Radiologists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging (radiology) procedures (exams/tests) such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound.
What is the work of a radiologist?
To determine or discover the diseases within the human body, a radiologists uses a variety of imaging techniques that include X-ray radiography, ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), Nuclear medicine such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to diagnose and treat the diseases.
Is radiology easy?
Becoming a radiologist isn’t easy. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work medical students and residents often have difficulty coping with the pressure. That’s why it’s so important to make sure becoming a doctor is what you really want before you commit.
What are the benefits of being a radiologist?
On top of their base pay, radiography professionals typically enjoy additional employee benefits like health and dental insurance, paid sick leave and vacation time, and retirement savings plans.
Below is How to Become A Radiologist In South Africa
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a radiologist in South Africa is bagging a Degree in Medicine. To gain admission into medical school, one must pass the following courses:
Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Many students at the undergraduate level prefer working in medical settings while schooling. They do this so that they can gain lots of experience. The medical school runs for four years with the first two is class-based.
The student takes courses which include anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and biochemistry. The remaining two years involve clinical rotations spread across various areas of medicine such as:
Surgery
Pediatrics
Internal medicine
Psychiatry
Radiologist Training
After graduating from medical school, the individual still has to go through four years of residency. This radiology residency period covers paid on-the-job training as well as specialty medical education. There are several sub-specialties of radiology which the radiologist has to go through during this period.
The aspiring radiologist will also have to attend lectures and undertake several types of research. During this period, some radiologists dedicate time to undergo specific training. This training affords them the opportunity to specialize in different fields of radiology.
One of such fields is interventional radiology. This field requires the medical personnel to make use of wires, catheters, and other probes while carrying out certain imaging procedures. After the radiologist completes the residency period, there is a fellowship training which takes another one or two years.
Each year, new technology is invented in the radiology field. This requires the radiologist to continually be abreast of the latest information on how to maneuver the new tech. this way the newly invented equipment will be used safely. It is very common to see radiologists at advanced levels still taking specialized training at several levels so they can keep up with the trends in the industry.
Licensure and Certification
To enter into full medical practice, a radiologist must possess a license. This license must be renewed regularly so that the individual can continue to practice legally. To gain more knowledge about getting a radiologist license in South Africa, you need to make inquiries from the Radiological Society of South Africa.
The individual also has to meet the requirements of the State or Province where he will be practicing. Many radiologists strive to attain certification from other major bodies which gives them an edge in their practice. Though certification is not mandatory, the radiologists are expected to continue getting educated as they grow in the profession.
Career Information
Some of the day-to-day duties of radiologists include interpreting the information that is gathered from different imaging techniques. After interpretation, they will be required to present the information to the overseeing doctors as well as patients in their care.
They are also required to write medical reports based on the results at their disposal as well as explain the pros and cons of prescribed treatment. Most times, they will also explain the different alternatives to the patients so that they can decide on what method they will go with.
Under the jurisdiction of a radiologist is a team of assistants and imaging technicians. To stay abreast of the recent developments in the industry, the radiologist may have to take online classes.
How to become a radiologist
In order to become a radiologist, you’ll need to meet a variety of qualifications. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
The first step toward becoming a radiologist involves the completion of an undergraduate program. After earning your high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree. This is a requirement for attending medical school.
2. Earn a master’s degree
Upon obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to attend medical school and earn a master’s or doctorate degree. Your coursework during this time will include everything from physiology and pathophysiology to anatomy and pharmacology.
3. Complete your residency
Once you graduate from medical school, you’ll need to apply for a license and job. Your first year as a radiologist is considered your residency. During this time, you’ll care for patients through general medicine or surgery practices. This step will give you hands-on experience as a radiologist as you analyze imaging results and work with other physicians day-to-day.
4. Apply for a fellowship program
From here, you can apply for a fellowship program in a radiology subspecialty that interests you. During your fellowship, you’ll advance your imaging knowledge through training centered on your particular subspecialty.
5. Obtain your state license
You’ll need a state license to practice as a radiologist. In addition, it’s possible that you might be asked to get board certified which involves testing your knowledge of various topics such as physics, medicine and anatomy. Once you have your state license, it’s important to maintain it.
What skills should you have as a radiologist?
Radiologists need to have a variety of skills to perform well, including:
Communication skills. As with most medical professions, you’ll need to know how to effectively communicate with your co-workers and patients. The better you’re able to communicate, the more physicians will be able to understand you. This translates to better overall care for your patients.
Technical skills. As a radiologist, it’s important that you know how to operate the various imaging machinery you’ll be working with every day.
Analytical skills. Because you’ll need to interpret the imaging results, it’s important that you’re able to look them over with a great eye for detail.
How long does it take to become a radiologist in South Africa?
BRad is a full-time course over three years. The first year is a general one, and from the second year students may specialize in one of the following fields: Diagnostics, Radiation Therapy or Nuclear Medicine.
What qualifications do you need for a radiologist?
Entry requirements. Before you train as a clinical radiologist you must complete a degree in medicine and have obtained a MBBS or equivalent qualification. To find information about getting into medical school, visit our applying to medicine pages. You then need to complete a two-year foundation programme
What are the requirements to study radiology in South Africa?
Admission requirement(s):
A National Senior Certificate with a bachelor’s degree or a diploma endorsement, or an equivalent qualification, with an achievement level of at least 4 for English (home language or first additional language), 4 for Life Sciences, 4 for Mathematics and 4 for Physical Sciences.
How many years does it take to become a radiologist?
After completing high school, on average it will take 13 years to become a Radiologist. This includes completing an undergraduate degree which usually takes four years, followed by four years of Medical school, then a one year internship, followed by four years of residency training in Diagnostic Radiology.
Is it hard to be a radiologist?
Becoming a radiologist isn’t easy. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work medical students and residents often have difficulty coping with the pressure. That’s why it’s so important to make sure becoming a doctor is what you really want before you commit.
Is it safe to work as a radiologist?
Earning potential for this field is just as promising as the job outlook; the current median pay for radiologic technologists is R 815905.82per year. The radiation associated with radiologic technologist positions is dangerous. The health risks associated with radiologic technology are minimal.
Do you have to be good at math to be a radiologist?
For the average practicing radiologist, you need to know very little basic math. For example, you might divide the width of the cardiac silhouette by the thorax to determine if there is a big heart on a chest radiograph (or you can just estimate it by eyeballing it).
How many hours does a radiologist work a day?
Most radiologists work more than eight hours per day in a fast-paced environment, such as a hospital, due to ever-increasing workloads and shortages in staff. Due to the 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week need for imaging interpretation, radiologists also often work beyond traditional hours4.
What are the benefits of being a radiologist?
On top of their base pay, radiography professionals typically enjoy additional employee benefits like health and dental insurance, paid sick leave and vacation time, and retirement savings plans.
What does a radiologist earn in South Africa?
Radiology Jobs by Salary
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Job Title:Radiographer | Range:R231k – R443k | Average:R302,184 |
| Sonographer | Range:R411k – R590k | Average:R450,000 |
| Mammographer | Range:R276k – R390k | Average:R296,624 |
| Medical Receptionist | Range:R68k – R218k | Average:R144,000 |
What does a radiologist do South Africa?
A doctor who works with X-rays and a variety of medical imaging equipment is a radiologist. Radiologists specialize in analyzing the medical images of patients and making primary recommendations for initial treatment to the care physicians.