A radiologist is a physician who has specialized training in obtaining and interpreting medical images, which makes him or her imaging expert. These images are obtained by using x-rays (radiographs, CT, fluoroscopy), or radioactive substances (nuclear medicine), others by means of sound waves (ultrasound) or the body’s natural magnetism (MRI).

Nearly all physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, diagnose illnesses, or prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. According to American Medical Association statistics, 1.2 percent of those physicians specialize in radiology. A radiologist correlates medical image findings with other examinations and tests, recommends further examinations or treatments, and confers with referring physicians (the doctors who send patients to the radiology department or clinic for testing). Radiologists also treat diseases by means of radiation (radiation oncology or nuclear medicine) or minimally invasive, image-guided surgery (interventional radiology).

Like other physicians, a radiologist must have graduated from an accredited medical school and has earned an MD degree. He or she have passed a licensing examination, performed a year of internship, and completed at least four years of graduate medical education (residency) in radiology. Upon completing a residency, these doctors may choose to enter a fellowship program and sub-specialize into one or more areas of radiology.

A radiologist, through extensive clinical work and related research, may also specialize in one or more radiology sub specialties.

Breast imaging
The sub-specialty of radiology devoted to the diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of breast diseases and conditions. This includes mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and breast procedures such as breast biopsy.

Cardiovascular Radiology
The sub-specialty of radiology devoted to the diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of diseases of the heart and blood vessels (including the arteries and veins, and the lymphatic). This includes x-rays, CT (computed tomography or CAT), ultrasound and MRI.

Chest Radiology
The sub-specialty of radiology devoted to diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of diseases of the chest, especially the heart and lungs. This includes x-rays, CT (computed tomography or CAT), Ultrasound, MRI and chest procedures, such as lung biopsy and drainage of fluid from the chest.

Emergency Radiology
The sub-specialty of radiology devoted to the diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of trauma and non-traumatic emergency conditions. This includes x-rays, CT (computed tomography or CAT), Ultrasound and MRI.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Radiology
The sub-specialty of radiology devoted to the diagnostic imaging and diagnosis of the gastrointestinal (GI), or digestive tract (the stomach and intestines) and abdomen. This includes fluoroscopy, x-rays, CT (computed tomography or CAT), Ultrasound, MRI, and GI procedures such as biopsy, fluid and abscess drainage.

A radiologist assistant (RA) is a high level radiologic technologist (RT) who works under the close supervision of a radiologist to perform and assist with advanced tasks. Specifically, an RA performs radiologic examinations, is involved in patient management and evaluation, and assists the radiologist with invasive procedures. The RA also may be responsible for making preliminary judgments about image quality, making initial observations of images, and forwarding those observations to the supervising radiologist.

The radiologist usually receives assistance from a radiologic technologist. Primarily, a technologist operates the radiographic equipment to produce images. This involves explaining procedures to reassure the patient and obtain cooperation, positioning the patient on the examining table, and adjusting immobilization devices to obtain optimum views of specific body areas.

The larger medical centers may employ a radiological nurse who provides for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the patient who is undergoing tests or treatment in a radiology department. The radiologic nurse usually develops and manages a care plan to help patients understand procedures and, later, recuperate from the procedures. This may also include working with a patient’s family.