a significant advancement in non-invasive imaging techniques.

5. Teleradiology and the Digital Transformation (1990s–2000s)

As the internet evolved, so did the field of radiology. The introduction of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) and teleradiology enabled the storage, transmission, and remote interpretation of medical images. This advancement allowed radiologists to analyze scans from anywhere in the world, accelerating the diagnostic process and enhancing access in areas with limited resources. Although it was a subtle shift, it fundamentally transformed the discipline.

6. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (2010s–Present)

In recent years, artificial intelligence has transitioned from the realm of science fiction to become a vital component in radiology. Advanced algorithms now aid in the identification of lung nodules, brain hemorrhages, fractures, and even in forecasting patient outcomes. While AI has not supplanted radiologists—and is unlikely to do so—it has emerged as an essential tool, enhancing the detection of subtle patterns and increasing overall efficiency.

7. The Radium Girls: A Somber Lesson from History (1920s)

Not all aspects of radiology’s past are positive. During the 1920s, young women employed in watch manufacturing painted dials with radium-infused paint. They were instructed to “lip-point” their brushes, which led to the inadvertent ingestion of harmful levels of radiation. Many of these women suffered from severe health issues, and their plight prompted significant changes in occupational safety regulations and standards for radiological protection.