Careers In RadiologyRadiology represents a branch of medicine that deals with radiant energy in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders. A physician who specializes in radiology is called radiologist.Radiography is used to diagnose the ailment and diseases of the internal and hidden parts of the body using X-ray, Flu-oroscopy, Ultrasound (sonogra-phy), CT scan (Computer Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Angiography, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) etc. These technologies are increasingly being used to help doctors identify the causes of illness, as well as for the treatment of certain diseases, which require radiation medicine. Radiography provides images of the body tissues, bones and organs for doctors to diagnose diseases and injuries and carry out treatment.Thanks to the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in November 1895, radiology has grown immensely, both in its dimensions and capabilities and is now one of the most sought-after postgraduate courses for medical graduates. It is both a diagnostic specialty and an inter-ventional specialty, with direct links to almost every other department in a hospital. Radiology is an exciting and intellectually stimulating specialty that plays an important role in patient diagnosis and management. Technological innovations and the widespread availability of sophisticated imaging techniques has enabled radiography to advance rapidly in recent years. The work of a radiologist is of utmost importance in the diagnosis of patients, and is crucial to the application of rapid and essential treatment. Radiography is concerned with operating radio imaging machines such as X-ray and interpreting results. It also involves treatment of cancers and tumors with radiation. There are two career choices in the field- Diagnostic Radiography and Therapeutic Radiography. The responsibility of a Diagnostic radiographer is to explain the procedure to the patients, prepare them for the tests and operate the machine, and do the maintenance of equipment and records. They also assist physicians in performing procedures such as Myelograms (an exam to detect injuries, Cysts or tumors in the spinal cord) and surgeons in the operating room with portable x-ray machines or fluoroscopic machines. Therapeutic radiography or Radiotherapy is now being used in the treatment and diagnosis of a large number of diseases, including cancer, tumors and ulcers. A therapy radiographer use radiation in highly controlled conditions in the treatment of tumor. The exact amount of radiation can shrink a tumor. Radiologist Plays a Key Role in Healthcare:
Radiologists, radiographers and x-ray technicians are exposed to radiation and spend a lot of time in dimly lit rooms. They must therefore wear protective gear. Women in particular need to be extremely careful in handling radio active material. ELIGIBILITY Those who enjoy intellectual challenges and solving mind-boggling cases have an analytical mind and a keen eye for detail can take up radiology as a career and should have a interest in the science subjects such as Biology, Physiology and Anatomy. While radiology is a medical speciality requiring a basic MBBS qualification, there are also degree and diploma courses for radiography for those who have passed their 10+2 or equivalent with 50% marks in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Qualified MBBS doctors can take study of MD/DNB in radiology after qualifying in postgraduate NEET entrance examinations (conducted by the CBSE or State Boards or National Board of Examinations). During MD (Doctor of Medicine)/DNB (Diplomate of National Board), research has to be carried out apart from regular academics, carrying out ward duties and upgrading one’s knowledge. One can then go for a three-year senior residency and/or sub-specialty training, after which she/he can practice as a radiologist. A radiologist can choose to specialize in one or more of the following: Breast, Cardiac, Gastrointestinal, Head and neck, Musculoskeletal, Neuroradiology Oncological, Paediatric, Radionuclide, Thoracic, Uro-gynaecological, and Vascular. There is a three-year B Sc course in radiography, and radiotherapy, as also two year diploma courses for medical technicians to qualify in this field. Post Graduate courses are also available for graduates. SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE AN RADIOLOGIST Radiography is essentially a service oriented field. Essential skills required are:
After training in the particular area of specialisation, radiographers, radiotherapists, X-ray and ECG technicians can work in the X-ray and ultrasound and other diagnostic departments in hospitals, clinics, private nursing homes, public health organisations, research institutions, pharmaceutical concerns and as well as medical institutions controlled by Defence, Central and State Governments. They can also opt for teaching, or go into nuclear medicine and research. Radiologists and Radiographers are required in large numbers in
Typical work activities a radiologist would need to carry out include the following:
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