Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Radiology

Nature of the work

A radiologist is a physician who utilizes imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options. A radiologist utilizes x-ray, ionizing radiation, radionuclides, ultrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and image-guided intervention to diagnose and treat disease. Physicians practicing in the field of radiology specialize in diagnostic radiology, or radiation oncology.¹

Radiologists can receive training in the following subspecialties:

• 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. Additional training of at least one year is required to be certified in the subspecialty areas.

Salary information

The annual salary for radiologists ranges from $386,755 to $600,000.²

For more information

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

References
1 The American Board of Medical Specialties. Guide to Physician Specialties. Evanston, IL: American Board of Medical Specialties; February 2008.
2 2008 Physician Compensation Survey [special feature]. Modern Healthcare. July 14, 2008: 28-32.

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