Radiation safety plays a critical role in every medical imaging department, but it is often overlooked until there is a problem. A strong radiation safety program protects patients, staff, physicians, and the organization as a whole.
In a recent episode of AHRA’s Medical Imaging Matters podcast, Will Breeden of One Physics joined Dr. Paul Hanny of Banner Health and Chris Mitchell of Kettering Health to discuss the evolving role of Radiation Safety Officers and radiation safety teams.
The conversation made one thing clear: radiation safety is not just about compliance. It is about building a culture of safety.
Radiation Safety Officers are responsible for supporting the safe use of radiation across healthcare settings. Their work may include staff training, dose monitoring, equipment safety, policy development, regulatory readiness, radioactive materials oversight, and patient protection.
But RSOs cannot do this work alone. Successful programs depend on collaboration between imaging leaders, technologists, physicists, radiologists, radiation therapy teams, nuclear medicine teams, and administrators. Imaging directors, in particular, play an important role in making sure safety practices are followed every day.
The discussion also highlighted that RSOs can come from different career paths. Some are physicists. Others are nuclear medicine technologists, radiologists, or experienced imaging professionals. What matters most is that the RSO has the right training, support, and access to technical expertise when needed.
As imaging services become more complex, especially with the growth of theranostics and advanced procedures, healthcare organizations need to evaluate whether their radiation safety programs are keeping pace. Some may need in-house support. Others may benefit from contracted or hybrid models. The right solution depends on the size, scope, and complexity of the organization.
The key takeaway is simple: radiation safety should be proactive, visible, and integrated into the imaging department’s daily operations.
When RSOs are supported and safety responsibilities are shared across the team, organizations are better prepared for inspections, better equipped to protect staff and patients, and better positioned to deliver high-quality imaging care.