Neuroradiologists are physicians specializing in radiology, then further specializing in diagnosing abnormalities of the central nervous system, spine, head, and neck. They are trained in radiology as well as neurology. They frequently use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanners in their day-to-day roles.
Education and Qualifications
To become a Neuroradiologist, one has to take a similar educational path to that of any other doctor except the internship/residency part. This common portion includes, of course, a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by four more years of medical school. To get into medical school, taking the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required. After medical school, one year of transitional/preliminary internship and four years residency in Diagnostic Radiology are required. Then, the Neuroradiology fellowship is an additional 1-2 years. In summary, it takes 14 to 15 years to become a Neuroradiologist.
Other specialties that radiologists can consider are Abdominal Radiology, Cardiothoracic Radiology. Endovascular Surgical Neuro (ESN), Musculoskeletal Radiology, Nuclear Radiology, Pediatric Radiology, and Vascular & Interventional Radiology.
Neuroradiologists are board certified and need to be licensed at the state level. Like other physicians, they also have continuing medical education requirements and renew their license and board certification every few years.
Responsibilities and a Day in the Life
Most Neuroradiologist work in a private group practice; they provide services to hospitals (often more than one). Neuroradiologists work on a shift basis and “cover” for one hospital at a time. So, the schedule and hours can vary significantly based on the practice, number of radiologists in the group, number of hospitals covered, etc.
Though daily responsibilities could vary based on the type of practice, specialization, etc., some of the common ones include the following:
- Providing care to patients undergoing imaging procedures, including MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays.
- Interpreting scans to determine abnormalities or the presence of tumors.
- Diagnosing structural abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, or spine.
- If required, ordering additional diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out causes of symptoms.
- Performing biopsies of suspicious lesions for further analysis.
- Prescribing medications to treat the symptoms.
- Working with other doctors and staff.
- Communicating with patients about their condition and treatment options.
- Performing surgery to remove lesions.
- Performing neuroradiology procedures.
- Implanting medical devices to treat movement disorders.
- Hiring and training clinical staff members.
- Managing practice and administrative staff to ensure high-quality patient care.
- In an academic setting, supervising residents and fellows.
Other Necessary Skills
- Compassion and understanding to deal with patients and their families suffering from illness or injuries.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Leadership skills.
- Excellent administrative and managerial skills.
- Decision-making and organizational skills.
Salary
- Salary could vary based on the practice type, experience, location, etc. According to BLS, the median salary is about $302K.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about…
- 30K radiologists in 2021
- BLS does not specifically provide data for Neuroradiologists, but overall, the Physician job outlook from 2021 to 2031 is 3% which is slower than the average job growth.
Summary
If you have a passion for healthcare and for improving patients’ health conditions and are willing to invest 12+ years in becoming a doctor, you should consider the doctor profession. When patients get better, this provides great satisfaction. Neuroradiologists interact with patients and other doctors, but they spend most of their time performing and interpreting scans. The job does come with some stress, however; doctors are required to work long hours and must keep up with many administrative duties.
