American Board of Radiology 5441 East Williams Blvd., Suite 200 Tucson, AZ 85711 Tel: (520) 790-2900 www.theabr.org

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 or Radiation Oncology. The discipline also includes Radiologic Physics. The board issues specific certificates within each discipline.

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

Subspecialties for Diagnostic Radiology

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

• Neuroradiology
  A Diagnostic Radiologist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and head and neck in adults and children.
  
  
• Nuclear Radiology
  A Diagnostic Radiologist who is involved in the analysis and imaging of radionuclides and radiolabeled substances in vitro and in vivo for diagnosis, and the administration of radionuclides and radiolabeled substances for the treatment of disease.
  
  
• Pediatric Radiology
  A Diagnostic Radiologist who is proficient in all forms of diagnostic imaging as it pertains to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the newborn, infant, child and adolescent. This specialist has knowledge of both imaging and interventional procedures related to the care and management of diseases of children. A Pediatric Radiologist must be highly knowledgeable of all organ systems as they relate to growth and development, congenital malformations, diseases peculiar to infants and children, and diseases that begin in childhood but cause substantial residual impairment in adulthood.
  
  
• Vascular and Interventional Radiology
  A Diagnostic Radiologist who receives additional training in image-guided therapies. The Vascular and Interventional Radiologist utilizes fluoroscopy, digital radiography, computed tomography, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging to guide small devices inserted into the body through very small openings. These minimally invasive, image-guided approaches enable the safe performance of a large variety of effective therapeutic procedures, many without the need for general anesthesia or hospital admission. Therapies include angioplasty, stent placement, thrombolysis, embolization, biliary and genitourinary drainages, abscess drainages and many more.
  
  
• 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 throughout the course of the disease, including through the dying process and subsequent family grieving. This care can occur within or outside of a formal hospice or palliative care team. This specialist has expertise in the assessment of patients with advanced disease and catastrophic injury; the relief of distressing symptoms; the coordination of interdisciplinary patient and family-centered care in diverse settings; the use of specialized care systems including hospice; the management of the imminently dying patient; and legal and ethical decision making in end-of-life care. Anyone who wishes to specialize in Hospice and Palliative Medicine must first certify in Radiation Oncology.
  

II. Radiation Oncology
A Radiologist who deals with the therapeutic applications of radiant energy and its modifiers, and the study and management of disease, especially malignant tumors. Training required is five years: one year of clinical work followed by four years of Radiation Oncology training.

Subspecialties for Radiation Oncology

Certification in the following Radiation Oncology subspecialty requires additional training and examination.

• 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 throughout the course of the disease, including through the dying process and subsequent family grieving. This care can occur within or outside of a formal hospice or palliative care team. This specialist has expertise in the assessment of patients with advanced disease and catastrophic injury; the relief of distressing symptoms; the coordination of interdisciplinary patient and family-centered care in diverse settings; the use of specialized care systems including hospice; the management of the imminently dying patient; and legal and ethical decision making in end-of-life care. Anyone who wishes to specialize in Hospice and Palliative Medicine must first certify in Radiation Oncology.
  
  

III. Radiologic Physics
Radiologic Physics is that branch of physics which includes therapeutic radiological physics, diagnostic radiological physics and medical nuclear physics. Length of training varies per discipline. A Radiologic Physicist MUST specialize in at least one of the following, but may hold certification in two areas or all three.

• Therapeutic Radiological Physics
  Therapeutic Radiological Physics deals with (1) physical aspects of the therapeutic applications of x-rays, gamma rays, electron and other charged particle beams, neutrons, and radiations from sealed radionuclide sources; and (2) the equipment associated with their production and use, including radiation safety.
  
  
• Diagnostic Radiological Physics
  Diagnostic Radiological Physics deals with (1) the diagnostic applications of x-rays, gamma rays from sealed sources, ultrasonic radiation, magnetic resonance; and (2) the equipment associated with their production and use, including radiation safety.
  
  
• Medical Nuclear Physics
  Medical Nuclear Physics deals with (1) the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of radionuclides (except those used in sealed sources for therapeutic purposes); and (2) the equipment associated with their production and use, including radiation safety.
  

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