Originally it was the aspect of medical science dealing with the medical use of electromagnetic energy emitted by X-ray machines or other such radiation devices, for the purpose of obtaining visual information as part of medical imaging.  Today, following extensive training, radiologists direct an array of imaging technologies (such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose or treat disease. Interventional radiology is the performance of (usually minimally invasive) medical procedures with the guidance of imaging technologies. 

The acquisition of medical imaging is usually carried out by the radiographer or radiologic technologist. Outside of the medical field, radiology also encompasses the examination of the inner structure of objects using X-rays or other penetrating radiation.  A Radiologist is a subspecialty physician trained in all areas of diagnostic radiology. Board certification is earned through the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or American Board of Osteopathic Radiology (ABOR).

     In 1912, Ascension Providence Hospital Southfield and Novi Campus installed a radiology department in the basement of their facility. At that time there was no full-time radiologist. It has been told that an assistant in ophthalmology who had an interest in radiology developed the glass plates, read the studies and ending up being the “radiologist”. Apparently this was self-determined specialization. In 1934, Providence hired their first full-time radiologist, Dr. William Irwin. Dr. Irwin had done his training in Canada. He remained at Providence Hospital for many years and relocated to Southfield, MI, when the hospital moved from the city. In the late 1960’s, Dr. Irwin, along with Drs. James and Gigliotti, formed a group called Irwin, Gigliotti, and James. 

 In 1967, this group of radiologists became Southfield Radiology Associates, P.C. (SRA).  Providence trained several radiology residents over the years and the residency program became accredited in 1977.  During the early to mid- 1970’s, SRA urged Providence Hospital to obtain a CT machine. At the time, there was only one other machine in the city at Henry Ford Hospital. Because of the high cost, the hospital declined, and Southfield Radiology purchased the equipment for their private office becoming only the second private practice in the entire United States to have been approved for a CT machine. In what may have simultaneously been the greatest philanthropic and worst private business decision ever, SRA donated the CT machine and CON to the hospital where it moved in 1980.

Southfield Radiology (SRA) continues on as the affiliated radiology group at Ascension Providence Hospital Southfield and Novi Campus. SRA also provides imaging interpretations and staffing for The Envision Medical Group.