The importance of accreditation

摘要

I am the American College of Radiology representative to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Board of Directors, and I feel very strongly that programmatic accreditation of educational programs is of utmost importance to the future of the radiologic sciences. Some people might wonder why I, a radiologist, feel so strongly about the quality of education for radiologic technologists. The answer is simple: I want patients to receive the best health care possible. Radiologists often are thought of as a "physician's physician." Clinical physicians seek out radiologists to assist not only in the diagnosis of a patient's illness but also to monitor and treat patients. As a result, patients coming to the radiology department are apprehensive of what the given examination will entail, afraid of what we will find, and hopeful that we will be able to tell them what is wrong. These patients are often in a vulnerable state, and it is important to me-and my fellow radiologists-that patients are treated with professionalism and respect.