Health Care Providers: Radiologists
en español: Profesionales de la salud: Radiólogos
Medically reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts
What Is Radiology?
Radiology (ray-dee-OL-uh-jee), or medical imaging, allows doctors to “see” the bones and organs.
What Is a Radiologist?
A radiologist (ray-dee-OL-uh-jist) is a doctor who views, analyzes, and interprets medical images. They consult with the patient's primary doctor or specialist doctor about their findings.
Why Would Someone Need One?
Radiologists are experts in such medical imaging procedures as:
- bone densitometry (to measure bone density)
- cardiac imaging (studies of the heart)
- CAT or CT (computed axial tomography) scans
- (like a moving X-ray)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- musculoskeletal X-rays and imaging (CT, MRI, and ultrasound) to look at muscles, bones, and joints
- neuroradiology (imaging tests to look at the brain, head, skull, or spine)
- nuclear medicine (a small amount of a radioactive element, often delivered through an IV, gives off energy that can be detected by scanners and provide high-resolution images)
- ultrasounds
- X-rays
What Is Their Training?
A radiologist's training usually includes:
- 4 years of pre-medical education at a college or university
- 4 years of medical school — a medical degree (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree