So diagnostic and therapeutic radiologists went their separate ways. A general radiologist became a physician who does all sorts of diagnostic radiology. As the field grew even larger with the newer imaging studies, radiologists became even more specialized. Now there are neuroradiologists, ultrasound, MRI and CT specialists, mammographers, GI radiologists, and on and on. Two subspecialities are worth noting.
Radiologists often interpret nuclear medicine tests such as bone and lung scans.
Other specialists, who have passed an additional nuclear medicine board exam, may interpret radionuclide scans in some hospitals. In other words, the turf is unclear. Secondly, there is the new and very important emerging field of interventional radiology that places specially trained radiologists in a position that is close to being a surgeon. These radiologists not only study the body, but also do all sorts of procedures, such as dilate blocked arteries, drain fluid collections, and biopsy tumors with needles. Discover the best ways to get information from this site.