Radiologists analyze diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays.
Radiology practitioners, or radiologists, are physicians who analyze and perform a range of diagnostic imaging tests. These include X-rays, ultrasound, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography. Like all doctors, radiologists must complete extensive academic and training requirements, but once they are established in their career, radiology practitioners often enjoy benefits than other physicians do not.
Duties
Radiologists compare patients' diagnostic imaging results with other examinations and tests and determine if further testing or treatments are needed. They will consult with the doctors who have sent the patients to them and aid in developing the proper diagnosis. In addition, radiologists can treat patients themselves with radiation or perform minimally invasive, image-guided surgery. There are many sub-specialties that radiology practitioners can focus on, including breast imaging, chest radiology, cardiovascular radiology, gastrointestinal radiology, genitourinary radiology, emergency radiology and pediatric radiology.
Education
Like all physicians, radiologists must complete four years of undergraduate study and then attend four years of medical school. After earning their M.D. degree, they must pass a licensing exam, and complete three to eight years of internship and residency in radiology. Once they have finished their residency, radiologists can choose to specialize in one of the radiological sub-specialties. Most radiologists also chose to become certified by American Board of Radiology, which requires passing a certification exam.
Work Schedule
Unlike many doctors who must work long, irregular hours, radiologists often work normal business hours, totaling a 40-hour week. Radiologists are also able to analyze and interpret diagnostic images from home because they can be sent anywhere via computer. Radiology practitioners usually do not have to arrange their time around patient appointments the way other doctors must either, which allows for a more flexible work schedule as well.
Salary
According to PayScale, a salary information website, a radiologist with less than a year of experience earns between $40,406 and $103,770, as of April 2010. Salaries for those who have worked between five and nine years range from $79,500 to $275,000, while veteran radiologists with more than 20 years of experience are paid between $122,084 and $301,275.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for all physicians, including radiologists, will grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. As the elderly population continues to grow, radiologists in particular should see increased employment since cancer and other diseases that are diagnosed by imaging tests tend to occur more often as people age. There has been concern that there is a shortage of radiologists in the United States as well, so there should be plenty of opportunities for those who specialize in the field.
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