The discovery of X-rays in 1895 by the German scientist Wilhelm Röntgen gave rise to the fledgling science of radiology. Over the next century developments in radiology were to revolutionise many aspects of medicine, making available to medical practitioners an ever widening array of diagnostic techniques and opening up new and increasingly sophisticated treatments for a range of diseases.

Practising radiologists formed themselves into official organisations and by the early 1920s a British Institute of Radiology had come into existence. This helped stimulate interest in Australia and New Zealand and by 1930 four Sections of Radiology, subgroups of the British Medical Association, had been established in these countries.

The setting up of ANZAR - the Australian and New Zealand Association of Radiology - early in 1935 was the next logical development, one that led inexorably to the formation fourteen years later of the College of Radiologists (Australia and New Zealand) with a membership of just under 200.

Today, that number has increased more than tenfold and the College, now known as The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), is one of the most important medical bodies in the Southern Hemisphere, making significant contributions to education, research and the setting and maintaining of standards for the practice of radiology and radiation oncology.

Within two weeks of Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays being reported in the Australian press in early January 1896, Walter Drowley Filmer had produced the first X-ray to be taken in a hospital in Australia. The first six inch coil was imported into New Zealand by William Hosking of Masterton. It is not known exactly when he first started taking X-rays but it was within 12 months of Röntgen’s discovery.

The new science was initially slow to gain acceptance and was practised, often with fatal consequences, by pioneer enthusiasts who were unaware of its dangers. Its usefulness in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries in World War I earned it growing respect.

The Trainor/Owen Collection is a combined archive, library and museum relating to the history of radiology in Australia. It contains the archives of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists and its antecedents; private papers of radiologists and people associated with radiology; photographs; technical manuals; equipment and books.

In August 1962, enquiries were made on the acquisition of a Coat of Arms for the College.

The most senior office bearers of the College are the President, the Dean of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology, the Chief Censor in Radiology and the Chief Censor in Radiation Oncology. Fellows who have held these positions in the past can be viewed on the Past Office Bearers page.