what fields of physical science are needed for radiologists?

Answer 1

Diagnostic radiologists must complete four years of medical school (M.D. or D.O.) plus five years of post-graduate training (residency). The first year of residency is a preliminary year in medicine, surgery or both, after which a four-year diagnostic radiology residency follows. During residency, both oral and written national examinations must be passed for board certification in diagnostic radiology. There are two separate written examinations required for certification by the American Board of Radiology, one covering the physics of medical imaging which is usually taken at the beginning of the second or third year, and a second covering clinical diagnostic imaging knowledge which is usually taken at the beginning of the third or fourth year. Both written exams must be passed before being eligible to take the oral examination, which is typically taken at the end of the fourth year.

After completion of residency, radiologists may choose to either practice or enter into a fellowship program in a radiologic subspecialty (such as abdominal CT, MRI, musculoskeletal imaging, interventional radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology, etc.). Fellowship training programs typically last between one-to-two years.

Radiology is currently considered a highly competitive field. Radiologists generally enjoy good compensation as well as a good balance between time required at work and time spent away from work. The field is rapidly expanding due to advances in computer technology which is closely linked to modern imaging.

The exams (radiography) are usually performed by radiologic technologists, (also known as diagnostic radiographers) who in the United States have a 2-year Associates Degree and the UK a 3 year Honours Degree.