Bryn
What is it like to be a radiologist?
I want to become a radiologist because I think I have the right skills for the job. #radiology #mri
4 answers
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
I work about 50 hours per week. My hours vary as my group provides 24/7 service. Twice a year I work a week of night shift; and twice a year, I work a week of evening shifts from 4-11 pm. Some radiologists work in outpatient centers and can have more regular hours.
naveen bharadwaj
naveen’s Answer
They look through patient’s medical histories, carry out physical examinations, and request the necessary imaging that will help them see areas of the body in more detail. If you’re interested in training to be a radiologist, a long, fulfilling, and ever-evolving career awaits you.
Radiologists specialize in diagnosing diseases, injuries, and other medical concerns. This is done primarily by using imaging techniques such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, nuclear medicine positron emission tomography, and computed tomography (CT).
They are typically behind screens analyzing the images and consulting with other doctors to form a diagnosis. They can request to see the patient and perform some physical examinations, or take further images if they see cause to do so.
Radiologist Education Requirements
The road to becoming a radiologist is long and difficult.
Radiologists must first complete a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year university. Afterward, they must attend a 4-year medical program and achieve their M.D. Medical school consists of 2 years of classroom instruction then 2 years of clinical rotations in different fields such as pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and internal medicine.
After graduating from medical school, one must complete a further radiology residency where they become specialized in the field of radiology.
Residents must complete rotations in specific subfields of radiology and conduct their own research.
A radiology residency can take up to 4-5 years to complete. Afterward, many radiologists complete fellowships to become more specialized.
Important Qualities of a Radiologist
Attending to patients, using a wide range of imaging technology, and helping other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat medical issues requires a diverse skill-set. Outside of the medical qualifications there are various qualities that make the role easier and more fulfilling.
Eye for Detail
Having a good eye for small details is very important. Being able to read and interpret the images of body parts isn’t always obvious. Having a good eye for detail to start with is an advantage, along with learning more the longer you are in the role.
Great People Skills
As with all medical professions that deal with patients face-to-face, people skills are a huge advantage. Realistically you have to have good people skills. Although it’s an area of your skill-set that can be worked on over time.
Physically Fit
Being a radiologist often requires long shifts and in some practices a long time on your feet. Being in good physical condition makes this aspect of the job a lot easier. Physical strength is also desirable and examining and moving patients will often need to be done by hand.
Good Technical Skills
Radiologists use technical machinery. There are frequent advancements in the tools available to members of the medical profession, and being able to learn how to use them quickly is an advantage.
Radiologist Working Environment
Most radiologists typically work in hospitals and private practices. With access to modern technology, it’s also possible for radiologists to work remotely. Not all radiologists see patients face-to-face, some just analyze the images and make a diagnosis.
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Bryn,
Radiologists are specialist physicians who utilize a wide array of advanced techniques in medical imaging to diagnose and, in certain cases, treat patients with all types of illness. These imaging modalities include X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI examinations. Like all physicians, radiologists have completed medical school and have obtained their MD degrees.
The training to become a radiologist is long, competitive, and intense, but the payoff of helping hundreds of patients every week makes the journey well worth it.
While early radiologists had only film radiographs (“X-rays”) to work with, modern professionals have a variety of tools at their disposal, including:
X-ray radiography
Fluoroscopy
Ultrasound
Computerized tomography (CT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Nuclear imaging
Radiologists generally work behind the scenes analyzing studies, making diagnoses and consulting with physicians. In some cases, they get involved in the procedure in order to help prepare the patient or outline further instructions to the technician.
Interventional radiologists take imaging technology a step further by using it to treat certain diseases and conditions. These professionals create electronic maps to guide their instruments as they insert catheters, remove malignant tissue and perform other delicate procedures. This gentle approach allows patients to recover faster and with fewer complications.
Though most radiologists still work in hospitals and outpatient diagnostic centers, advances in digital technology now allow imaging studies to be transmitted electronically. This practice, which is known as teleradiology, means radiologists can now practice in any location equipped with a computer, high-resolution monitor and Internet connectivity. Teleradiology helps emergency departments and intensive care units obtain emergency consultations after hours. Teleradiology also promotes consultation among experts around the globe.
The first step to becoming a radiologist is to get accepted into a 4-year university and obtain a bachelor’s degree. A high GPA, above average MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores, multiple letters of recommendation, volunteering and leadership experiences, and exposure to basic and/or clinical research is essentially required to move on to the next step.
After obtaining an acceptance to a M.D. or D.O. medical school, the student must complete the rigorous 4-year curriculum while still remaining towards the top of the class. While in medical school, students will learn all of the anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and pathology that are expected of all graduating physicians.
Students must also study for, take, and perform highly on the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE), Steps 1 and 2. In the final year of medical school, applicants will apply to their post-graduate training programs in various specialties, including radiology for those who aspire to become future radiologists.
More detailed information in:
http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/how-to-become-a-radiologist.html
Best!
