Radiology has become an educational subject in medical universities of Russia since the first years of clinical implementation of X-rays, discovered by W.C. Röntgen in 1895. In January 1896, the department of physics in Imperial Military Medical Academy managed to get the first X-ray image of the upper limbs of the human body. This achievement initiated the extensive study of X-rays properties. An important milestone in the history of radiology development is the Conference of Imperial Military Academy. Within the Conference, conducted in 1915, a docent course of teaching radiology as a part of the department of physics was established. Thus, Imperial Medical Academy, among other Medical Universities, has pioneered the teaching of basic radiology to future physicians. In subsequent years, X-ray machines have been improved, and technical and methodological capacities increased. The radiologists accumulated great experience through the times of World War II and other military conflicts, which they were using in the teaching process. Gradually, the new methods of imagining were emerging, such as ultrasonography, X-ray computed and magnetic resonance tomography. These methods served as the basis and resulted in general scientific discipline - diagnostic radiology. The current condition and prospects of development in the field of diagnostic radiology require an integrated approach to the study and application in clinical practice. Practical knowledge of the methods of diagnostic radiology is a highly effective diagnostic tool, which helps a physician to convert visual information into a specific differential diagnosis, which can be used in the treatment of patients. Its uniqueness arises from the absence of any medical discipline that would not require the implementation of diagnostic radiology. A team of authors outlined the radiation signs of diseases and injuries of various organs and systems on the basis of the comprehensive approach to the examination of the patients, which allows a more holistic view of the possibilities of the methods of diagnostic radiology and prospects for their development.