The field of medicine has many exciting career paths, and one of those is a career in radiology. In short, a radiologist is a type of medical doctor who specializes in medical imaging. As a doctor, radiologists use these images to help diagnose, monitor, and treat various conditions or injuries. Not to be confused with radiographers, though both of these professionals work with medical images, radiographers are the people who operate the machinery. Within radiology, there are a number of specializations including diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, radiation oncology, and medical physics.
Diagnostic radiology is probably what comes to mind when you think of radiology. Diagnostic radiologists use medical imaging such as x-rays and ultrasounds to diagnose and treat diseases. They serve as an expert consultant to your referring physician and are responsible for choosing the proper exam and directing radiographers in properly performing quality exams. Their specialty allows them to interpret and report on the resulting images and recommend a course of treatment.
In addition to diagnostic image interpretation, an interventional radiologist has also been trained in interventional therapy, enabling them to use medical imaging to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures in the treatment of many conditions. They work with imaging guidance to navigate small instruments, like catheters and needles, through blood vessels and organs to perform procedures such as angioplasty, thrombolysis, and biopsies. The role of an interventional radiologist is incredibly important in laparoscopic surgery. The use of imaging can lead to safer surgical procedures and faster recovery times.
A radiation oncologist treats cancer patients through the use of radiation-based therapy. They still rely on medical imaging for the monitoring and treatment of the condition, much like other radiologists. The distinction, however, is that they also use high energy radiation in the treatment of cancer by damaging the affected cells to prevent them from spreading further.
Radiologists are called such because most of the techniques they use in medical imaging involve the use of radiation. Radiation may have harmful effects, but radiologists are highly trained in keeping patients safe. Depending on their specialty, some are more actively involved in the treatment process, such as in the case of radiation oncologists and interventional radiologists. Others, like diagnostic radiologists, may provide support to other doctors and medical professionals.