Interventional radiologists are doctors who perform diagnostic and surgical imaging procedures. They use their in-depth understanding of human anatomy to accurately detect, describe, and, in many cases, correct abnormalities, avoiding the need for invasive surgery. An interventional radiologist typically needs to complete four years of medical school followed at least five years of residency and fellowship training. A doctor can work as an interventional radiologist in a hospital, surgical center, or private practice after completing training and passing certification exams.
The majority of future doctors begin their education at a four-year university. A student interested in becoming an interventional radiologist should major in a scientific field such as chemistry, biology, or physics. By attending lectures and participating in laboratory courses, he or she learns the fundamentals of research design, human anatomy, and practical medicine. A student can begin researching medical schools and taking a national medical college admissions test near the end of a bachelor’s degree program.
An individual usually meets with advisers and professors after enrolling in a reputable medical school to determine the best courses to take to become an interventional radiologist. A student can study biochemistry, disease pathology, medicine, and a variety of other subjects that are relevant to all doctor specialties. He or she can also take a variety of advanced lecture and independent research radiology classes to hone their interventional radiologist skills. After earning a doctorate in medicine, a student can apply for four-year residency programs in hospital radiology divisions.
Some new doctors begin their training with a one-year internship in general medicine to gain practical experience and see what doctors in various specialties do. A person who knows he or she wants to be an interventional radiologist usually has the option of participating in an internship before beginning residency. A new resident will learn how to administer and interpret x-rays, ultrasounds, computerized tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging tests while working alongside experienced radiologists. Throughout his or her residency, he or she continues to attend lectures and conduct research.
A doctor can enter a one- to two-year fellowship program dedicated to interventional radiology after completing a residency. He or she learns how to perform angiographies, angioplasties, and catheter insertions, as well as other complex diagnostic and treatment procedures. After completing a fellowship, a person is eligible to sit for a national licensing exam and work as an interventional radiologist on their own.