title: Radiation in medicine: Origins, risks and aspirations.
abstract: The use of radiation in medicine is now pervasive and routine. From their crude beginnings 100 years ago, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy have all evolved into advanced techniques, and are regarded as essential tools across all branches and specialties of medicine. The inherent properties of ionizing radiation provide many benefits, but can also cause potential harm. Its use within medical practice thus involves an informed judgment regarding the risk/benefit ratio. This judgment requires not only medical knowledge, but also an understanding of radiation itself. This work provides a global perspective on radiation risks, exposure and mitigation strategies.
authors.affiliation: Aswan Heart Centre, Aswan, Egypt.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donya
authors.affiliation: Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Radford
authors.affiliation: Aswan Heart Centre, Aswan, Egypt.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: ElGuindy
authors.affiliation: Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Firmin
authors.affiliation: Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Magdi H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Yacoub