What Is A Radiologist?

A radiologist (diagnostic radiologist) is a medical doctor that has specialized in analyzing and interpreting medical images that see inside the body in order to diagnose and/or treat injuries or other medical conditions.   They use tests such as x-ray, CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound, nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography (PET) to assess the patient and look for specific diagnoses that will help guide treatment decisions.  Some radiologists, called interventional radiologists, can treat some conditions with the help of imaging equipment using minimally invasive techniques that can sometimes replace the need for surgery.

The path to becoming a radiologist includes completing medical school, a rigorous 4-5 year residency program and often, an additional 1-2 year fellowship training program.  During the residency program the radiologist will learn the physics behind all the imaging modalities, how each machine works, how to use the machines for optimal patient safety as well as how to interpret the images generated.  Radiology trainees learn how to perform and interpret exams used by EVERY other specialty in the medical field.  During fellowship training the radiologist acquires highly specialized interpretation skills in specific areas (examples include Neuroradiology, breast imaging, musculoskeletal & pediatric radiology).  Radiologists have to pass an examination to certify competency in the specialty.

The radiologist is an integral part of your medical team and acts as an expert consultant for your doctor by assisting him/her in choosing the correct test and overseeing the radiology technologists (people who perform the exam); they ensure that a quality examination is performed. 

After the examination is complete the radiologist will then review the study, provide an interpretation of the images and make recommendations for your treatment/management which could include ordering additional appropriate tests.  The radiologist often makes recommendations to direct any follow-up you may need.

did you know
  • A radiologist is a medical doctor that has specialized in analyzing and interpreting medical images that see inside the body
  • A radiologist uses tests such as x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound to diagnose diseases
  • An interventional radiologist can perform procedures that replace surgery
  • A radiologist must complete medical school, a 4-5 year residency program and pass an exam to become certified. Often, they complete an additional 1-2 years of highly specialized training in a specific area.  Examples include breast imaging (mammograms), neuroradiology (brain)
  • The radiologist is an expert consultant that helps your doctor choose the correct test for you and then directs the technologist (person doing the exam) to ensure that you receive a quality study
  • The radiologist will interpret the images from your study, provide a diagnosis/possible diagnoses, offer treatment recommendations and sometimes direct any follow-up you may need.
  • X-ray, CT and mammography use ionizing radiation which increases cancer risk. When used appropriately, however, the benefits of the test far outweigh the risk
  • A CT of the head is equal to 100 consecutive chest x-rays
  • A CT of the abdomen/pelvis is equal to at least 500 consecutive chest x-rays
  • Children are 10x more sensitive to radiation effects than adults and are at increased risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure
  • Children receive larger radiation doses than adults because more of their body will be irradiated; this increases their risk of developing cancer
  • Children are less efficient at repairing damage caused by radiation which increases their likelihood of developing cancer from radiation exposure
  • The risk of developing cancer increases with your lifetime exposure to radiation
  • A single CT examination can increase your risk for developing cancer

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