WHO IS A RADIOLOGIST ? WHAT DO THEY DO ?

WHO IS A RADIOLOGIST ?

A radiologist is a specialist doctor who uses medical imaging technologies such as x-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound and fluroscopy, to diagnose and treat human disease or injury.  Radiologists require a strong grasp of anatomy, clinical knowledge and pathology.  Radiologists undergo lengthy training and assessment in order to be accredited by relevant governing boards and colleges around the world.  

 WHAT DO THEY DO?

Radiologists apply advanced knowledge of anatomy and pathology to interpret the findings of medical imaging examinations, and to formulate written diagnostic reports to assist other doctors and health professionals.  They are at the heart of many key decisions in hospitals, playing a vital role in diagnosis, management pathways and treatment.  Radiologists work as part of a clinical team to aid other doctors and health professionals in choosing appropriate imaging tests for their patients, balancing the benefits against the risks, with a particular focus on preventing unnecessary radiation exposure.  Radiologists are often called upon to perform image guided procedures, such biopsies, drain insertions and targeted injections, to directly enable diagnosis and treatment of patients.  A subset of radiologists also perform more advanced image-guided procedures including vascular stenting and aneurysm coiling.

There is a common misconception that radiologists "take" x-rays, however this task is performed by radiographers. The core role of a radiologist is to interpret or "read" x-rays.

What types of radiologists are there?

Commonly radiologists undergo sub-specialisation in the form of fellowship training to focus their expertise and practice.  Broadly speaking, radiologists may be grouped into being 'diagnostic' or 'interventional', although many do a bit of both.

• Diagnostic radiologists

  • General radiologist (no particular subspecialty)

  • Neuroradiologist

  • Musculoskeletal radiologist

  • Chest radiologist

  • Abdominal radiologist

  • Paediatric radiologist

  • Breast radiologist

• Interventional radiologists

  • Vascular interventional radiologist

  •  Neurological interventional radiologist