The Field of Radiology: What role do you see for yourself? Essay

The Field of Radiology: What role do you see for yourself? The role of the radiologist is one that has undergone numerous changes over the years and continues to evolve a rapid pace. Radiologists specialize in the diagnoses of disease through obtaining and interpreting medical images. There are a number of different devices and procedures at the disposal of a radiologist to aid him or her in these diagnoses’. Some images are obtained by using x-ray or other radioactive substances, others through the use of sound waves and the body’s natural magnetism. Another sector of radiology focuses on the treatment of certain diseases using radiation (RSNA). Due to vast clinical work and correlated studies, the radiologist may additionally sub-specialize in various areas. Some of these sub-specialties include breast imaging, cardiovascular, Computed Tomography (CT), diagnostic radiology, emergency, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), musculoskeletal, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, pediatric radiology, radi obiology, and Ultrasound (Schenter). After spending a vast amount of time on research and going to internship at the hospital, I have come to realize that my passion in science has greatly intensified. Furthermore, both experiences helped to shape up my future goals more prominently than before, which is coupled with the fact that I have now established a profound interest in radiology, or rather nuclear medicine. For as long as I remember, I only had one dream in mind, which was to become a doctor when I grow up. As I grew older, my dream did not change; in fact, it only grew more significant. However, the only aspect of my dream that did change was the type of field that I wanted to pursue. At first, I honestly did not have an inkling of an idea as to what kind of a type of doctor I wished to become. Then, I started to lean towards pediatrics and/or neurology. Now, on the other hand, I decided that I want to study nuclear medicine in medical school. This enlightening revelation came about as I began to volunteer in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center. My time spent there has had an amazing impact on me because I believe that this was the time that I truly realized my dream. Nuclear medicine is medical specialty that uses radioactive substances, or radiopharmaceuticals, combined with imaging techniqu... ...ine in their work. Overall, my interest in nuclear medicine is at its peak currently, which is most likely due to my science research project for Intel. My ideas for this particular project were based on my knowledge in nuclear medicine. My research topic, deep-vein thrombosis (a blood-clot in the deep-veins of the body), actually transpired from a list of impending projects that my mentor provided me with when I first started volunteering last year. I worked very hard on this project and I even gained some recognition, but all in all, my reason for participating in Intel competition has to do with my dream of becoming a physician in nuclear medicine in the near future. I hope to successfully finish high school, university, and medical school with a Master’s Degree (MD) before crossing all boundaries and working to attain my Physician’s Degree (PhD) in radiology (nuclear medicine). Ofri, D (2000). Diagnosis and Treatment of Deep-Vein Thrombosis. Western Journal of Medicine; 173: 194-197. Wells, Philip S., Anderson, David R., Rodger, Marc et al (2003). Evaluation of D-Dimer in the Diagnosis of Suspected Deep-Vein Thrombosis. New England Journal of Medicine; 349: 1227-1235.