In 1895 Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made an important discovery that he named x-rays. The birth of Radiology is related to this discovery. Radiology has the purpose of creating images of different organs and structures of the body for their diagnosis and treatment. These images are obtained with the use of radioactive substances, electromagnetic radiation and sound waves and they also show if internal structures and organs of the body are functioning effectively.
Since its discovery more than 100 years ago, radiology quickly became a science that features high technology and the best equipment available in order to help imaging the body. There is a growing concern about possible side effects that can originate with the use of radiation; however, these potential effects are also viewed as risks that should be taken in order to achieve benefits like the kind of information about that the patients can obtain about their condition.
Radiology has specialty areas like Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology and Radiation Oncology (Therapeutic Radiology).
A radiologist is a doctor that creates and interprets images of the body. They have to study in a medical school for four years and then have five years of residency. When they finish residency they must decide to practice or enter programs in radiology subspecialties which will result in one or two more years of training.
Radiologists must consider the needs of their patients, not only physically but also psychologically. It is fundamental that radiologists have great manual skills so that they can operate complicated equipment.