A radiologist does a lot more than look at X-rays all day. Radiologists also interpret medical images obtained by fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) scans as well as those produced as a result of radioactive substances, ultrasound and MRIs. In addition, radiologists treat diseases by using radiation or through interventional radiology, which is practiced by using minimally invasive, image-guided surgery. Certain characteristics and skill sets can help radiologists excel at serving both patients and their referring physicians.
Medical Private Eyes
What's wrong with this picture? That's a job for a radiologist. Dr. George D. Soltes, director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, says a radiologist serves foremost as a medical detective. That means radiologists must be curious and inquisitive with a quick eye for detail and an uncanny ability to spot the abnormal.
Physician's Physician
Radiologists must have a knowledge base that spans all other medical specialties. Dr. Soltes refers to that as being a "physician's physician." And that knowledge base must be available upon quick recall. Radiology patients are referred by other doctors, so when a radiologist enters a case, she has little advance warning what ailment might be lying in wait.
Keep the (Background) Noise Down
Radiologists need to be dispassionate and clinical in reaching their conclusions. According to a recent study, "personal characteristics and background" contributed to the variability in mammography results. Radiologists strive for consistency and uniformity in the information they provide to referring physicians.
Judgment Call
Dr. Soltes jokes that a "radiologist's favorite plant is the hedge." But although a radiologist must keep an open mind and consider a wide swath of possibilities when interpreting a case, he must be able, in the end, to provide a definitive and clinically useful answer.
The Nice Section
Because all radiology patients are referred by other physicians, a patient enters the radiologist's world fearing the worst. More than a bedside manner, the radiologist needs a personality that quickly connects with patients, making them feel comfortable and less fearful so the examination can be conducted in a less stressful fashion.
Training
Typically, a specialized radiologist will have four years of medical school, a one-year internship, four years of residency in radiology and one to two years of specialty training through a fellowship program.
Tags: four years, knowledge base, patients referred, patients referred other, referred other, referring physicians
