What Is the Average Annual Salary for a Radiologist?
Radiologists are medical doctors who use X-rays and other imaging technologies to diagnose and treat medical conditions. According to an article published by the Radiological Society of North America in November 2010, the 2009 median salary of a diagnostic radiologist was $454,205, and the 2009 median salary of an interventional radiologist was $478,000.
Caveats
Radiologist salaries vary greatly based on work environment, geographical location, industry, experience and benefits. The website MySalary.com reports the median expected salary for a radiologists in the United States is $401,934 as of November 2010.
Training
A radiologist must graduate from an accredited medical school, pass a licensing examination, complete a one-year internship and complete at least a four-year residency in radiology. After the residency, these doctors have the option of entering a fellowship program and specializing in one or more areas of radiology.
Diagnostic Radiology
Most radiologists practice diagnostic radiology, using imaging equipment to diagnose medical conditions. Many radiologists specialize in a particular part of the body. Specialties include breast imaging, cardiovascular radiology, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal and neuroradiology (brain, nerves, head, neck and spine).
Interventional Radiology
An interventional radiologist does minimally invasive interventional techniques using imaging to guide the procedure. These techniques include imaging and treatment of the blood vessels (such as angiography, angioplasty and stent placement), biopsies, line and tube placement, uterine fibroid removal, and drainage of fluids and abscesses.
Considerations
Although radiologists are ultimately responsible for patient care, they often receive assistance from other trained medical personnel. A radiologic technologist usually operates the equipment to produce images, explains procedures to patients and does similar tasks. A radiologist assistant is a high-level radiologic technologist who performs and assists with advanced tasks, such as patient evaluation and invasive procedures. A radiologic nurse may also assist with specific tasks.
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