A radiologist is a doctor who looks at pictures of the inside of your body, such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, to help find out what might be wrong.
Radiologists don’t usually meet patients for long appointments like GPs do. Instead, they work behind the scenes, carefully studying images and writing reports for the doctors who referred the patient for the scan. Their work is important because many health conditions can only be confirmed with imaging.
A radiologist’s main job is to interpret, or “read”, the images taken during medical tests. They use their knowledge of anatomy, disease, and imaging technology to spot signs of illness, injury, or changes in the body.
Some radiologists also carry out image-guided procedures. This can include guiding a needle for a biopsy, draining fluid from an organ, or helping with certain treatments such as targeted cancer therapies.
In the UK, becoming a radiologist takes many years of study and training. First, they must complete a medical degree, which usually takes five or six years. After this, they work as a junior doctor in hospitals, gaining experience in different areas of medicine.
Then they apply for specialist radiology training, which lasts at least five years. During this time, they learn how to use different imaging technologies, how to spot different diseases, and how to perform image-guided treatments. Many radiologists also train in a sub-specialty, such as paediatric radiology (for children) or neuroradiology (for the brain and nervous system).
There are several types of radiologists, each focusing on different areas of the body or types of imaging:
Diagnostic radiologists – interpret images to help diagnose illnesses or injuries.
Interventional radiologists – use imaging to guide small procedures or treatments.
Oncological radiologists – focus on diagnosing and sometimes helping treat cancers.
Paediatric radiologists – specialise in imaging for children and babies.
Each type of radiologist plays a key role in helping other doctors make the best decisions for patient care.
Radiologists work in hospitals, private clinics, and specialist imaging centres. In large hospitals, they may be part of a big imaging department, working alongside radiographers (who operate the machines) and other healthcare staff.
Some radiologists work for the NHS, others in private healthcare, and some do both. In many cases, their work is done in quiet reporting rooms where they can focus on studying the images without distractions.
If your GP or hospital doctor sends you for an imaging test, the scan or X-ray will be carried out by a radiographer or another imaging specialist. Once the pictures are taken, they are sent to the radiologist.
The radiologist will carefully examine the images, sometimes comparing them to older scans to see if there have been changes. They will then write a detailed report explaining what they found. This report goes back to your doctor, who will use it to plan your treatment or decide if more tests are needed.
Radiology relies on a range of imaging technologies, including:
X-ray – For bones, chest, and certain other body areas.
CT scans – For cross-sectional images of the body.
MRI scans – For detailed pictures of soft tissues.
Ultrasound – For pregnancy scans, organ checks, and blood flow assessment.
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has started to support radiologists by identifying patterns in images and flagging areas that might need closer examination. AI can speed up analysis, but the radiologist always makes the final judgement.
Different radiology machines
The time it takes for a radiologist to report on a scan depends on the urgency of the case. In emergencies, such as a suspected stroke or internal bleeding, the report can be done in minutes so treatment can start immediately.
For routine scans, it may take a few days for the report to be completed and sent to your doctor. Delays can happen if the hospital is very busy, but urgent cases are always prioritised.
Do radiologists perform surgery?
Interventional radiologists sometimes perform small, minimally invasive procedures, but they do not carry out large operations like surgeons.
Is a radiologist the same as a radiographer?
No. A radiographer operates the scanning equipment, while a radiologist is a doctor who interprets the images.
Can radiologists work remotely?
Yes. Many radiologists can report on scans from different locations using secure computer systems, which is known as teleradiology.
Do radiologists only work with humans?
Most radiologists work in human medicine, but there are also veterinary radiologists who work with animals.
Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) data for consultant clinical radiologists in the UK
Radiology is evolving quickly. Developments include:
More advanced scanners that produce clearer images in less time.
AI assistance to speed up image review.
Better interventional techniques that treat problems without major surgery.
As technology progresses, radiologists are expected to take on even more complex diagnostic and treatment roles.
A radiologist is a highly trained doctor who specialises in reading medical images. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to diagnose and help treat a wide range of conditions. While you might not always meet them, their role is essential in modern medicine. They interpret scans such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds, and their reports guide your doctor in making the right decisions for your care.
Disclaimer: Seonat provides general health information for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making health decisions.
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