Radiology – Diagnostic

A Radiologist is a physician who uses imaging methodologies like X-ray, CT scans, Ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear medicine, and PET scans to diagnose and provide therapeutic options in the management of patient care. Physicians practicing in the field of Radiology specialize in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and Radiation Oncology.

Diagnostic Radiologists report their findings, or analysis of the images to other referring doctors who are the primary doctor responsible for care of the patient. Pediatric Radiologists have additional expertise in diagnosing and managing congenital abnormalities (those present at birth) and diseases particular to infants and children.

An Interventional Radiologist combines competence in diagnostic imaging, with image-guided minimally invasive procedures to treat benign and malignant conditions of the thorax (excluding the heart), abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. Techniques and therapies include fluoroscopy, embolization (deliberately obstructing blood supply as in to cancers), angioplasty (mitigating blockages in blood vessels for example by inflating a balloon) , stent placement (mitigating blockages in blood supply with a implanted device), thrombus management (dissolving clots as in acute stroke management), biliary (gall bladder), genitourinary, and abscess drainage, and ablation (destroying tissue), among others.

A Radiation Oncologist is a Radiologist medical doctor with additional qualifications enabling the treatment of malignant cancers and other abnormal tissues using radiation therapy (radionuclides or x-ray therapy).