A diagnostic radiologist is a doctor who is specifically trained to obtain and interpret medical images. He or she is an imaging expert, and can diagnose certain illnesses based on what is observed on radiographs, computed tomography, ultrasounds, MRIs or standard x-rays. Radiologists also treat certain diseases through the use of nuclear medicine, radiation or image guided surgery. The latter is sometimes called interventional radiology and is minimally invasive.
Similar to other medical professionals, a radiologist must graduate from an accredited medical learning institution with a degree in medicine. He or she must also pass a state licensing exam and perform an internship of at least one year. In addition, a four year residency must be completed before he or she is allowed to work independently. Upon completion of his or her residency, a radiologist can enroll in a fellowship and go on to specialize in one or more different areas of radiology. ultrasound centre in Ghaziabad
Employment Options for Diagnostic Radiologists
Most radiologists choose to become board certified, which means they have achieved a passing grade on an exam and subsequently were approved by the American Board of Radiology to practice in the diagnostic field. As previously mentioned, diagnostic radiologists can choose from many specialties which include the following:
Gastrointestinal Radiology
This diagnostic specialty in the field of radiology focuses on the diagnosis of diseases and conditions found in the GI tract--the stomach and bowel. Diagnostic procedures performed by a radiologist who specializes in this area include abscess drainage, biopsy, computed tomography and fluoroscopy.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is the specialty that centers around the use of radiation to treat all types of cancer. The radiologist delivers the therapy either from an outside source such as a series of x-ray beams, or through injections into the area of the patient's body where the malignancy is present.
Cardiovascular Radiology
This specialty of radiology focuses on the diagnosis and diagnostic imaging of a wide range of diseases of the blood vessels and heart, including the veins and arteries. This specialty centers around computed tomography and ultrasound procedures, although MRIs are also sometimes administered by cardiovascular radiologists.
Emergency Radiology
As the name implies, an emergency radiologist is devoted to the diagnosis of emergency conditions such as broken bones, head trauma, sudden unexplained pain in one or more parts of the body, and the diagnosis of acute musculoskeletal conditions. Someone employed in this specialty will take frequent x-rays and MRIs, and he or she will typically work in the emergency room of a general hospital. Best Diagnostic centre in Ghaziabad
Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology refers to the use of guided imagery to perform pain management procedures, fluid drainage and biopsies. The primary objectives for a diagnostic radiologist who specializes in this field are accurate disease diagnosis, treatment of pain and patient safety.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states that because of the rapid advances currently being made in diagnostic technology, the demand for specialists in the aforementioned field will increase by almost twenty percent by the year 2020, making a career in this field a worthwhile pursuit.
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