Radiology

A Radiologist is a physician who uses imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options. Physicians practicing in the field of Radiology specialize in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, or Radiation Oncology. They also may certify in a number of subspecialties (descriptions follow). The board also certifies in Medical Physics and issues specific certificates within this discipline.

I.  Diagnostic Radiology
A Diagnostic Radiologist uses X-rays, radionuclides, ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease. Training required is five years: one year of clinical training, followed by four years of Radiology training. The majority of trainees complete an additional year of training during a fellowship. A Diagnostic Radiologist who wishes to specialize in one of the six areas listed below must first certify in Diagnostic Radiology.

Subspecialties

Certification in one of the following subspecialties requires additional training and examination.

  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine

    A Radiologist who specializes in Hospice and Palliative Medicine provides care to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to optimize quality of life while addressing the physical, psychological, social, moral, ethical, and spiritual needs of both patients and families. One year of fellowship training is required.

  • Neuroradiology

    A specialist in Neuroradiology diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, sinuses, spine, spinal cord, neck, and the central nervous system, such as aging and degenerative diseases, seizure disorders, cancer, stroke, cerebrovascular diseases, and trauma. Imaging commonly used in neuroradiology includes angiography, myelography, interventional techniques, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two additional years – one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional approved training – are required.

  • Nuclear Radiology

    A specialist in Nuclear Radiology uses the administration of trace amounts of radioactive substances (radionuclides) to provide images and information for making a diagnosis. Imaging that can involve nuclear radiology include PET (positron emission tomography) and SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans. One additional year of fellowship training is required.

  • Pain Medicine

    A specialist in Pain Medicine provides care for patients with acute, chronic, and/or cancer pain in both inpatient and outpatient settings while coordinating patient care needs with other specialists. One additional year of fellowship training is required.

  • Pediatric Radiology

A specialist in Pediatric Radiology uses imaging and interventional procedures related to the diagnosis, care, and management of congenital abnormalities (those present at birth) and diseases particular to infants and children. A Pediatric Radiologist also treats diseases that begin in childhood and can cause impairments in adulthood. Two additional years – one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional approved training – are required.

  • Vascular and Interventional Radiology

    A specialist in Vascular and Interventional Radiology diagnoses and treats diseases with the use of various radiologic imaging technologies, including fluoroscopy, digital radiography, computed tomography (CT), sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therapies include angioplasty, stent placement, thrombolysis, embolization, biliary and genitourinary drainages, abscess drainages, and others. Two additional years – one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional approved training – are required.

  1. Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology 

    An Interventional Radiologist combines competence in imaging, image-guided minimally invasive procedures and periprocedural patient care to diagnose and treat benign and malignant conditions of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and extremities. Therapies include embolization, angioplasty, stent placement, thrombus management, drainage and ablation, among others. Training includes a minimum of three years of Diagnostic Radiology and two years of Interventional Radiology, leading to primary certification in Interventional Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology.

Subspecialties

Certification in one of the following subspecialties requires additional training and examination.

  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine

    A Radiologist who specializes in Hospice and Palliative Medicine provides care to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to optimize quality of life while addressing the physical, psychological, social, moral, ethical, and spiritual needs of both patients and families. One year of fellowship training is required.

  • Neuroradiology

    A specialist in Neuroradiology diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, sinuses, spine, spinal cord, neck, and the central nervous system, such as aging and degenerative diseases, seizure disorders, cancer, stroke, cerebrovascular diseases, and trauma. Imaging commonly used in neuroradiology includes angiography, myelography, interventional techniques, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two additional years – one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional approved training – are required.

  • Nuclear Radiology

    A specialist in Nuclear Radiology uses the administration of trace amounts of radioactive substances (radionuclides) to provide images and information for making a diagnosis. Imaging that can involve nuclear radiology include PET (positron emission tomography) and SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans. One additional year of fellowship training is required.

  • Pain Medicine

    A specialist in Pain Medicine provides care for patients with acute, chronic, and/or cancer pain in both inpatient and outpatient settings while coordinating patient care needs with other specialists. One additional year of fellowship training is required.

  • Pediatric Radiology

A specialist in Pediatric Radiology uses imaging and interventional procedures related to the diagnosis, care, and management of congenital abnormalities (those present at birth) and diseases particular to infants and children. A Pediatric Radiologist also treats diseases that begin in childhood and can cause impairments in adulthood. Two additional years – one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional

approved training – are required.

III.  Radiation Oncology
A Radiation Oncologist uses ionizing radiation and other modalities to treat malignant and some benign diseases. Radiation Oncologists may also use computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and hyperthermia (heat) as additional interventions to aid in treatment planning and delivery. Training required is five years: one year of general clinical work, followed by four years of dedicated Radiation Oncology training.