Radiologist

Of the Radiologist works in a medical field that enables diagnoses by means of electromagnetic radiation and / or mechanical waves. Radiology is used for scientific purposes as well as in the field of research.

What is a radiologist?

Radiologists work in different areas such as diagnostic radiology, which is divided into neuroradiology and pediatric radiology. Radiation therapy and interventional radiology are also sub-areas.

Of the Radiologist is nowadays an important specialist in the medical field. Special equipment makes diagnoses easier to confirm and therapeutic measures to be initiated more quickly.

Originally only X-rays were used for diagnostics. Over the years, however, the technology has developed further and today, in addition to X-rays, other rays such as electrons, gamma rays or other ionizing rays are used.

Radiologists work in different areas such as diagnostic radiology, which is divided into neuroradiology and pediatric radiology. Radiation therapy and interventional radiology are also sub-areas.

Following a successfully completed medical degree, a five-year advanced training course to become a specialist in radiology can take place. This includes a certain number of examinations on children and adults and concludes with an examination to become a neurologist.

Treatments

Radiologists work diagnostically in most cases. With the help of imaging processes such as ultrasound or X-rays, clinical pictures and their causes can be recognized and treated accordingly.

The radiologist plays an important role in emergency medicine. In the event of severe injuries or strokes, action must be taken quickly and effectively. A radiologist can use the imaging procedures to create the basis for surgical interventions.

Outside of emergency medicine, treatment by a radiologist usually takes place through a referral from the family doctor or other specialist doctors. For example, if there is a suspicion of a tumor, the radiologist is called in for more detailed clarification. After accidents with broken bones, the radiologist decides whether an operation is necessary or not.

Another important area is covered by radiation therapy. It is used, for example, in cancer therapy. Radiologists not only work with patients, but also scientifically, for example in research. This enables technology to advance and thus better treatment options.

Diagnosis & examination methods

Radiologists use a variety of devices for diagnostics. The best known is the X-ray machine, which is mainly used to visualize the skeleton. This can be used, for example, to identify fractures or to show foreign bodies. Contrast media can be injected for more precise diagnosis. These substances can be used to better represent defined areas such as vessels.

The most important examinations here are mammography, angiography (representation of the vessels), urography (representation of the urinary vessels) and fluoroscopy. Computed tomography (CT) is another important diagnostic device. It enables a more precise and differentiated representation of the tissue layers and vessels. Contrast media are also used here in some cases. The MRI offers an even better way to display the soft parts, although the effort and costs are higher.

In addition to these large devices, the radiologist also uses ultrasound and sonography. So-called linear accelerators are used in radiation therapy. Only a certain area of ​​the body is irradiated with ionizing radiation. This process is called teletherapy. In brachytherapy, however, the radiation source is worn directly on or in the body.

Both therapy options are used for benign and malignant diseases and are carried out by a radiologist.

What should the patient pay attention to?

Choosing one Radiologists is mostly influenced by a time aspect. From a diagnostic point of view in particular, the available equipment and doctors are crucial and the patient does not necessarily have the option of choosing a radiologist himself.

Of course, the relationship between doctor and patient is also important. Nevertheless, the focus in radiology is on the equipment and the evaluation of the examination. Radiology is almost always just an intermediate station between diagnosis and treatment. Often the patient does not get to see the radiologist, because he only evaluates the examination results and forwards them to other treating doctors.

Only radiation therapy is a long-term affair. Here, too, the well-being of the patient should come first. If there are disagreements between doctor and patient, this can seriously affect the healing process. In the best case, a direct discussion helps, otherwise a change of doctor can help.