A radiologist works in a medical field that uses electromagnetic radiation and/or mechanical waves to make diagnoses. For scientific purposes, as well as in the field of research, radiology is used.
What is a radiologist?
Radiologists work in various subfields such as diagnostic radiology, which is divided into neuroradiology and pediatric radiology. Radiation therapy and interventional radiology are also subspecialties. The radiologist is an important specialist in the medical field today. Thanks to special equipment, diagnoses can be more easily confirmed and therapeutic measures can be initiated more quickly. Originally, only X-rays were used for diagnosis. Over the years, however, the technology has evolved and today, in addition to X-rays, other rays such as electrons, gamma rays or other ionizing rays are used. Radiologists work in various sub-specialties such as diagnostic radiology, which is divided into neuroradiology and pediatric radiology. Radiation therapy and interventional radiology are also sub-areas. Following a successfully completed medical degree, a five-year further training course can be taken to become a specialist in radiology. This includes a certain number of examinations on children and adults and concludes with an examination to become a neurologist.
Treatments
Radiologists work diagnostically in most cases. With the help of imaging techniques such as ultrasound or X-rays, disease patterns and their causes can be detected and treated accordingly. The radiologist plays an important role in emergency medicine. Particularly in the case of severe injuries or strokes, action must be taken quickly and in a targeted manner. A radiologist can create the basis for surgical interventions through imaging procedures. Outside of emergency medicine, treatment by a radiologist is usually by referral from the primary care physician or other specialists. If, for example, a tumor is suspected, the radiologist is consulted for more detailed clarification. After accidents with bone fractures, the radiologist decides whether an operation is necessary or not. Another important area is covered by radiation therapy. It is used in cancer therapy, for example. However, radiologists do not only work with patients, but also scientifically, such as in research. This makes advances in technology and thus better treatment options possible.
Diagnostic and examination methods
Radiologists use a variety of equipment for diagnosis. The best known is the X-ray machine, which is used primarily for imaging the skeleton. This can be used, for example, to detect fractures or to visualize foreign bodies. Contrast media can be injected for more precise diagnostics. These substances make it easier to visualize specific areas such as vessels. The most important examinations here are mammography, angiography (imaging of the vessels), urography (imaging of the vessels draining urine) and fluoroscopy. Computed tomography (CT) is another important diagnostic device. It allows more precise and differentiated imaging of tissue layers and vessels. Here, too, contrast media are sometimes used. MRI offers an even better imaging possibility of the soft tissues, although the effort and costs are higher. In addition to these large devices, the radiologist also uses ultrasound and sonography. In radiation therapy, so-called linear accelerators are used. In this process, only a specific area of the body is irradiated with ionizing radiation. This process is called teletherapy. In brachytherapy, on the other hand, the radiation source is carried directly on or inside the body. Both types of therapy are used for benign and malignant diseases and are performed by a radiologist.
What should the patient be aware of?
The choice of a radiologist is usually influenced by a time aspect. Especially in diagnostic terms, the available equipment and physicians are decisive and the patient does not necessarily have the opportunity to choose a radiologist himself. Of course, the relationship between doctor and patient is also important. Nevertheless, the focus in radiology is on the equipment and the evaluation of the examination.Radiology is almost always only an intermediate station between diagnosis and treatment. Often, the patient does not get to see the radiologist, as he or she merely evaluates the examination results and forwards them to other treating physicians. Only radiotherapy is a longer-term matter. Here, too, the patient’s well-being should be paramount. If disagreements arise between doctor and patient, this can seriously affect the healing process. In the best case, a direct conversation helps; otherwise, a change of doctor may help.