Radiology refers to all diagnostic and therapeutic techniques using X-rays. By extension, today we speak of radiology and medical imaging, in order to group together all the imaging techniques available in medicine.

Radiologists thus have several imaging techniques at their disposal, including:

• radiography;
• thescan ;
• the scanner or computed tomography ;
• the PET scan;
• nuclear magnetic resonance;
• scintigraphy, etc.
• senology (breast imaging);
• neuroradiology;
• digestive imaging;
• bone and joint imaging;
• pediatric and fetal imaging;
• genitourinary imaging;
• cardiac and vascular imaging, etc.
• diagnostic procedures (punctures and biopsies in various organs such as the breast, liver, lung, kidney, etc.);

Lmedical imaging is at the heart of the management of many pathologies, and at the crossroads of all other medical specialties, which use medical images for diagnosis, treatment and also patient follow-up.

There are several subspecialties in radiology.

Alongside classical radiology, it should be noted that interventional radiology is booming. It allows medical procedures to be performed with the help of imaging.

The radiologist intervenes when it is necessary to obtain a medical image of an organ or the skeleton, for diagnostic, therapeutic or follow-up purposes.

There are many indications for the different imaging exams:

• emergency imaging (acute pain, trauma, fractures, stroke, etc.);
• screening for certain diseases, such as cancer or rheumatic diseases;
• monitoring the evolution of diseases and pregnancies;
• treatment of many pathologies.

The radiologist is not always in direct contact with the patient. Often, he transmits the results and the interpretation of the image to a clinical doctor who will organize the follow-up or the management of the patient.

Depending on the type of image sought, the radiologist may use various imaging techniques, requiring sophisticated devices that are sometimes only available in hospitals (scanner, IRM…).

Visiting a radiologist carries a minimal risk associated with exposure to radiation used for imaging. The use of certain radioactive or non-radioactive contrast agents can also cause allergic reactions in some people. The doctor and / or his team will present these risks to you before the examination so that you can make an informed decision. Note, however, that the radiation doses used for imaging examinations are low and do not present a health hazard when these examinations remain occasional.

Radiologist training in France

To become a radiologist, the student must obtain a diploma of specialized studies (DES) in radiology and medical imaging:

• he must first follow, after his baccalaureate, a common first year in health studies. Note that an average of less than 20% of students manage to cross this milestone;
• the 4th, 5th and 6th years at the Faculty of Medicine constitute the clerkship;
• at the end of the 6th year, students take the national classifying tests to enter the boarding school. Depending on their classification, they will be able to choose their specialty and their place of practice. The internship in radiology lasts 5 years.
• a preparatory year for medicine for students admitted with a college or university training deemed insufficient in basic biological sciences;
• two years of pre-apprenticeship;
• two years of clerkship.

Finally, to be able to work as a radiologist and hold the title of doctor, the student must also defend a research thesis.

Radiologist training in Quebec

After college studies, the student must pursue a doctorate in medicine. This first stage lasts 1 or 4 years:

Then, the student will have to specialize by following a residency in diagnostic radiology, for 5 years.

Before going to the radiology appointment, it is important to take any pictures (x-rays, scans or MRI) already taken.

To find a radiologist:

• in Quebec, you can consult the website of the association of radiologists of Quebec (3), which offers a directory of its members;
• in France, via the website of the Ordre des médecins (4).

When the consultation with the radiologist is prescribed by an attending physician, it is covered by the Health Insurance (France) or the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.