Radiologist

A radiologist is a doctor who has finished medical school and has been specially trained to gather and interpret medical pictures utilizing radioactive materials (nuclear medicine), sound waves (ultrasound), magnets (MRI), or x-rays (radiographs, CT, fluoroscopy).

Nearly all doctors perform physical examinations, collect medical histories, diagnose conditions, and prescribe and treat injuries or illnesses. A radiologist discusses with the physician who sent you for your evaluation, links your medical image to other tests and examinations, and suggests more tests or treatments. Additionally, radiologists use radiation therapy (also known as nuclear medicine or radiation oncology) or minimally invasive, image-guided surgery (interventional radiology) to treat illnesses.

A radiologist must first finish at least four years of graduate medical study (residency) in radiology, obtain an MD or DO degree, pass a license exam, complete an internship for a year, and graduate from a recognized medical school. Following their residency, these physicians might decide to enroll in a fellowship program and pursue subspecialization in one or more radiology specialties.

Board-certified radiologists are authorized to practice by the American Osteopathic College of Radiology (opens in a new tab) for osteopathic physicians or the American Board of Radiology (opens in a new tab) for medical physicians.

Radiology Subspecialties

Additionally, a radiologist may focus on one or more subspecialties within radiology. These consist of:

Imaging of the breast

Breast disease and condition diagnosis and diagnostic imaging are the focus of this discipline of radiology. This covers mammograms, breast MRIs, breast ultrasounds, and breast operations like breast biopsies.

Radiology of the Heart

Diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of heart and vascular or circulatory system illnesses (including blood and lymphatic vessels) are the focus of this discipline of radiology. MRI, CT (computed tomography or CAT), ultrasound, and x-rays are examples of this.

Radiology of the Chest

Diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of disorders of the chest, particularly those of the heart and lungs, are the focus of this specialist of radiology. This includes chest operations including lung biopsies and thoracentesis, or the removal of fluid from the chest, as well as x-rays, CT (computed tomography or CAT), ultrasound, and MRI.

Radiology Emergency

The diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of trauma and non-traumatic emergency conditions is the focus of this discipline of radiology. MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and x-rays are all included in this.

Radiology of the Gastrointestinal (GI)

Diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of the gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive tract (the stomach and intestines) and abdomen are the focus of this specialization of radiology. This covers GI procedures like biopsy and fluid and abscess drainage, as well as fluoroscopy, x-rays, CT (computed tomography or CAT), ultrasound, and MRI.

Radiology used in genitourinary

The discipline of radiology that focuses on diagnosing and treating reproductive and urinary system organs. CT (computed tomography or CAT), MRI, x-rays, and operations like kidney stone removal, uterine fibroids, and biopsy are all included in this.

Radiology of the Head and Neck

The specialist of radiology that focuses on diagnosing and imaging disorders of the head and neck. MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and x-rays are all included in this.