[Radiology within the framework of general medicine]

The concept of radiology as an independent basic discipline in medicine has provided a forceful stimulus for the development of this branch of medicine. Due to possible hazards the task of administering ionizing radiation to human subjects should in principle be in the hands of the medical radiologist. Medical radiology must assume the trusteeship for human genetics in the field of ionizing radiation. Although the doubling of the genetically significant dose in Switzerland from 22.3 mr in 1957 to 42.9 mr in 1971 is still within acceptable limits, extreme caution is required. If appropriate precautions are taken,the danger can be controlled without loss of medical effectiveness. The measures involve not only technical aspects; education directed at the thinking of the physicians concerned is also deemed essential. Radiologic procedures will become even more efficient as training is improved and as estensive coordination with other medical disciplines is achieved. Special attention must be paid to the shortage of trained radiologists and technical personnel.