The Hand That Made History: Röntgen’s First X-Ray
On a chilly November evening in 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen noticed something strange in his lab — a screen glowing for no reason. Curious, he spent days and nights experimenting, barely leaving the lab, until he discovered something incredible: a new kind of ray that could pass through objects and reveal what was inside.
His first X-ray? A hauntingly beautiful image of his wife Anna Bertha’s hand, showing her bones and her wedding ring. Imagine the wonder of seeing something so invisible, so ordinary, in a completely new way!
The world was amazed. Doctors quickly realized X-rays could help them see inside the human body without surgery — spotting broken bones, locating bullets, and saving lives.
Despite all the attention, Röntgen stayed humble. He refused to patent his discovery, believing it belonged to everyone. His curiosity, generosity, and perseverance changed medicine forever — earning him the very first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
On a chilly November evening in 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen noticed something strange in his lab — a screen glowing for no reason. Curious, he spent days and nights experimenting, barely leaving the lab, until he discovered something incredible: a new kind of ray that could pass through objects and reveal what was inside.
His first X-ray? A hauntingly beautiful image of his wife Anna Bertha’s hand, showing her bones and her wedding ring. Imagine the wonder of seeing something so invisible, so ordinary, in a completely new way!
The world was amazed. Doctors quickly realized X-rays could help them see inside the human body without surgery — spotting broken bones, locating bullets, and saving lives.
Despite all the attention, Röntgen stayed humble. He refused to patent his discovery, believing it belonged to everyone. His curiosity, generosity, and perseverance changed medicine forever — earning him the very first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
Why I Became a Radiologist?
It all started in my fourth year of medical school — the year of fractures, bowel obstructions, and endless gray-scale images that somehow spoke volumes to those who cared to listen.During my radiology rotation, I watched the radiologist explaining what seemed like ordinary black-and-white images. But to her, they weren’t just shades of gray — they were stories. Stories of pain, healing, and hope. That was the moment I knew: I wanted to speak that language.Then came my OB-GYN rotation — and I saw something that changed me forever. The beating heart of a tiny fetus on the screen. Life itself, revealed through sound waves and pixels.From that day, I knew my direction was clear. I wanted to be the radiologist who sees from head to toe, who deciphers the silent stories of the human body without ever making an incision.My residency years were tough — long nights, endless cases, and the constant drive to learn. But I’m always proud to have been one of the only female resident among ten radiology residents of my batch. They were more than colleagues; they were my team. They taught me the power of teamwork, resilience, and shared purpose.The COVID years and internal conflicts were the most difficult part of the residency program. But those challenges shaped us — made us sharper, stronger, and more compassionate for the community we were serving.Now, as a general radiologist, I feel my presence matters every single day. Each patient is more than a case to report. Even when looking at their pain can be heartbreaking, being able to diagnose their disease and contribute to their care is deeply fulfilling.My presence matters.Every shade of gray tells a story — and I’m honored to be the one who reads it.Happy International Day of Radiology!Dr. Netsanet Abreham Mamo
General Radiologist | Private Practice
#WorldRadiographyDay #radiographers #IDoR2025
It all started in my fourth year of medical school — the year of fractures, bowel obstructions, and endless gray-scale images that somehow spoke volumes to those who cared to listen.During my radiology rotation, I watched the radiologist explaining what seemed like ordinary black-and-white images. But to her, they weren’t just shades of gray — they were stories. Stories of pain, healing, and hope. That was the moment I knew: I wanted to speak that language.Then came my OB-GYN rotation — and I saw something that changed me forever. The beating heart of a tiny fetus on the screen. Life itself, revealed through sound waves and pixels.From that day, I knew my direction was clear. I wanted to be the radiologist who sees from head to toe, who deciphers the silent stories of the human body without ever making an incision.My residency years were tough — long nights, endless cases, and the constant drive to learn. But I’m always proud to have been one of the only female resident among ten radiology residents of my batch. They were more than colleagues; they were my team. They taught me the power of teamwork, resilience, and shared purpose.The COVID years and internal conflicts were the most difficult part of the residency program. But those challenges shaped us — made us sharper, stronger, and more compassionate for the community we were serving.Now, as a general radiologist, I feel my presence matters every single day. Each patient is more than a case to report. Even when looking at their pain can be heartbreaking, being able to diagnose their disease and contribute to their care is deeply fulfilling.My presence matters.Every shade of gray tells a story — and I’m honored to be the one who reads it.Happy International Day of Radiology!Dr. Netsanet Abreham Mamo
General Radiologist | Private Practice
#WorldRadiographyDay #radiographers #IDoR2025
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to warmly welcome you all to this year’s International Day of Radiology, celebrated under the theme “The Essential Role of Radiologists in the Emergency Room.”
