Celebrating Radiology Week 2021
This week is National Radiologic Technology Week, celebrated annually to acknowledge and recognize the essential work that our radiology team does across the entire UK HealthCare enterprise. The week of November 7-13 was chosen to commemorate Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen's discovery of the x-ray on November 8, 1895.
To celebrate and recognize our team, we put together a short Q&A to explain the important role they play in patient care and healthcare safety.
What does UK Radiology do?
UK Radiology provides a wide variety of imaging services for all different types of patients – emergency, inpatients and outpatients. From CT scans for stroke patients in the Emergency Department or portable x-ray imaging on inpatients to outpatient MRI exams, the staff in Radiology provide over half a million imaging exams annually. Our goal is to consistently provide high quality, safe imaging for each patient.
How many Radiology employees are employed at UK HealthCare?
The Radiology team includes approximately 340 clinical, clinical support and administrative staff who work with 89 faculty, residents and fellows. The department is spread over a number of physical locations at Chandler Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Office Building, Kentucky Clinic, Turfland, Kentucky Clinic South and Polk Dalton.
How has Radiology expanded services during the pandemic?
Every member of the Radiology team has worked hard this past year to meet challenges head on. The x-ray department has spent a significant amount of effort supporting the COVID units. CT, x-ray and ultrasound staff working in the EDs have stepped up to meet changing demands of patient volume and safety measures. Our MRI and Nuclear Medicine teams have expanded capacity. The Radiology outpatient areas have remained open throughout pandemic. Staff in these areas adjusted workflows to ensure a safe patient experience for all patients – even those patients with COVID-like symptoms.
Why is UK Radiology so important?
Approximately 80% of patients who visit UK get some type of imaging during their course of treatment. Radiology services must be flexible to care for the wide variety of specialized patient care services that UK offers.
How is UK Radiology an area leader in technology and advanced medicine?
UK Radiology is a leader in technology as well as services offered. Radiology physicians, technologists, sonographers and support staff at UK have chosen to be a part of the largest, most complex department in the region. Radiology provides services to a complex mix of patients referred to UK HealthCare from the Commonwealth and beyond.
How does radiology work with other departments to help patients?
Radiology has close working relationships with a number of departments. These include, but are not limited to, the Operating Rooms, Emergency Departments, Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, as well as the Cardiovascular, Neurosciences, Urology, Transplant, and Gastrointestinal service lines.
