A Career in Radiology

So what does a radiologist actually do all day? The general misconception is that the bulk of the work is reporting scans in a dark room. The truth, is that Radiology is arguably the most varied hospital specialty, at the heart of which lies a constant dialogue between surgeons and clinicians who rely heavily on the radiologist to not only aid diagnosis but also to become involved in treating patients through interventional procedures.

Click here to read through a new Royal College of Radiologist document summarising why trainees choose clinical radiology. 
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Example consultant weekly diary 

Monday : Plain Film Reporting & Interventional

Tuesday : CT Reporting & MDT

Wednesday : Fluoroscopy & Research

Thursday : Ultrasound & SPA (Admin)

Friday : CT Reporting & MDT

In addition consultants are involved in the supervision of registrars, teaching, multitude of MDTs, nuclear medicine and private work! Most tertiary hospital consultants tend to be slightly more specialised and a greater proportion of their time is allocated to their respective specialist interests.

Example trainee weekly diary

Monday : Plain Film Reporting & Interventional

Tuesday : CT Reporting & MDT

Wednesday : Fluoroscopy & Research

Thursday : Ultrasound & MRI reporting

Friday : CT Reporting & MDT

As you can see, there is little difference in the diary of an SpR and a consultant. The variation is somewhat determined by the rotation that you are on and the hospital you are working at. However, most training schemes are flexible and despite being on an 'MRI block' you will be doing plenty of other sessions too.