Who is a Radiologist and what is his/her training:

Radiologists are medical doctors who undergo specialized training in diagnosing and treating diseases using various medical imaging techniques. There are various imaging techniques which are available, like x-rays, ultrasound (USG), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET).

Like other medical doctors, a radiologist must first graduate from an accredited medical school, earn degree (M.B.B.S in India or M.D in USA). To become a radiologist, they need to undergo a one year of internship, and do residency in radiology from an accredited medical institute/university. The minimum years required for radiology training after one year of internship varies 3 years (India) or 4 years (USA). During residency, radiology trainee undergoes specific training that includes radiation safety and ensure the optimal performance of radiological procedures and interpretation of medical images. Before a radiologist is conferred degree and license to practice, the minimum training including medical school and radiology residency is approx. 9 to 10 years.

Upon completing the stipulated years in residency, these doctors have to pass an exam. This exam confers a degree like M.D (diagnostic radiology) / DNB in India or board certification in USA. In India a radiologist needs to register their degree with local state medical council before they can start practicing radiology. In India, a shorter course with two years training after internship is available and called as diploma (DMRD).  Many radiologist choose to enter a senior residency (in India) to gain further experience or enroll in a fellowship program to sub-specialize in one or more areas of radiology (In USA/Canada).

Radiologists have the medical knowledge to understand and explain your medical problem or symptom through the images or pictures that are taken of various parts of the inside of your body. They are there to assist other doctors in diagnosing and treating illness. When a radiologist receives a request for a test, he or she considers the different imaging tests available, considers the risks and benefits of the different ways of obtaining imaging to assist in answering the question, and determines what test or treatment to do and how best to do it.

Once the exam is over, the radiologists communicate the results of diagnostic imaging through a written report and images sent to the referring doctor. Radiologists work as part of a clinical team so that they can participate actively in decision making about imaging tests.

References:

1.   1.   http://www.acr.org

2.   2,    http://www.ranzcr.edu.au

3.   3.    http://www.radiologyinfo.org