Radiologists
What is a Radiologist?
A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques. These imaging techniques include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Radiologists play a crucial role in patient care by interpreting images and providing critical information that assists in the diagnosis and management of a wide array of medical conditions. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans based on their findings. In addition to diagnostic radiology, some radiologists may specialize in interventional radiology, where they use imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat various diseases. Radiologists typically complete medical school followed by a residency in radiology, and many pursue further fellowship training in a subspecialty to enhance their expertise.
Tasks
- Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
- Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
- Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
- Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
- Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Word processing software
Tools Used
- X ray diffraction equipment
- Radiation detectors
- Medical gamma cameras for general use
- Medical positron emission tomography PET units
- Medical computed tomography CT or CAT stationary units
Knowledge
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-doctoral training
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Doctoral degree
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.