What is a Radiologist?
Radiologists are medical doctors who have special education, knowledge, skills and training in medical imaging (radiology) procedures (exams/tests), such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. The radiologists use these techniques to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases (ACR, 2022).
Diagnostic Radiologists
Diagnostic radiologists check inside of the human body and assess or diagnose the patient’s condition by using a variety of imaging procedures. The radiologist helps the referring doctor to select the proper exam and directing radiology technologists in properly performing quality exams. They interpret and report on the resulting images, suggest treatment options and, advise further tests if required. Diagnostic radiologists may also specialize in the following radiology subspecialties through extensive clinical work and related research (ACR, 2022):
- Breast imaging (mammograms)
- Cardiovascular radiology (heart and circulatory system)
- Chest radiology (heart and lungs)
- Emergency radiology
- Gastrointestinal radiology (stomach, intestines and abdomen)
- Genitourinary radiology (reproductive and urinary systems)
- Head and neck radiology
- Musculoskeletal radiology (muscles and skeleton)
- Neuroradiology (brain and nervous system; head, neck and spine)
- Pediatric radiology (imaging of children)
Interventional Radiologists
These radiologists are doctors who diagnose and treat patients using image-guided minimally invasive techniques, such as X-rays and MRI (ACR, 2022). They carefully guide instruments through tiny incisions in the body, reaching the source of a medical problem and delivering targeted treatments. These treatments are for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and uterine fibroids, offering less risk, pain and recovery time compared to traditional surgery (ACR, 2022).
Radiation Oncologists
These radiologists are highly trained medical doctors who prescribe and monitor the treatment plan of cancer patients. They use radiation therapy to treat cancer, and they monitor the patient’s progress and adjust treatment to make sure patients receive appropriate quality care. They have vast knowledge, skills, training and experience in cancer medicine, in the safe use of radiation to treat disease, and in managing any side effects caused by radiation (ACR, 2022).
Why is radiology or diagnostic imaging important?
- It is very important to diagnose many diseases,particularly cancer.
- It takes pictures or images of various parts of the body.
- Early diagnosis saves live. Without diagnosis there can be no treatment and no cure.
- Without diagnostic imaging, medical doctors today cannot treat and manage patients.
Reference
American College of Radiology (ACR), What Is a Radiologist? Last accessed on 13/11/2022. https://www.acr.org/Practice-Management-Quality-Informatics/Practice-Toolkit/Patient-Resources/About-Radiology.