A radiologist is a specialist medical doctor who has had postgraduate training in performing and interpreting diagnostic imaging tests and interventional procedures or treatments that involve the use of X-ray, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging equipment.
Radiologists are trained to assist other doctors and specialists to treat their patients by making a diagnosis and providing treatment using medical imaging. Radiologists have the medical knowledge to understand and explain the medical problem or symptom through the images or pictures that are taken of various parts of the inside of the body.
Radiologists can choose to work in various sub-specialties of radiology such as breast imaging, interventional radiology, musculoskeletal imaging, cardiac imaging, or paediatric (children’s) imaging.
There are three types of radiology – diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic (called radiation oncology).
Diagnostic:diagnostic imaging uses plain X-ray radiology, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging techniques to obtain images that are then interpreted to aid in the diagnosis of disease
.
Interventional: interventional radiologists treat as well as diagnose disease using imaging equipment.
Radiation oncology: radiation oncology uses radiation to treat diseases such as cancer, using radiation therapy.
Radiology is at the forefront of technological advances in clinical medicine. The ability to produce pictures of the human body using many different techniques has revolutionised the practice of medicine over the past hundred years. Radiologists are central members of the multidisciplinary clinical care team and play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease in adults and children (including babies and foetuses). Radiology offers tremendous scope for a varied career in cutting edge technology, clinical medicine, teaching and research and is becoming more highly sub-specialised as imaging technology increases in its sophistication and complexity.
Satisfying Aspects
- varied work
- very interesting career
- good remuneration
Demanding aspects
- long hours requiring intense concentration
- many years of study required
- ongoing research and study to keep up-to-date with advances in this field
Requirements
- pay attention to detail
- have excellent communication skills and be able to work well with people
- have emotional strength and maturity
- be scientifically and mathematically minded
- work well under pressure
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution has its own entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Note: Competition to enter medical studies is stiff and there are usually many applicants with excellent grades who would naturally be given preference.
Training
MBChB degree at UP, UCT, UFS, Wits, US, UL, UKZN:
- Theoretical training: 6 years
- Student internship: 1 year
- Practical work at a hospital: 1 year (also known as the house doctor year).
Postgraduate study for specialisation as a radiologist.
Additional Requirements: before commencing post-graduate study for specialisation as an radiologist the candidate must:
- be in possession of a MBChB degree for 2 years
- be registered as a medical doctor with the Interim Medical and Dental Council (IMDC) of South Africa for 1 year
Registration: On successful completion of the examination to qualify as a specialist, the candidate must register with the IMDC as a radiologist.
Employer
- hospitals and clinics (private as well as government controlled)
- Department of Health
- Chamber of Mines
- South African Defence Force
- municipalities
- SANTA
- private radiological practices
- universities and universities of technology
- self-employment, after registration can go into private practice or partnership
Contact
Radiology Association of South Africa
P O Box 3475
Cresta, 2118
Tel: (011) 794-4395 Fax: (011) 794-4313
radsoc@africa.com
www.rssa.co.za