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