Radiology

The Radiologist

Who is the radiologist?

The radiologist is a medical doctor who has completed a four-year residency in either diagnostic radiology or radiation oncology. A radiologist may act as a consultant to another physician who is caring for the patient, or act as the patient's primary doctor in treating a disease (such as a radiation oncologist).

Following the residency, most radiologists and radiation oncologists become board-certified by the American Board of Radiology. Some go directly into practice. Others enter fellowship programs for an additional training in a subspecialized area, such as:

neuroradiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the central nervous system, head and neck
pediatric radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the unique techniques used to create images of children's bodies, their organs and internal structures

Who performs the diagnostic imaging?

Diagnostic imaging can be performed by the following professionals:

Radiologist
Specialized physician, who can perform basic imaging functions such as x-rays or ultrasounds. An example is an obstetrician who performs a routine ultrasound on a pregnant woman.
Technologists, who are specially trained to perform specific imaging techniques and are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or another registry. Technologists work under the direction and supervision of the radiologist.

Where is diagnostic imaging done?

Diagnostic imaging can be performed in a number of settings:

hospital-based radiology departments
freestanding outpatient centers
specialized centers (i.e., urology or sports medicine centers)

This page was last updated on: June 2, 2006.

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