What Is A Radiologist?
A radiologist is a medical professional who is specially trained so that he or she can interpret medical images such as MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. A radiologist may also use radioactive materials for the purpose of medical imaging, while another related medical specialty focuses on the use of radiation to treat conditions such as cancer. Prospects for a career in radiology are quite good, and the work is varied, although same radiologists who focus on interpretation sometimes miss patient interaction. In the sense of using diagnostic images, a radiologist knows how to operate equipment such as MRI and X-ray machines, and how to interpret the images which this equipment generates. Generally, a radiology technician performs the actual imaging, turning the results over to the radiologist, although in a small hospital or clinic, a radiologist may perform both tasks. Sometimes, patients must ingest various substances such as barium for a specific imaging study, and radiologist
According to the AAMC (American Association of Medical College): A radiologist diagnoses and treats diseases utilizing radiologic imaging procedures in adults and children. Physicians practicing in the field of radiology most often specialize in diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, or radiological physics. A diagnostic radiologist utilizes x-ray, radionuclides, ultrasound, and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease. A radiation oncologist deals with the therapeutic applications of radiant energy and its modifiers and the study and management of disease, especially malignant tumors. A radiological physicist deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of roentgen rays, gamma rays from sealed sources, ultrasonic radiation, and radio-frequency radiation, as well as the equipment associated with their production and use, including radiation safety. Radiologists can receive training in the following subspecialties: * Abdominal Radiology * Cardiothoracic Radio
