Have you ever wondered: what does a radiologist do? A career in radiology can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires a strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as excellent problem-solving skills. Sounds interesting? Let’s find out more!
A radiologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries with medical imaging techniques such as x-rays, MRI scans, and ultrasounds. If this sounds like the right career for you, keep reading to find out: what does a radiologist do?
What Does a Radiologist Do?
Wondering what does a radiologist do? Wonder no more! Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Radiologists often work with other physicians and health care professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. In addition to interpreting images, they may also perform image-guided, minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsies and injections.
Radiologists play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. They use their skills to create images of the human body that can be used to diagnose and treat diseases.
What Does a Radiologist Do? Types of Diagnostic Imaging
Radiologists may use a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment and imaging tests to evaluate patients. Commonly used medical imaging include:
- X-ray – X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate the body to create images of the internal structures. X-rays are commonly used to evaluate the bones and joints, as well as the lungs.
- CT scan – a CT scan uses special x-ray equipment and computer technology to create detailed images of the body. CT scans are often used to assess the severity of injuries, as well as to diagnose cancers and other diseases.
- MRI – an MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. MRIs are often used to evaluate the brain and spinal cord, as well as the musculoskeletal system.
- Ultrasound – ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the body. Ultrasound is often used to evaluate the abdominal organs, as well as the heart and blood vessels.
- Nuclear medicine – nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials to diagnose and treat conditions. Nuclear medicine procedures are often used to evaluate the function of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
- PET scan – a PET scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that uses positron emission tomography to create images of the body. PET scans are often used to diagnose cancer and other diseases.
- Interventional radiology – interventional radiology is a type of minimally invasive surgeries that uses different imaging procedures to guide the placement of medical devices. Interventional radiologists are often helpful in treating cancers and other diseases.
How to Become a Radiologist?
What does a radiologist do? Did you like the answer and are you thinking to become one? If you have an interest in medicine and want to help people, then a career in radiology may be perfect for you. Becoming a radiologist takes many years of hard work and dedication, but it can be a very rewarding career. Here are the steps you need to take to be a successful a radiologist:
- Get a bachelor’s degree. You will need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree at an accredited university. During your undergraduate studies, you should take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Get a medical degree (4 years of medical school). Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree, you will need to attend medical school for four years. During medical school, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, and other medical subjects. You will also complete clinical rotations in various medical specialties, including radiology.
- Complete a residency program. After you have graduated from medical school, you will need to complete a four-year radiology residency program in radiology. During your residency training, you will receive education in diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, and other aspects of radiology.
- Fellowship training is the final step in medical education of a radiologist. This is an optional, but highly recommended, one to two year training program that provides advanced training in a subspecialty of radiology such as breast imaging, interventional radiology, or pediatric radiology.
- Get certified by the American Board of Radiology. Once you have completed your residency, you will need to pass a written exam and an oral exam administered by the American Board of Radiology. Once you have passed these exams, you will be a board-certified radiologist.
- Find a job. You can find a job as a radiologist in a hospital, clinic, or private practice. You may also choose to work in research or teaching.
If you follow these steps, you can start your career as a radiologist and enjoy a rewarding job in helping others.
Career in Radiology – Outlook
What does a radiologist do? You already know an answer to this question, so let’s talk a bit about the job outlook. There is a growing demand for radiologists in the United States, as the population ages and health care needs increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of radiologists will grow by 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many factors will contribute to this growth, including an aging population and the resulting increase in the number of diagnostic procedures and treatments that require imaging. New technologies, such as 3D imaging and PET-MRI fusion, are also expected to drive demand for radiologists.
As the population continues to age, the number of people with chronic conditions will also rise. This, combined with an overall increase in the use of diagnostic imaging, will lead to a higher demand for radiologists.
The aging population will also increase the demand for interventional radiology procedures, such as angioplasties and catheterizations. And as more hospitals adopt electronic health records, they’ll need radiologists who can help interpret and report on the images stored in these systems.
What does a radiologist do? Hope you find our answer comprehensive!
