Radiology – A growing field with promising opportunities

Dr Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and Lead Medical Advisor, City X-Ray and Scan Clinic, New Delhi explains the crucial role of a radiologist in a healthcare system

Radiology is a crucial component of the modern healthcare system and a quickly developing medical subspecialty. It is not only a crucial instrument for verifying the diagnosis of many medical disorders, but it is also often utilised for small and large radiological operations, treatment monitoring, and result prediction. In the area of medical radiography, ongoing research and technical advancements are resulting in the creation of more complex and sophisticated equipment and methods that allow physicians to treat patients more quickly and accurately, thereby improving patient care. 

Career as a Radiologist

Healthcare and medical radiology are two sectors in India that are expanding quickly. With the increasing healthcare demands of the Indian population, a large number of hospitals, nursing homes, medical labs, and diagnostic centres are being established. Expertise and training are necessary for the proper usage of radiography equipment and picture interpretation. But for now, the field of radiology is lacking in competent and trained personnel. Both in urban and rural India, radiology specialists are in great demand. Thus, for individuals who are interested in this profession, radiography is a great career choice.

Radiologists are physicians with training in imaging techniques such as CT, MRI and X-rays. They are also trained to diagnose and treat diseases. 

Because there is a growing need for medical imaging to address a wide range of health disorders, radiologists are in great demand worldwide. To become an MD radiologist in India, an individual must complete a three-year postgraduate degree in Radiology following their MBBS. Moreover, a physician may choose to enrol in a two-year medical radiodiagnosis diploma program. 

Cardio-radiology, Neuroradiology, Fetal Medicine and Interventional radiology are among the subspecialties in radiology training. To obtain training in one of these subspecialties, one can undertake one- to two-year fellowship programs. 

Medical image interpretation is a speciality of diagnostic radiologists, who help with diagnosis. Within the field of diagnostic radiology, there are several subspecialties, such as neuroradiology, pediatric radiology, breast imaging, chest radiology, and emergency radiology. 

The therapy of several illnesses, including uterine fibroids, cancer, aortic disease, and stroke, is handled by interventional radiologists with great skill using image-guided surgical techniques. 

In a hospital, the department of radiology is among the busiest. In most emergency and accident situations, imaging is frequently required; therefore, in most hospital settings, the department must operate around the clock. A thorough understanding of the handling and operation of equipment is also necessary for radiology operations because they are intricate. For that reason, those who want to pursue a successful career in radiology must develop and acquire the following abilities.

  • A quick and inquisitive mind, familiarity with medicine, meticulousness, a fix-any-problem mindset, and adaptability 
  • Capacity to maintain and calibrate radiographic equipment; autonomously perform and interpret a variety of radiology procedures; sympathetically and empathetically care for patients throughout the procedure; and assure patient compliance, particularly in the case of pediatric patients, pregnant women, and individuals with special needs, among others. 
  • Adhere to policies and procedures to guarantee radiation safety for patients and employees. 
  • Possess strong communication abilities to effectively explain complicated imaging information to patients, secure informed consent, soothe anxious patients, and collaborate with other medical experts.
  • Working in multidisciplinary teams and as a team with other medical professionals;
  • Managing stress and burnout in a high-stress atmosphere 
  • Regular upgrading of knowledge and ongoing education about the most recent advancements in radiology by participation in fellowship programs, reading journal articles, attending CMEs, etc.
Cardio-radiologyCity X-Ray and Scan Clinic New DelhiDr Aakaar Kapoorfetal medicineHealthcare in Indiainterventional radiologyNeuroradiologyRadiologist in Indiaradiology
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