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You
might not be aware that radiologists interpret the findings of
these exams, although the tests may be performed by a technologist
under the supervision of the radiologist. Radiologists, after
medical school, must go through many years of special training
on how to read x-rays and interpret what the other imaging tests
show.
No
other doctors have as much special training in reading imaging
studies as do radiologists. More than 90 percent of all doctors
practicing as radiologists are board certified. This represents
one of the highest percentages of all specialties recognized by
the American Medical Association.
In addition to radiologists specializing in certain types of imaging,
some of these doctors treat diseases and ailments, they are called
interventional radiologists. See Interventional Procedures.
Overall, radiologists play an important role in the delivery of
health care in the United States and throughout the world. Imaging
tests detect diseases at earlier, more treatable stages, saving
lives. In addition, accurate imaging tests are cost-effective
because they can eliminate the need for further tests.
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he
diagnostic radiologist is really your doctor's doctor. He or she uses
a wide variety of imaging tools to help your physician find out what is
wrong with you. Diagnostic radiologists, whether in a group or solo practice,
in a freestanding imaging center or a hospital, play the important role
of consultant for your health care team. Diagnostic radiologists must
complete four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school,
a year of internship and four years of residency training at hospitals.
