Terminology describing the profession of Diagnostic Radiography

I have recently read the article by Hooper T et al, Dose reduction in CT imaging for facial bone trauma in adults: A narrative literature review, published in February 2019 edition of Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences1. It is good to see student or recent graduate articles, in this case a narrative literature review, being published. Such work develops professional approaches and the profession itself.

I do have a significant concern. Diagnostic Radiography in both Australian and New Zealand, and in many other countries, is a health profession. In some other countries, radiographers/radiologic technologists are still trying to gain full recognition as a profession from their other medical and health colleagues. The Australian Council of Professions defines a profession as ‘possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised body of learning derived from research, education and training at a high level’,2 and Hashimoto includes detailed discussion on professional autonomy3. There are many articles discussing aspects of professionalism in Diagnostic Radiography, several of which are cited here4-7. Diagnostic Radiography meets the criteria of being a profession, including autonomy, and we should continually assert that we are a profession