What does it take to make a good radiologist?

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A radiologist uses medical imaging (that is, scans), to correctly diagnose diseases and injuries. However, the road to achieving excellence in radiology is a long one indeed, and fraught with challenges. To begin with, all radiologists have to complete their MBBS degree, and some even go on to specialize in specific kinds of imaging, such as pediatric imaging, cardiac & vascular Imaging, head, neck & ENT imaging, etc. That done, radiologists have to rack up years of experience, preferably under an experienced mentor, to become a specialist themselves. At Star Imaging, all our (super-specialized) radiologists have gone through this process – and we asked them what it takes to become a great radiologist. Here are their answers.

1) “Train, train, again and again!”

Says Dr. Preeti Neve, “If you want to become a radiologist, you need to have the passion to keep learning constantly. Also, a degree alone doesn’t guarantee success – you need to keep pace with changes in the field, especially technology. Never become complacent even for a second – remember, it’s not your life, but somebody else’s life at stake."

2) “It’s bad to ignore good communication skills”

“Good communication, both verbal and written, is a key skill,” says Dr. Swati Shah, an effective communicator herself. “One must know how to relay crucial and complex information clearly to the patients, clinicians and other doctors, while being willing and patient to answer questions,” she adds.

3) “Stay fit, your job depends on it.”

Dr. Shailendra Walunj has an interesting point – “Radiology makes significant demands on our physical bodies – we have to spend long hours at work, often standing. To this end, we need excellent physical stamina and fitness levels. So pick an exercise regime and stick to it!”

4) “Focus on the small details, and the big picture.”

“In a field where every action can directly impact someone’s life, keen observation, single-minded focus and attention to detail cannot be over-emphasized,” says Dr. Atre, Star Imaging’s co-founder, and an extremely methodical and sharp observer himself. He adds, “A radiologist’s ability to interpret and analyze scans depends on how well he can focus on the minutiae, as well as the whole picture, simultaneously!”

5) “Put your patient first.”

Dr. Anupama Patil, another co-founder, believes that empathy is a crucial quality every radiologist should possess. She explains, “Radiology is not only limited to technical skill – a good radiologist is sensitive to their patients’ physical and psychological states, and should be able to reassure and calm them. As doctors, our moral duty is to put the welfare of our patients above everything else.”

What do you think makes a good radiologist? Weigh in in the comments below.

About Star Imaging

Star Imaging is Pune’s leading diagnostic centre, specialized in diagnosing conditions like arthritis For more information on 3T MRI, 128 Slice CT and other scans, feel free to reach out to us.

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