Job Description
A radiologist is a person who works in the field of radiology. Radiology is the medical specialty field which deals with diagnosing patients ailments with medical imaging. Radiology involves using many tools such as x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The machines used to obtain the images are operated by a radiologic technologist.
Education
Radiologists need a 2-3 year university education which requires the specified science courses. After they must apply to medical school and complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). In medical school the student will work to complete a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) which after a residency is taken. To specialize in a field such as radiology the student must complete a 4-7 year residency.
Current Need & Employment
Most radiologists are employed by hospitals throughout cities. Currently many hospitals are low on, or need new radiologists to take the place of retiring ones. As there will always be a need for x-rays and other forms of medical imaging there will always be a need for new radiologists. Radiologists are always busy as there are a large amount of patients and very few radiologists to look after them.
Career Path
Level 1:
Intern/Resident
- Earnings: $30,000 to $40,000 a year
- Requirements: Medical degree (4 years)
- Responsibilites: Diagnosing and treating patients with minor ailments under the supervision of licensed doctors.
Level 2: General Medical Practitioner
- Earnings: $80,000 to $150,000 a year
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Requirements: Completion of necessary internship or residency, Successful completion of the medical licensing exams
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Responsibilites: Diagnosing and treating patients; providing education and counseling to patients; performing administrative duties.
Level 3:
Established Medical Doctor
- Earnings: $150,000 to $250,000 a year
- Requirements: Many years of experience, A solid reputation, An established group of patients
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Responsibilites: Diagnosing and treating patients; providing education and counseling to patients; promoting health within the community; performing administrative duties; possibly doing research.
Related Occupations
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
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Emergency medicine
- General practice (Family medicine)
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Internal medicine
- Neurology
- Nuclear medicine
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Preventive medicine
- Psychiatry
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Radiation oncology
- Surgery
Job Procedures
Radiography
This form of medical imaging using electromagnetic waves to penetrate tissue to take a picture of dense materials in the body such as bones. What passes through hits a film of fluorescent phosphors exposing x-ray film. The radiation that hits the film turns black while the unexposed part stays white.
Flouroscopy
Flouroscopy and angiography are specialized application of x-rays. This process uses metals such as barium to show where arteries are blocked and to check the gastrointestinal tract. The x-rays then allow doctors to search for various problems.
CT scanning
This process uses x-rays along with a computer to image the body.
Ultrasound
This process uses sound waves to image soft body tissue. It is limited by the ability to image through bones and other dense material. It does not use radiation.
MRI
A magnetic resonance image uses a strong magnetic field and a computer to make an image of a body. It is a safer imaging method as it does not use radiation.
Transferable Skills
Communication
- To communicate with patients and other doctors
- Writing clear reminders
- Explaining how the equipment is used
Teamwork
- Accept and effectively use assistance
- Work well with others
- Work in a group to solve a problem
Time management
- Get to work on time
- Plan schedules
- Manage time effectively, prioritize
Problem-solving
- Search for possible problems
- Find possible solutions
- Evaluate a important problem
Organizational
- Taking care of equipment and tools
- Organizing tasks
- Keeping workspace neat
Learning
- Thinking and acting logically
- Upgrading skills when necessary
- Increasing productivity
Computer
- Using workplace technology
- Adapting to new technologies
Listening
- Understanding what you are doing
- Helping others when needed
Creativity
- Think of new ideas
- Increased motivation
Leadership
- Guide others
- Help others become healthy
