Radiologists analyze images of the body to diagnose and treat patients.
A radiologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of disease and injury using imaging such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. Radiologists must obtain approximately 13 years of education, training and residency to be become licensed. In May 2010, CBSalary.com listed a national average salary of $303,290 per year for this occupation.
Evaluation
When a patient is referred for diagnostic tests, a radiologist evaluates the patient's medical history, examines the patient and uses one or several methods of radiology to diagnose illness or injury. This can include consulting with the patient's referring physician and working with other medical professionals to choose the best method of radiology to assist in the diagnosis of illness or injury.
Imaging
After choosing the most appropriate diagnostic plan, a radiologist uses imaging to diagnose patients. This may involve preparing the patient for radiological testing by providing instructions or explaining procedures, and administering substances orally or by injection to provide images of internal structures and organs in the patient's body.
Diagnosis
After imaging, results are then examined by the radiologist to diagnose the patient's disease or injury. This may include correlating image findings with other examinations and tests, recommending further examinations or treatments and working with the patient's referring physician to make decisions on the next phase of diagnosis.
Treatment
Along with imaging and diagnosis, these professionals also treat diseases of patients who require treatment such as radiation (or nuclear medicine), as well as minimally invasive, image-guided surgery. Patients may require additional radiological testing to ensure the disease, injury or illness has been successfully treated.
Tags: disease injury, illness injury, injury This, injury This include, patient referring
