The ABMS Member Boards - Radiology
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American Board of Radiology
5441 East Williams Circle 
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 790-2900
www.theabr.org


Radiology

A Radiologist is a physician who utilizes imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options. Physicians practicing in the field of Radiology specialize in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology or Radiation Oncology. The Board also certifies in Medical Physics and issues specific certificates within this discipline.

I.  Diagnostic Radiology
A Diagnostic Radiologist who uses x-rays, radionuclides, ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease. Training required is five years: one year of clinical work, followed by five years of radiology training. Anyone who wishes to specialize in one of the four areas listed below must first certify in Diagnostic Radiology.

Subspecialties
Certification in one of the following Diagnostic Radiology subspecialties requires additional training and examination.

  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine
    A Diagnostic Radiologist with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize quality of life while addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both patient and family.
  • Neuroradiology
    A specialist in Neuroradiology diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, sinuses, spine, spinal cord, neck, and the central nervous system, such as aging and degenerative diseases, seizure disorders, cancer, stroke, cerebrovascular diseases, and trauma. Imaging commonly used in neuroradiology includes angiography, myelography, interventional techniques, and MRI. Two additional years - one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional approved training - are required.

  • Nuclear Radiology
    A specialist in Nuclear Radiology uses the administration of trace amounts of radioactive substances (radionuclides) to provide images and information for making a diagnosis. Imaging that can involve nuclear radiology include PET (positron emission tomography) and SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans. One additional year of fellowship training is required.

  • Pediatric Radiology
    A specialist in Pediatric Radiology utilizes imaging and interventional procedures related to the diagnosis, care, and management of congenital abnormalities (those present at birth) and diseases particular to infants and children. A pediatric radiologist also treats diseases that begin in childhood that can cause impairments in adulthood. Two additional years - one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional approved training - are required.

  • Vascular and Interventional Radiology
    A specialist in Vascular and Interventional Radiology diagnoses and treats diseases that involve abnormalities of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system with various radiologic imaging technologies, including fluoroscopy, digital radiography, CT, sonography, and MRI. Therapies include angioplasty, stent placement, thrombolysis, embolization, biliary and genitourinary drainages, abscess drainages, and others. Two additional years - one year of a fellowship and one year of practice or additional approved training - are required.

II.  Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology 
An Interventional Radiologist combines competence in imaging, image-guided minimally invasive procedures and peri-procedural patient care to diagnose and treat benign and malignant conditions of the thorax (excluding the heart), abdomen, pelvis and extremities. Therapies include embolization, angioplasty, stent placement, thrombus management, drainage and ablation, among others. Training includes a minimum of three years of Diagnostic Radiology and two years of Interventional radiology, leading to primary certification in Interventional radiology and Diagnostic Radiology.   

III.  Radiation Oncology
A Radiation Oncologist deals with the study and management of disease, especially malignant tumors and radiological treatments of abnormal tissue through the use of x-rays or radionuclides. Training required is five years: one year of clinical work, followed by four years of radiation oncology training. Anyone who wishes to specialize in the areas listed below must first certify with the American Board of Radiology.

Subspecialty
To become Board Certified in a particular subspecialty, a physician must be Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology and complete specific training as specified by the Member Board. 
  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine
    A Radiation Oncologist with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize quality of life while addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both patient and family 


IV.  Medical Physics 
The branch of physics that includes Diagnostic Medical Physics, Nuclear Medical Physics and Therapeutic Medical Physics. A Medical Physicist uses physics to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and deals with the technology of the equipment, including radiation safety. Type of training varies per discipline.

Subspecialties
A Medical Physicist MUST specialize in at least one of the following, but may hold certification in two areas or all three.

  • Diagnostic Medical Physics
    A specialist in Diagnostic Medical Physics (1) uses x-rays, gamma rays from sealed sources, ultrasound and magnetic resonance in diagnostic procedures; (2) maintains the equipment associated with their production and use; and (3) applies standards for the safe use of radiation.

  • Nuclear Medical Physics
    A specialist in Nuclear Medical Physics (1) uses radionuclides (except those used in sealed sources for therapeutic purposes) for diagnosing and treating conditions; (2) maintains the equipment associated with their production and use; and (3) applies standards for the safe use of radiation.

  • Therapeutic Medical Physics
    A specialist in Therapeutic Medical Physics (1) uses x-rays, gamma rays, electron and other charged particle beams, neutrons and radiations from sealed radionuclide sources in the treatment of conditions; (2) maintains the equipment associated with their production and use; and (3) applies standards for the safe use of radiation.


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