Radiologists :: Job Description

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Radiologists

Careers / Radiologists

Summary Description


	Examine and diagnose disorders and diseases using x-rays and radioactive materials. May treat patients.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Attending Physician

2.	Attending Radiologist

3.	Diagnostic Radiologist

4.	Diagnostic Radiologist, Active Staff Physician at Community Hospital

5.	Interventional Neuroradiologist

6.	Interventional Radiologist

7.	Neuroradiologist

8.	Nuclear Radiologist

9.	Pediatric Radiologist

10.	Physician

11.	Radiologist

12.	Radiologist and Vascular Internationalist

13.	Radiologist Diagnostic

14.	Radiologist Physician

15.	Radiologist Technologist/Mammographer/Densitometry

16.	Radiologist, Chief of Breast Imaging

17.	Radiology Resident

18.	Resident in Diagnostic Radiology

19.	Resident Physician in Radiology

20.	Staff Radiologist

21.	Teleradiologist

22.	Therapeutic Radiologist

23.	Vascular Radiologist

24.	Veterinary Radiologist

Job Tasks

	Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians. Gather medical information from patient histories. Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.

	Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings. Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.

	Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound. Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment. Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.

	Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.

	Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families. Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members. Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.

	Evaluate medical information to determine patients' risk factors, such as allergies to contrast agents, or to make decisions regarding the appropriateness of procedures. Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.

	Perform interventional procedures such as image-guided biopsy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transhepatic biliary drainage, and nephrostomy catheter placement. Operate on patients to treat conditions.

	Provide counseling to radiologic patients to explain the processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments. Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.

	Administer or maintain conscious sedation during and after procedures. Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.

	Instruct radiologic staff in desired techniques, positions, or projections. Train medical providers.

	Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses. Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.

	Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.

	Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed. Record patient medical histories.

	Interpret images using computer-aided detection or diagnosis systems. Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.

	Establish or enforce standards for protection of patients or personnel. Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards. Determine protocols for medical procedures.

	Develop or monitor procedures to ensure adequate quality control of images. Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.

	Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding. Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.

	Serve as an offsite teleradiologist for facilities that do not have on-site radiologists.

	Administer radiopaque substances by injection, orally, or as enemas to render internal structures and organs visible on x-ray films or fluoroscopic screens. Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.

	Develop treatment plans for radiology patients. Develop medical treatment plans.

	Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and develop expertise. Maintain medical or professional knowledge.

	Treat malignant internal or external growths by exposure to radiation from radiographs (x-rays), high energy sources, or natural or synthetic radioisotopes. Administer cancer treatments.

	Participate in quality improvement activities including discussions of areas where risk of error is high. Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.

	Conduct physical examinations to inform decisions about appropriate procedures. Examine patients to assess general physical condition.

	Supervise and teach residents or medical students. Train medical providers. Supervise patient care personnel.

	Implement protocols in areas such as drugs, resuscitation, emergencies, power failures, and infection control. Treat medical emergencies.

	Schedule examinations and assign radiologic personnel. Schedule medical facility use.

	Provide advice on types or quantities of radiology equipment needed to maintain facilities. Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.

	Participate in research projects involving radiology. Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Nature of the Work


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Working Conditions


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