Diagnostic Radiology

Sophie Baldwin, 12/23/23

Diagnostic Radiologists interpret medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs to diagnose and treat disorders in patients. Diagnostic Radiologists can perform various minimally invasive procedures, including embolizations, angioplasties, and stent insertions. They can see their patients in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. Radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing disorders and work with various other doctors and medical professionals. However, diagnostic radiologists typically will not have as much patient interaction as other specialties. 

Fast Facts

• Salary: $427,000

• DO friendly? Medium

• IMG friendly? Medium

• Competitiveness: Medium

• Match rate (2023): 81.1%

• Average step-one: 249

• Surgical? Yes (procedural)

Becoming a Diagnostic Radiologist

• 4 years of undergraduate

• 4 years of medical school

• 1 transitional/preliminary year

• 4 years of diagnostic radiology residency

• 1-2 years of fellowship (optional)

Work-life Balance

Diagnostic Radiology is one of the ROAD to medicine specialties, meaning it is recognized as a field with high compensation and a good work-life balance. Diagnostic Radiologists can work in both an office setting and a hospital setting. However, while diagnostic radiologists have a good work-life balance, the use of artificial intelligence is becoming more widely used in this field. While it is unlikely that AI will completely take away jobs in diagnostic radiology, it poses somewhat of a threat to the future of this field.

Fellowships

• Abdominal Radiology (1 year)

• Cardiothoracic  (1 year)

• Endovascular Surgical Neuro (2 years)

• Musculoskeletal Radiology (1 year)

• Neuroradiology (1-2 years)

• Nuclear Radiology (1 year)

• Pediatric Radiology (1 year)

• Vascular & Interventional Radiology (1 year)

Job Satisfaction and Outlook

• 65% are satisfied with their career (NIH PubMed)

• 49% report burnout (RadioGraphics)

• 7% projected job growth (until 2029) (MPLT Healthcare)

Sources

https://residency.wustl.edu/choosing-a-specialty/specialty-descriptions/diagnostic-radiology/

https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-competitive-is-a-diagnostic-radiology-residency/

https://www.mplthealthcare.com/hot-jobs-locum-tenens-radiology/

https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.220037

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7862958/#:~:text=Results%3A%20Sixty%2Dfive%20percent%20of,and%2037%25%20were%20less%20satisfied.