Women’s Best Radiology in History
Women have broken down boundaries and established new imaging and safety standards throughout history, contributing significantly to the development of radiology and breast imaging.
In honour of Women’s History Month, this article highlights a handful of the trailblazing women who have shaped the areas of radiography and mammography by fusing their passion, creativity, and commitment to further medical science and save countless lives.
Marie Curie
1867-1934
Through her groundbreaking research on radioactivity, Marie Curie—whose name is associated with radiology—established the use of X-rays in diagnosis and treatment. Because of her mobile X-ray equipment during World War I, which significantly improved the medical care given to soldiers, she is regarded as a pioneer in radiological technology. Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in both chemistry and physics, and she was also the only person to do so.
Although not exclusively focused on breast cancer, Curie’s work aided in the development of radiation-based diagnostic methods such as mammography.
Elizabeth Fleischmann
1867-1905
In the late 19th century, Elizabeth Fleischmann, an American pioneer in radiology, used X-ray technology to identify illnesses. Around 1896, Dr. Fleischmann opened her own X-ray lab in San Francisco, where she performed examinations on patients’ behalf for nearby doctors.
Her work offered priceless insights into the medical and dental applications of X-rays, despite the risks of radiation exposure. Unfortunately, she died after having her right arm amputated due to radiation-induced cancer.
Florence Stoney
1870-1932
As the first female radiologist in the UK, Dr. Florence Stoney created history. In the early 20th century, she was a trailblazer who broke down barriers between genders in a field that was dominated by men.
At London’s Royal Free Hospital, Dr. Stoney established the X-ray department. Her knowledge and leadership were crucial in making radiography a recognised field of medicine. Dr. Stoney helped diagnose a number of illnesses, including anomalies of the breast, through her work. Her dedication to precise diagnosis and patient care had a major impact on diagnostic medicine by helping to establish radiology as a crucial medical speciality.
Alice Ettinger
1899-1993
A well-known radiologist and medical professor at Tufts University School of Medicine was Dr. Alice Ettinger. In 1932, Ettinger introduced the spot-film imaging method to the US.
Ettinger was awarded a Gold Medal by the radiography Society of North America in 1982, and the American College of Radiology presented her with a Gold Medal Award in 1984 for her outstanding contributions to the science of radiography.