To be a Radiologist - Essay Example

Diagnostic field is that which is concerned with application of plain X-ray Radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, nuclear machine imaging and ultrasound techniques to develop images. These images are later interpreted to assist in disease diagnosis. On the other hand, interventional radiologists perform both diagnosis and treatment of diseases using the imaging machines. This group of professions can specialize further to treat abnormalities related to the brain, blood vessels (angio-intervention), and spinal cord or brain (neuro-intervention).

Interventional radiology takes a less invasive approach that employs ultrasound or magnetic images and X-rays to guide procedures done by the help of tiny instruments (catheters) inserted through blood vessels. The last category is the therapeutic radiologists who use radiotherapy in treatment of diseases such as cancer. They are also referred to as radio oncologists (Shaw et al., 2009). Before one can fully be accepted in the America body of Radiologists, it is imperative that such a person undergoes thorough education and training.

According to American College of Radiology (2013), a fully qualified radiologist must have undertaken a four year undergraduate course in a medical related degree. In addition, such a person should undertake residency training that lasts for at least four years. In the United States of America, additional requirements have been established that one must meet to be absorbed into this group of medical professions. These include passing USMLE exam, passing the board qualifications exam in Radiology, acquiring a medical license from the state and getting hospital credentials and privileges (American College of Radiology, 2013).

Majority of the radiologist spend more of their time in an office environment, studying and interpreting images to give results deemed necessary by the other physicians. Contrary to the working of other physicians, radiologists typically do not interact with the patients directly unless when conducting intervention radiology (Singh and Neutze, 2012). In addition to qualifications outlined above, a radiologist will find certain interpersonal skills helpful since his/her nature of work calls for consultations and coordination.

A good example regards an order made by an oncologist for a patients MRI or a CT scan to help establish the size and locality of a tumor prior to its treatment. Here, a technologist is required to manage the CT machine when taking the image later to be examined by the radiologist. Upon making good study, the radiologist makes a good report for the oncologist to review and decide on the best course of action (The Practice of Radiology Education, 2010). In most cases, the radiologist undertakes his/her duties without interacting directly with the oncologist or patients unless something arise that requires his/her personal clarification.

Similar to many other physicians, radiologist requires a comprehensive knowledge on human anatomy in addition to sound knowledge on scientific and medical regarding human health. Additionally, radiologists require good computer knowledge since they will frequently work on computer. Finally, their job description requires them to posses’ commendable analytical skills, excellent vision and a keen eye for