Let us use this occasion to share our messages with fellow radiologists and stakeholders, and to strengthen our collective efforts toward improving emergency radiology services in our country.Once again, welcome, and Happy International Day of Radiology!
Dr. Ferdosa AhmedHead, Department of Radiology Addis Ababa University
#IDoR2025 #WorldRadiographyDay #radiographers #WRD2025
I would like to warmly welcome you all to this year’s International Day of Radiology, celebrated under the theme “The Essential Role of Radiologists in the Emergency Room.”
Let us use this occasion to share our messages with fellow radiologists and stakeholders, and to strengthen our collective efforts toward improving emergency radiology services in our country.Once again, welcome, and Happy International Day of Radiology!
Dr. Ferdosa AhmedHead, Department of Radiology Addis Ababa University
#IDoR2025 #WorldRadiographyDay #radiographers #WRD2025
SPHMMC Celebrates World Radiology Day with the Radiology Society of Ethiopia
St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) celebrated World Radiology Day this year in collaboration with the Radiology Society of Ethiopia, honoring the dedication of radiologists, radiographers, and staff who play a vital role in saving lives.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Fekadu Negash, Clinical Service Deputy Director, congratulated the radiology team and emphasized that the college continues to support excellence in both medical services and education at St. Paul’s.
Dr. Shewalema Negash, Acting Director of the Radiology Department, said the department is proud to celebrate the day and recognize its achievements in education and patient care.
On behalf of the Radiology Society of Ethiopia, Prof. Tesfaye Kebede, Vice President, highlighted the urgent need to improve emergency radiology services in the country. He said that timely and specialized imaging is critical for saving lives.
The celebration recognized the achievements of SPHMMC’s radiology staff and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen emergency imaging services across Ethiopia.
St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) celebrated World Radiology Day this year in collaboration with the Radiology Society of Ethiopia, honoring the dedication of radiologists, radiographers, and staff who play a vital role in saving lives.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Fekadu Negash, Clinical Service Deputy Director, congratulated the radiology team and emphasized that the college continues to support excellence in both medical services and education at St. Paul’s.
Dr. Shewalema Negash, Acting Director of the Radiology Department, said the department is proud to celebrate the day and recognize its achievements in education and patient care.
On behalf of the Radiology Society of Ethiopia, Prof. Tesfaye Kebede, Vice President, highlighted the urgent need to improve emergency radiology services in the country. He said that timely and specialized imaging is critical for saving lives.
The celebration recognized the achievements of SPHMMC’s radiology staff and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen emergency imaging services across Ethiopia.
World Radiology Day 2025
Happy World Radiology Day!
" Empowering Healthcare through Imaging Excellence,"
When Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, the world of medicine was forever changed. What began as a mysterious glow revealing the hidden structures of the human body became the cornerstone of modern diagnosis and treatment. From fragile glass plates to sturdy film systems and now to the digital era, radiology has continually evolved—each step bringing greater precision, speed, and accessibility.
Today, we stand at the crossroads of digital radiology and artificial intelligence. These technologies are not replacing our human expertise—they are expanding it. AI-assisted imaging enhances our vision, supports our decisions, and helps us detect the smallest details that once went unnoticed. Still, it is the radiologist’s insight and the technologist’s skilled hands that bring life and meaning to every pixel and every scan.
