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The role of the clinical radiologist

Medicine

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) has released a position statement on the role and value of clinical radiologists. In their contribution to the best practice patient care, clinical radiologists have three central roles:

  1. Image acquisition using their comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, pathology, physiology, clinical medicine and expertise in image capture technology.
  2. Interpreting image results to be used by other health practitioners to diagnose the patients’ condition.
  3. Application of imaging information to clinical care

Clinical radiologists ensure the correct procedure is performed, they have an active role in determining whether a patient requires imaging and what imaging is most appropriate. To facilitate this, clinical radiologists must have strong professional relationship and sharing of expertise with the referring practitioners.

In response to the challenge of evolving trends, radiologists must preserve and enhance their value by proactively respond to technological advance, demand of healthcare, patients’ awareness, and any shift on the health care.

According to the RANZCR the major challenges currently facing radiologists include how to:

  • Acquire new knowledge in the field of radiology at an ever increasing pace
  • Deliver more patient-centred and personalised healthcare
  • Demonstrate the value of imaging and radiologists to all stakeholders
  • Ensure more radiologists can participate in research and innovation
  • Respond to new policy initiatives and changing funding arrangements

Position statements from the RANZCR are available here.

Radiology is an area of specialty within medicine, and postgraduate training is required following a medical degree.

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Image: arztsamui – freedigitalphotos.net

 

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