What does a radiologist do?

06-07-2017

Before certain examinations, our patients often hear the „radiologist” expression, that may sound familiar to them, but they are not always aware of what does a radiologist really do.

This time we would like to give you a whole picture of the radiologist’s work relating to his/her knowledge, and the specific tasks he/she has to do during an examination.

Who is a radiologist?

The Radiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases and injuries using the following medical imaging techniques:

• X-rays

X-ray is a type of electromagnetic radiation. During the X-ray examination, a very low dose of ionizing radiation is used to produce pictures of the structures inside of the body.

• Computed tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) scan uses a low amount of radiation to create sharp, cross sectional (3 dimensional) images of the body.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI uses magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce detailed images of the body.

• Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine imaging is about producing images by detecting radiation from certain parts of the body after the patient got a radioactive tracer

• Positron emission tomography (PET)

PET is a type of nuclear medicine imaging

• Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body.

What qualification does a radiologist have?

Graduation from medical university and at least four years of unique postgraduate medical education regarding the followings:

• Radiation safety/protection
• Radiation effects on the human body
• Appropriate performance and interpretation of quality radiologic and medical imaging examinations

How does a radiologist work?

The radiologist performs background work for physicians by making diagnosis and consulting with doctors in case of treatment -, or surgery preparation if it’s necessary.

The main tasks of the radiologist

• As a consultant of your physician the radiologist aids him or her in choosing the appropriate examination or surgical intervention
• Recommending further examinations or treatments to the referring physician
• Correlating medical image findings with other examinations