Beyond the Image—Advancing Culturally Safe Radiology for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Abstract

Despite the growing recognition of cultural safety in Australian healthcare, radiology remains an area where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to face substantial barriers. Although medical education has integrated broader Indigenous health training, clinical radiology has often been overlooked. The common misconception that radiology is a technical, patient-detached specialty has contributed to a lack of culturally competent training for radiologists and radiographers. Given the high burden of diseases requiring imaging, such as chronic respiratory illness, otitis media, cardiovascular disease and trauma-related injuries, culturally safe radiological services are vital for achieving health equity.