Radiologi

st
A Research Paper

Charles Anthony Ciballos

Radiologist
Radiologist by definition is a medical doctor who has completed a four year residency in
either diagnostic radiology or radiation oncology. A radiologist may act as a consultant to another
physician who is caring for the patient, or act as the patient's primary physician in treating a
disease (such as a radiation oncologist). 5 Like most physicians, radiologists spend much of their
young lives in training. 4
A radiologist performs and interprets diagnostic tests. Types of tests can include an X-ray,
CAT scan, ultrasound, upper GI test, MRI, barium enema and even nuclear medicine scans. At
times, a radiologist can also treat the problem found. 3
Radiologists are not restricted to one body organ or one modality. Quite the contrary.
Radiologists have the unique privilege of contributing to the medical care of patients in all fields.
A radiologist uses many modalities and technologies in his work including xray, MRI, ultraound,
mammograms, and cat scans. radiologists perform lots of procedures and Interventional
Radiology is the 21st century version of cutting edge minimally invasive surgery that manages to
do what was next to impossible in the not so distant past. 1
A typical day for a radiologist is quite varied. They may examine the chest xray of
someone with shortness of breath, study spine xrays and cat scans to look for evidence of injury
following a motor vehicle accident, review the MRI of someone's back to check for any disc
disease, open up a clogged artery or vein through an interventional radiology procedure,
thoroughly go over a cat scan of someone's abodomen looking for any trouble there, or
ultrasound a pregnant woman and confirm the wellbeing of the fetus. The variety of cases a
radiologist sees on an average day makes that day quite interesting and far away from being
boring and dull. 1
As a result of increasing knowledge and levels of technology in the field, radiology has
become highly specialized, as have most other medical and surgical specialties. The current trend
is for radiologists to become specialized in a particular discipline, such as cardiology (the study
and treatment of the heart) or neurology (the study and treatment of the brain and nervous
system). 5
Board-certified radiologists must adhere to the Practice Standards of the American College of
Radiology. 5
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging can be performed by the following professionals: 5
 A Radiologist
 Specialized physician, who can perform basic imaging functions such as x-rays or
ultrasounds. An example is an obstetrician who performs a routine ultrasound on a
pregnant woman.
 Technologists, who are specially trained to perform specific imaging techniques and
are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or another
registry. Technologists work under the direction and supervision of the radiologist.
 After the residency, most radiologists and radiation oncologists become board-certified
by the American Board of Radiology. Some go directly into practice, while others enter
fellowship programs for additional training in a specialized area, such as the following: 5
 Neuroradiology which is defined as a diagnostic radiology that focuses on the central
nervous system, head, and neck.
 pediatric radiology which is defined as diagnostic radiology that focuses on the
unique techniques used to create images of children's bodies, their organs, and
internal structures.
How Radiologists Were Selected
Consumers’ Research Council of America has compiled a list of Radiologists throughout
the United States by utilizing a point value system. 2
The criterions that were used and assessed a point value are as follows:
 Experience: Each year the Radiologist has been in practice
 Training: Education and Training
 Professional Associations: Membership in Professional Medical Associations
 Board Certification: Completing an approved residency program and passing a
rigid examination
Bibliography

[1] Alammedine, F. (2001). Radiologist. Retrieved October 13, 2008, from The Cool
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[2] Consumers' Research Council of America. (2006). America's Top Radiologists.

Retrieved October 13, 2008, from What is a Radiologist?:
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tm

[3] Editor, e. C. (n.d.). How to Become a Radiologist | eHow.com. Retrieved October

12, 2008, from How to Become a Radiologist:
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radiologist.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=y
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[4] Healthcommunities.com, Inc. (2000, May 1). Radiologists - radiologychannel.

Retrieved October 13, 2008, from What is a Radiologist?:
http://www.radiologychannel.net/aboutradiology/radiologist.shtml

[5] NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. (n.d.). Radiologist - New York Presbyterian

Hospital. Retrieved October 12, 2008, from New York Presbyterian Hospital:
http://www.nyp.org/health/radiologist.html