Radiologist
There are many specialties that physicians are able to partake in when becoming a health care professional. Especially with the field of treating cancer, there are often times a need for specialized individuals regarding certain aspects of diagnosis and treatment. Radiologists are medical professionals that specialize in ionizing and non-ionizing forms of radiation. After medical school and proper interning placements, radiologists have to be certified by passing an exam that approves their practice of radiological studies by the American Board of Radiology) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for an osteopathic doctor).
There are many forms and sub-specialties that a radiologist can take part in. Radiologists may take part in performing a number of tests on a patient in the area that may be in question. These types of testing include a CT scan, x-ray, ultrasound or an MRI. Radiologists have daily contact with patients that are potentially ill and their families. Their routine for procedures focuses around interprets images and pinpoints areas that may be damaged or contain unhealthy cells. When a patient waits for his or her results of one of the tests listed above, the radiologist works with a physician to make an accurate diagnosis. Clinics and other medical facilities sometimes do not have trained radiologists on hand, and often times have to send out their images for interpretation and diagnosis.
Along with being imaging specialists, radiologists also work with cancer patients in distributing radiation therapy. This type of treatment is typical with almost any cancer patient, and the oncologist may look to a radiologist to determine if radiation therapy is appropriate for the circumstance of the individual. These trained professionals are there to distribute this form of therapy both internally and externally, as well as monitor its progress on killing harmful cells and its effects on the overall health of the patient. The radiologist must be trained in how to properly confront the patient, keep them calm and explain to them the different procedures that need to be performed to minimize the stress level of the patient.
