Radiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging procedures such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound.
Radiologists generally work as either diagnostic radiologists or interventional radiologists.
As a diagnostic radiologist, you will interpret CT scans, MRIs, PET scans and ultrasounds to assist in the diagnosis of the patient’s conditions. You will need a good understanding of anatomy, physiology and medical and surgical conditions to provide advice on the best imaging option to the requesting clinician.
In diagnostic radiology, there are many areas of interest you may choose to subspecialise in, including women’s imaging, chest & cardiovascular radiology, abdominal radiology, paediatric radiology, musculoskeletal radiology, head and neck radiology and neuroradiology. These areas all have associated imaging guided interventional procedures that you may get involved in, even if you do not chose to subspecialise in interventional radiology. Subspecialisation occurs through completing a fellowship beyond training.
Subspecialising in interventional radiology (IR) involves diagnosing and treating patients using highly specialised image guided, minimally invasive techniques.
Radiology training is also one of the pathways to becoming a Nuclear Medicine Physician. This has the outcome of a dual trained Radiologist/Nuclear Medicine physician.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists outlines a structured 5 year training program involving work based assessments, examinations and research.
The regular weekly work of a radiology registrar is diverse, including daily reporting of a range of subspecialty imaging, interventional procedures, busy after hours acute imaging reporting and dedicated teaching sessions. There is a mix of both day work and after hours shifts, as the WA Tertiary Radiology services run for 24 hours every day.
Western Australia radiology training has a state-wide application process which is highly competitive. A minimum of two post graduate training years are to be completed prior to admission. Successful candidates rotate through Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital. There are also rotations through private radiology clinics in Perth and Bunbury.
There are a number of avenues to experience the profession of Radiology prior to applying for a training position.
