On November 8, 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen made a discovery that would forever change the field of medicine. While conducting experiments with cathode rays, Röntgen noticed an unknown form of radiation capable of penetrating various materials. This mysterious radiation, which he later named “X-rays,” allowed for the first images of the human body’s internal structure without the need for invasive surgery. Röntgen’s discovery was groundbreaking and quickly became foundational in medical diagnostics, leading to life-saving advancements in imaging technology. For his work, he was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) is celebrated annually on 8 November to highlight the essential role of radiology in modern healthcare and to increase public awareness about the significance of radiological imaging.
