Do you want to become a Radiologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
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A radiologist is a doctor who specialises in interpreting images of the body, such as x-rays and ultrasound scans. They use the images to diagnose diseases and help other healthcare professionals to decide which course of treatment to follow.
Many radiological images are obtained by radiographers, but radiologists supervise the more complex examinations and perform many of the ‘hands-on' investigations. The work involves a substantial amount of contact with patients who may be suffering from a wide range of complaints.
Radiologists may also be involved in the management of the radiology department.
Hours vary and may include on-call duties to cover a 24 hour service. Radiologists work in hospitals and use a range of highly sophisticated equipment.
Salaries range from around £60,000 a year for a specialist registrar, to £90,000 a year for a consultant.
A radiologist should:
· be a good team worker with management skills
· have excellent communication skills
· be able to relate well to patients
· be able to balance a varied workload
· be interested in the care and well-being of people.
Most radiologists are employed by the National Health Service (NHS). There are also opportunities in the Armed Forces and in private practice.
For more information about becoming a doctor see Doctor.
To become a radiologist, candidates should be doctors, with a minimum of two years' clinical experience after qualifying. In practice, competition for training posts is intense and many new entrants have more than three years' clinical experience and a postgraduate qualification. New entrants must enrol as Members of the Royal College of Radiologists.
Specialist training in clinical radiology takes a minimum of five years and leads to the Certificate of the Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). Trainees need to pass all three parts of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination. At least four of the five years' training must be spent in clinical posts. Six months of research in any aspect of diagnostic imaging is also included. The Royal College of Radiologists operates a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme to enable qualified radiologists to update their skills.
There is a shortage of radiologists at consultant level, so promotion prospects in the NHS are excellent. There may also be opportunities to work overseas.
