A radiologist is a specialist who is engaged in radiation therapy, as well as radioisotope research methods. To date, his work helps not only to clarify the alleged diagnosis, but also to overcome tumor diseases.
About the radiologist
This specialty appeared relatively recently. Many still do not know what the radiologist is doing. This specialty involves serious training after receiving a medical diploma.
Today , radiologists are quite rare, but in demand doctors. Their work was especially significant after the advent of modern equipment for radioisotope research, as well as radiation therapy.
What is the complexity of the profession?
By the nature of his activity, the radiologist constantly has contact with harmful x-rays and various isotopes. Of course, over the past more than 100 years since the advent of the first X-ray machine, the work of such a specialist has become much safer. The fact is that in the past, the X-ray investigation procedure lasted quite a long time. At the moment, modern devices examine in less than a second.
More dangerous is a fluoroscopic examination. The fact is that during this diagnostic method, the doctor has to be in the same room with the patient.
What diseases does the doctor face?
Currently, the opportunities available to the radiologist are widely used. What this specialist treats, while not everyone knows. First of all, such a doctor is engaged in determining the necessary intensity of radiation therapy for patients suffering from cancer. In this case, a consultation with a radiologist is carried out only after an MRI or CT scan. The complexity of this work lies in the fact that it is necessary to accurately determine at what depth the x-rays should be directed and where exactly to focus them. If the doctor misses, then healthy tissues and cells of the patient’s body will be more affected, rather than a malignant tumor.
Radiation therapy can also be carried out by introducing radioisotope substances directly into the tumor tissue. This method has recently become more and more popular, and its further improvement will soon help make the complex treatment of cancer safer for healthy tissues.
In addition to direct treatment, the radiologist also conducts many radioisotope studies that identify dangerous diseases.
About radiological research methods
Currently, this branch of medical diagnostics includes 2 main sections:
- radiography (radiography);
- radioisotope research methods.
Each radiologist must be fully skilled in conducting such an examination.
Radiography is a research method based on the projection of images of various organs and tissues during their exposure to X-rays. Currently, it is used very widely in almost every branch of medicine.
Radioisotope research methods appeared later than radiographic. Today, such a branch of medical diagnostics is developing especially actively. All these techniques are based on the introduction of x-ray substances into the human body. They are distributed in tissues and organs in a certain way. It depends on a huge number of indicators. In the future, using special devices, the radiologist records the degree of distribution of the introduced substances and analyzes the data obtained as a result of the study.
Where does the specialist work?
Not every patient knows who a radiologist is and where to consult with him. This is not surprising, because simple radiologists work in ordinary clinics and even in hospitals. Only after they have undergone special multi-month training for the Radiology course in higher education institutions do they get the opportunity to work on special equipment.
Currently, radiologists work only in specialized medical centers. Even in large cities, there are rarely many institutions whose staff provides for such specialists. Typically, these centers are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of mainly oncological diseases, since it is with this pathology that radiological methods are most often used.
Medical cooperation
In order to help improve professional skills, as well as the effective exchange of experience between specialists, an association of oncologists and radiologists has been created. The association of doctors of two specialties at once in one organization in this case is justified by the fact that their professional activities are currently very much interconnected. Radiologists often confirm the diagnosis that oncologists suggest, and later participate in the complex treatment of malignant neoplasms.
In order to become a member of such an organization, it is necessary to have a diploma of higher education, to complete an internship in oncology or a postgraduate course in radiology, and also to make a small monetary contribution annually, necessary for the development of the association and conducting various events for doctors under its auspices.
The Association of Oncologists and Radiologists holds major congresses of its members at least once a year. Specialists are invited to make presentations that describe new developments in the field that can benefit medicine and patients. Foreign oncologists and radiologists are often invited here to share their experience. Such events are usually quite useful, as they contribute to improving the quality of work of domestic specialists.
In addition, the association provides legal advice to its members. In particular, we are talking about cases where the rights of an employee are violated by the employer.
Work with patient
In contrast to the radiologist, the radiologist has to communicate with patients somewhat more often. He discusses with them the upcoming treatment or the features of specific research methods. The advice of a radiologist is mandatory, since it is always a matter of serious pathology or an examination which, if the patient behaves improperly, can cause some harm to the body.
Specialty Advantages
Despite the many shortcomings associated with the negative effects of x-rays, many diagnostic doctors are trying to get training in the specialty "Radiologist". This is largely due to the higher level of payment for this doctor compared to conventional radiologists. In addition, this specialty makes it possible to quickly grow professionally, since here the doctor conducts both diagnostic and medical procedures. Moreover, he himself determines how intense radiation therapy should be.