As Ethiopian medical radiologic technologists, radiographers, and radiologists, we proudly carry forward the legacy of those who saw light in the unseen and explored it for the good of humanity. Our role goes beyond the technical—it is profoundly human. We comfort the anxious, reveal truth with care, and ensure that every image serves as a bridge to healing.
On this World Radiology Day 2025, let us celebrate our profession’s rich history and promising future. May we continue to learn, innovate, and serve with compassion and integrity, lighting the way toward better health for all.
Girma Hirpa Demissie
Expert Medical Radiologic Technologist
Kidus Petros specialized Hospital,Radiology department
Happy World Radiology Day!
" Empowering Healthcare through Imaging Excellence,"
When Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, the world of medicine was forever changed. What began as a mysterious glow revealing the hidden structures of the human body became the cornerstone of modern diagnosis and treatment. From fragile glass plates to sturdy film systems and now to the digital era, radiology has continually evolved—each step bringing greater precision, speed, and accessibility.
Today, we stand at the crossroads of digital radiology and artificial intelligence. These technologies are not replacing our human expertise—they are expanding it. AI-assisted imaging enhances our vision, supports our decisions, and helps us detect the smallest details that once went unnoticed. Still, it is the radiologist’s insight and the technologist’s skilled hands that bring life and meaning to every pixel and every scan.
As Ethiopian medical radiologic technologists, radiographers, and radiologists, we proudly carry forward the legacy of those who saw light in the unseen and explored it for the good of humanity. Our role goes beyond the technical—it is profoundly human. We comfort the anxious, reveal truth with care, and ensure that every image serves as a bridge to healing.
On this World Radiology Day 2025, let us celebrate our profession’s rich history and promising future. May we continue to learn, innovate, and serve with compassion and integrity, lighting the way toward better health for all.
Girma Hirpa Demissie
Expert Medical Radiologic Technologist
Kidus Petros specialized Hospital,Radiology department
Today marks the 14th Annual International Day of Radiology! Celebrating the medical professionals to recognize and promote the pivotal role that radiology plays in the Patient Journey. #WorldRadiologyDay #IDoR2025 #SPHMMC #Radiology
Pan-African Surgical Forum Guests Visit St. Paul’s Hospital.
Yesterday, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) warmly welcomed participants of the Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum, which opened this week at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.
The Forum brings together health leaders and experts from 54 African countries under the theme:
“From National Healthcare Policy to Practice: Expanding Africa’s Multidisciplinary Surgical Workforce.”
During their visit, guests toured our surgical wards and operating rooms, seeing how our teams care for patients and train the next generation of surgeons. They were especially interested in our initiative — “Clearing the Backlog: The SPHMMC Experience” — which shows how teamwork and innovation are helping more patients receive timely surgery.The tour was held in the presence of Dr. Aschalew Worku, Advisor to H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health.
The visitors were welcomed by Dr. Lemi Belay, Vice Provost for Academic and Medical Services, who shared how St. Paul’s blends education and compassionate care to make a difference in people’s lives.
It was a proud moment for our hospital community — sharing experiences, learning together, and celebrating Africa’s shared commitment to better surgical care for all.
Yesterday, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) warmly welcomed participants of the Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum, which opened this week at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.
The Forum brings together health leaders and experts from 54 African countries under the theme:
“From National Healthcare Policy to Practice: Expanding Africa’s Multidisciplinary Surgical Workforce.”
During their visit, guests toured our surgical wards and operating rooms, seeing how our teams care for patients and train the next generation of surgeons. They were especially interested in our initiative — “Clearing the Backlog: The SPHMMC Experience” — which shows how teamwork and innovation are helping more patients receive timely surgery.The tour was held in the presence of Dr. Aschalew Worku, Advisor to H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health.
The visitors were welcomed by Dr. Lemi Belay, Vice Provost for Academic and Medical Services, who shared how St. Paul’s blends education and compassionate care to make a difference in people’s lives.
It was a proud moment for our hospital community — sharing experiences, learning together, and celebrating Africa’s shared commitment to better surgical care for all.