Diagnostics

Clinical Radiology is the use of imaging to diagnose, treat and monitor various disease processes.

Rapid advances in technology and our understanding of the features of disease on diagnostic images allow imaging to be used at earlier and earlier stages of the diagnostic process. Similarly, changes in the characteristics of disease with treatment can be detected and monitored. With greater clarity of imaging comes the opportunity to offer image-guided treatment.

Masses identified by radiology can also be biopsied with guidance of the needle path by imaging techniques and without recourse to a surgical procedure in most cases. Interventional radiologists use image guidance for a rapidly increasing array of minimally invasive procedures – from arterial to colonic stenting, from vascular embolisation for uncontrollable bleeding to image guided ablation of tumours.

The massive growth in applications of radiological imaging and image-guided treatments has resulted in a worldwide shortage of trained radiologists. The Royal College of Radiologists and the Department of Health have responded to the demand for increased radiologist numbers by increasing training opportunities, most recently by the introduction of the Integrated Training Initiative and the establishment of Radiological Academies at three training schemes.

This is an innovative training design that combines traditional learning opportunities with an advanced e-learning platform designed to ensure that the radiologists of the future are properly informed and prepared to deliver clinical imaging at the highest possible standards.

If you are considering a career in Clinical Radiology, a good understanding of general medicine and surgery is paramount. In the past, a higher examination such as MRCP or MRCS was often needed to secure one of the highly competitive specialist registrar posts.

With the establishment Foundation Training and the implementation of Modernising Medical Careers, there is an increasing emphasis on student electives, audit/research projects in radiology, demonstrable links with imaging departments during Foundation Years, an intercalated BSc or some other mark of distinction.

Above all, you will need enthusiasm, good eyesight and the ability for hard work! The rewards are high with a career where your skills are valued both by your clinical colleagues and your patients.

Courses

For further information on these courses please contact: courses.nimdta@hscni.net

Training Programme Details

View the Royal College of Radiologists website.

Click the link to view the Histopathology Pages of the Royal College of Pathologists Website