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What is the day in the life of a radiologist?

I'm interested in studying to radiologist and I wonder how the career would be. Would it be repetitive or full of excitement like I imagined it would be? And if you enjoy your job. #doctor #medicine #radiology #radiologist #after-graduation

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Dhanesh’s Answer

It is an exciting field where we have the pleasure and privilege of 'looking inside' our patients every day. This is how we take care of you. We carefully and thoughtfully examine imaging studies including CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, X-rays, mammography and fluoroscopy. In radiology we scrutinize images for both normal and abnormal findings in an attempt to detect causes for patients’ symptoms. Our interpretations help the referring doctor or clinician to care for patients. Often, imaging is the key to a diagnosis, from appendicitis to Zenker’s diverticulum.


In addition to looking at images, we perform procedures that are based on imaging - some of these for diagnosis, like barium examinations of the gastrointestinal tract, and many for therapy, like drainage of fluid collections or dilating arteries. Here, we get hands on time with our patients, helping to find problems and to provide solutions.


Admittedly we spend a fair share of time “behind the curtain” in a darkened reading room where images are shared via computer for interpretation. Rest assured we are never bored. Time flies between image interpretations, dictating cases, sharing information with our referring doctors and performing exams such as fluoroscopy or other procedures. Complex cases are the norm, and often require consultation between us as radiologists and your referring doctor. We have a key role in consulting with doctors and patients in ensuring the appropriate imaging study is done in the appropriate manner.

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! This was very helpful. It seems like you really enjoy your job. Leann
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Richard’s Answer

There are multiple subspecialties in Radiology, so each of my partners daily work is quite different. I am an Interventional radiologist. I spend about half my time looking at Medical Imaging ( CT, x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI) to diagnose diseases. The other half of my time is spent performing procedures. We use ultrasound, CT, and x-ray to guide various Tools into different parts of the body to diagnose and treat illness. We can open and close arteries and veins as necessary. We also inject radiation and chemotherapy directly into tumors.

I work about 50 hours per week. My hours vary as my group provides 24/7 service. Twice a year I work a week of night shift; and twice a year, I work a week of evening shifts from 4-11 pm. Some radiologists work in outpatient centers and can have more regular hours.
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Rachel’s Answer

My dad is a radiologist. He did a neuroradiology fellowship. He spends about 2 days per week reading general radiology films. About 2 days per week are spent on neuro in which he primarily reads brain and spine MRI's. About 1 time per week he does interventional radiology procedures such as CT guided drainage of an abscess or performing angiograms.
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