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What does a radiologist do? A radiologist is a medical doctor that uses technology, computers, medical imaging and medical equipment like MRI,
computed tomography (CT Scans), and ultrasound to assist other doctors in figuring out issues related to their patients' medical conditions.
Radiological exams are absolute necessities in the medical evaluation of any patient and the radiologist is the one that interprets these
after ensuring the are made to the highest levels of quality and standards.
All radiologists are well trained in the expert use of the various radiological modalities and equipment. These include MRI (magnetic Resonance Imaging),
ultrasound (Diagnostic sonography), interventional radiology, fluoroscopy, digital radiography, angiography, nuclear medicine, mammography, and computed
tomography. In addition, radiologists must stay up to date on all advances in the worlds of radiology and medical imaging and thus regularly go through
workshops and conferences to master all that is developing.
The radiologist performs many procedures as part of the interventional radiology doctrine. Examples include
drainage of an abscess using ultrasound or CT Scan, stopping a bleed by blocking the vessel that is bleeding,
extracting urinary stones and unclogging the urinary system, and treating aneurysms in the brain. The interventional radiologist
helps treat peripheral vascular disease and can through angiography reopen any blocked artery or dissolve a clot in a vein.
The radiologist also plays a major role in the diagnosis and follow up of various cancers.
For example, radiologists use chest xrays and chest CTs to check for presence or progression of lung cancer. A radiologist would also perform
routine mammograms on women to make sure that those that develop cancer get that identified in its earliest stage.
So if asked, do you have a clear answer to what does a radiologist do?
A radiologist also plays a crucial role in maternal health through pregnancy ultrasound exams that allow him to accurately determine the fetal wellbeing.
Different measurements are taken of various fetal structures and matched to standardized tests to determine normalcy. Fetal heart rate is also studied.
Radiologists also examine the xray and MRI exams of the various joints and are crucial in the evaluation of any sports injury.
Ultrasound can also help here by showing the presence of an abnormal fluid collection in the joint. This finding may indicate injury.
The diagnostic radiologist is also essential for the evaluation of the digestive system. Radiologists image the esophagus, stomach, and bowel
via dedicated exams including upper GI, barium enema, and enteroclysis. These studies are crucial to detect ulcers, polyps, and obstruction.
In the last few years, radiologists have been performing virtual colonoscopies, non invasive studies replacing the very invasive and extremely
uncomfortable traditional colonoscopy.
They also use ultrasound to study the abdominal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and spleen and to determine whether there is
inflammation of the gallbladder or appendix. Ultrasound is also used to evaluate the tyroid gland, drain a breast cyst,
examine the ovaries and uterus, and check for the presence of vascular narrowing.
The radiologist is also trained in nuclear medicine and uses that to look into pulmonary embolism, heart disease, signs of stroke, obstructed gall bladder,
spread of cancer, bone density, and kidney function among many others.
So now you know what does a radiologist do and the fabulous world of radiology and radiologists.
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