What is a Radiologist?

A radiologist is a medical doctor trained to use medical imaging for the diagnosis and/or treatment of various diseases and injuries. Types of medical imaging tests that radiologists must be able to read and interpret include: X-ray, mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), fluoroscopy, and more.

We all know medical doctors undergo a lot of training to become, well, doctors. The ability to read and understand so many different kinds of imaging exams is no small task and requires much knowledge. For that reason, radiologists undergo a minimum of thirteen years of education and training. That’s right… thirteen years. How many other professions require that kind of dedication?

A radiologist’s education starts with a four-year undergraduate degree followed by another four years of medical school. With medical degree in-hand, the student completes a one-to two-year internship followed by additional years of a diagnostic radiology residencyto learn how to read and interpret diagnostic images.

The radiologists of Colorado Imaging Associates have also had another one to two years of advanced training, also known as a “fellowship.” With this extra training, a radiologist becomes “subspecialized” in a particular area of the body such as the brain, musculoskeletal system or breast, often focusing on the type of equipment used in imaging (such as MRI or mammography) or a particular technique (such as interventional radiology).

Abbreviated as IR, interventional radiology uses medical imaging to guide tiny tubes and devices into the body to view and treat disease without major surgery. IR is often combined with additional subspecialty training to treat patients with some of the most advanced medical procedures in the world.

Radiology is among the most dynamic and rapidly evolving fields in medicine. New and better ways to see, diagnose and treat even the most difficult diseases and injuries are constantly being discovered. Thanks to the dedication, training and expertise of CIA radiologists, physicians and their patients throughout Colorado and Wyoming have access to the very best care in the nation.