What is Radiology?

Radiology is the study of images of the human body. A Radiologist is a physcian (M.D. or D.O.) who has become a specialist in Radiology - a doctor who has taken additional training in the interpretation of medical images and the performance of imaging procedures. This training usually takes 5 - 6 additional years after completing Medical or Osteopathic School.

Although Radiology began with the use of X-Rays and large flat sheets of photographic films, the modern Radiologist now has a variety of tools for "taking pictures" of living patients. Many of these newer tools create an image with a computer (CT - computed tomography) and some do not use any X-Rays, nor radiation of any kind - such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and US (Ultrasound).

Radiologists must have a great understanding of Anatomy, Pathology, and Physiology in order to make accurate diagnoses.

Contact Information

Department of Radiology and
Radiological Sciences
Uniformed Services University
of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Voice:301-295-3145
FAX:301-295-3893

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