Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Radiology

Nature of the work

A radiologist diagnoses and treats diseases utilizing radiologic imaging procedures in adults and children. Physicians practicing in the field of radiology most often specialize in diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, or radiological physics. A diagnostic radiologist utilizes x-ray, radionuclides, ultrasound, and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease. A radiation oncologist deals with the therapeutic applications of radiant energy and its modifiers and the study and management of disease, especially malignant tumors. A radiological physicist deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of roentgen rays, gamma rays from sealed sources, ultrasonic radiation, and radio-frequency radiation, as well as the equipment associated with their production and use, including radiation safety.

Radiologists can receive training in the following subspecialties:

• Abdominal Radiology
• Cardiothoracic Radiology
• Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Radiology
• Pediatric Radiology
• Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Training/residency information

The residency training program for radiology is five years of approved training with a minimum of four years in diagnostic radiology. A minimum of six months, but no more than twelve months, must be spent in Nuclear Radiology. The other year must be accredited clinical training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery or surgical specialties, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Neurology, Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, or any combination of these. This clinical year will usually be the first postgraduate year. Subspecialty certification in neuroradiology, nuclear radiology, pediatric radiology or vascular and interventional radiology can be obtained with a year of additional training and examination

Workforce and salary information

Radiology has experienced a shortage of diagnostic radiologists over the past few years; however, research published in the February 2004 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests the workforce crisis may be easing. The annual salary for radiologists ranges from $325,438 to $474,500.

For more information

• American Board of Radiology
• American College of Radiology
• Radiological Society of North America

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American College of Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America, and the "2006 Physician Compensation Survey," Modern Healthcare. July 17, 2006. (Based on surveys conducted by American Medical Group Association; Cejka Search; Daniel Stern & Associates; Delta Physician Placement; Hay Group; Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service; Jackson & Coker; Martin, Fletcher & Associates; MD Network; Medical Group Management Association; Medicus Partners; Merritt, Hawkins & Associates; Pcific Cos.; Pinnacle Helaht Group; and Sullivan, Cotter & Associates.)

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