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Press Release: MRT Week 2010

The Power of Technology with the Human Touch: A Celebration of Canada's Medical Radiation Technologists

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Nov. 5, 2010) - The celebration of MRT Week in Canada is November 7-13, 2010. MRT week is held annually in the week that contains November 8, the anniversary of the founding of the x-ray by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. This is a week set aside to celebrate The Power of Technology with the Human Touch, in recognition of the significant contributions of medical radiation technologists (MRTs). 

The MRT profession has evolved as technologies have advanced, from the date when Roentgen first produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range today known as X-rays. Today, MRTs play a critical role in Canada's healthcare system, providing the high-tech diagnoses and radiation-related treatments that keep us on the forefront of innovations and quality of life. You will find MRTs not only in hospitals and clinics from coast to coast, but on the battlefields wherever the Canadian Forces are deployed; in the dressing rooms of our professional sport teams; and in this past year, on the field of play at the Vancouver Olympics. 

The MRT profession today includes a diverse array of highly-trained professionals representing various technology-related disciplines in the health care field:

Radiological technologists produce images of body parts and systems by performing exams in general x-ray, CT, breast imaging, and operating room procedures. They are expert in the operation of complex medical radiation equipment. while providing comprehensive, compassionate care to each patient.

Radiation therapists are responsible for planning and administering the radiation treatment for cancer patients. Therapists offer ongoing care and support to patients and their families during the course of treatment.

Nuclear medicine technologists have technical expertise in the use of radiopharmaceuticals and radiation physics, allowing them to perform diagnostic imaging procedures with sophisticated technology. Their use of exceptional quality assurance techniques provides for patient safety and comfort.

Magnetic resonance technologists produce diagnostic images using equipment that generates radio waves and a strong magnetic field. Extensive knowledge of anatomy, pathology and physiology allow MRI technologists to obtain images, monitoring and caring for patients during scans.

All of these specialists will be acknowledged for their work during the week of November 7-13, 2010 in celebrations planned across the country. This initiative is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and carried out in collaboration with provincial member associations of the CAMRT. 

About CAMRT: Founded in 1942, the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) is a federation of ten provincial associations who share a common membership of over 11,000. CAMRT is the national certifying body for radiological technologists, radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technologists and magnetic resonance technologists and, as such, provides the national entry to practice certification examinations. The CAMRT is also the national professional association that represents and promotes the MRT profession and is an active participant in the Canadian health system. It offers quality professional development programs, advocates on behalf of the MRT profession, publishes the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, conducts an annual conference and develops and promotes statements of professional best practice.  

For more information, please contact
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
Leacy O'Callaghan-O'Brien
Director, Advocacy, Communications and Events
613-234-0012 x 230 or 1-800-463-9729
lobrien@camrt.ca