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Radiologist |
Career OverviewThe field of radiology was essentially founded by the discoverer of X-rays, Wilhelm Conrad R-ntgen, in 1895. Since its discover, radiology has been used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including cancers. In 1937, the University of California at Berkley established a record by using radioactivity to treat a patient with leukemia.
In modern medicine, radiology is the medical field specializing in the use of imaging technologies to diagnose and treat a range of diseases and injuries. Although the X-ray is the most famous form of medical imagining, and was the first to be discovered and used, radiologists frequently use other forms of radiation devices in their work.
Radiologists now use ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnostic and treatment procedures. Radiologists are also trained to use interventional radiology and nuclear medicine for a number of diagnostic and treatment procedures, both of which are radiological techniques that have dramatically reduced the need to perform surgeries. Radiation therapy, first tested in 1937, serves to treat diseases such as cancer and has far fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Radiology is a far-ranging medical specialty with many subfields, including diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine.
A radiologist may have training in all of these areas and practice both diagnostic and treatment procedures that employ these techniques in their general practice. On the other hand, many radiologists choose additional specialization, undertaking fellowships of at least one year to receive additional qualifications.
Regardless of the type of radiology they practice, whether it is general or a specialist form, such as diagnostic radiology, the majority of radiologists work in designated radiology departments of hospitals with the assistance of specially trained technicians and nurses.
In many cases, radiologists treat patients at several different hospitals during their working week. They typically oversee the radiographic imaging and then review the images produced by the scans; findings are discussed with other physicians involved in the particular case and a treatment plan is developed through collaboration.
Radiologists are trained to use X-ray radiation to obtain real-time imaging of processes such as the flow of blood through the arteries and veins. CT cans can produce detailed images of soft tissues to reveal signs of injury or disease.
Ultrasounds, which are much safer forms of radiation than those used in nuclear medicine and CT scans, are used in obstetrical imaging to evaluate fetal development and positioning. They are also used for image-guided interventions such as biopsies and drainages and treatment of kidney stones.
Ultrasound scans can also help to locate blood clots or DVTs in the legs, which typically dislodge and impact the brain, causing strokes, the heart, causing coronary blockages, or the lungs, causing pulmonary embolisms. Portable ultrasounds are also used by trauma teams to assess damage to internal organs, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys; and to detect hemorrhaging.
MRI scans are generally used for brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system imaging, whilst nuclear medicine is used for bone scanning, assessing stages of cancers, and diagnosing myocardial ischemia.
Opportunities to practice as a radiologist are plentiful, particularly in light of the current shortage of qualified professionals in the field. Similarly, there are ample opportunities to research radiological techniques and their application within medicine, particularly given that there have been so many positive developments in just over a century of its use.
Radiologists may also find opportunities to work as educators, either full- or part-time, assisting medical students and resident physicians to develop an understanding of radiology and its application in diagnosis and treatment.
As radiology is such a significant field in modern medicine, there is also considerable need for qualified administrators and policy-makers to direct the study and practice of radiological techniques, both within individual hospitals, in localities, and on a national and international scale.
Desirable attributes of radiologists include a dedication to the field and a preparedness to work long hours. Radiologists treat a variety of different cases if they choose to practice as generalists, so a wide body of knowledge is required. Flexibility, creativity, and good communication skills are invaluable.
A career as a radiologist is demanding but also intensely rewarding, offering excellent compensation and real opportunities to help people.
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Career RequirementsA radiologist must fulfil the education and experience requirements established by federal and state government to practice medicine.
For entry into any education program to become a radiologist, a doctor of medicine degree is required from an approved school of medicine. It is often mandatory that candidates complete at least one year of graduate medical education in radiology before practicing independently.
To work as a radiologist, an individual must generally complete four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and three years of residency. Opportunities for additional fellowship training exist in abdominal, cardiothorasic, musculoskeletal, neurological, nuclear, pediatric, and vascular interventional radiology.
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Job OutlookRadiology is not a new field but it is cutting-edge. Advances in radiology have negated the need for surgeries to treat a considerable number of conditions, reducing the risk patients, increasing the rate of positive outcomes, and drastically cutting back on the cost of patient care.
The extent to which radiology reduces the need for surgical intervention, both for diagnosis and treatment, is staggering. It also makes radiology a field crucial to the modern practice of medicine and the modern health care system, which is under increasing stress to reduce cost whilst maintaining the highest level of patient care.
The job outlook for medical professionals is, in general, extremely positive for the next decade. In almost all areas, the growth of the job market is expected to be above average; in many cases, exceptional.
For radiologists, whose advanced training and education is considerable, the outlook is particularly promising. Salaries are typically high with good benefits and there are growing number of opportunities to be involved in various specialist areas of diagnosis and treatment within the field.
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Career TrackA number of career tracks are open to radiologists. Positions of seniority as department heads and administrators are possible outcomes of a dedicated career in this field. Teaching and research positions also exist for those with less of an inclination to practice patient care full-time.
Radiology departments exist is most hospitals and teaching hospitals so seniority in the field can lead to a position that allows for some travel between different hospital locations, appealing to some.
Of course, there are also a number of subspecialties within the field in which a qualified radiologist can specialize. The subspecialties are listed below.
- Abdominal Radiology
- Cardiothorasic Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Neuroradiology
- Nuclear Radiology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Vascular Interventional Radiology
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CompensationFor radiologists, compensation is typically above the average level for medical doctors in lieu of radiologists advanced training. The average starting salary is reported as being $350,979 by the American Society for Radiologic Technologists. Starting bonuses are also being used as an incentive to enter into the field by many employers.
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