Why Radiology?
100 Reasons to do Radiology
About You
You like anatomy.
You like pathology.
You like solving puzzles.
You have good spatial reasoning.
You like a challenge.
You like computers.
You like learning new things.
You like exams.
You like time to think things through.
You like procedures.
You like to help behind the scenes.
You like detailed work.
You can work independently.
You like teamwork.
You're particular about spelling and grammar.
You're an introvert (in a good way).
You want to try something different.
You have good communication skills.
Interest and Variety
Radiologists are generalists.
There are many subspecialties.
You're looking inside people.
You like interesting cases.
Many interesting cases in a short space of time.
You like discussing interesting cases with doctors.
There are many imaging modalities.
You don't enjoy your current specialty.
Perform life-saving procedures.
Perform function-saving procedures.
You like helping other doctors.
You can clinch the diagnosis.
Life at Work
No direct patient responsibility (mostly).
No discharge letters (usually).
No more bleeps.
No ward rounds (except IR).
No discharge planning.
Tea or coffee while you work.
You can just look things up.
No more handwriting.
No need for typing.
Flat hierarchy.
Your day is predictable.
No running around.
No more prescribing.
No risk of sunburn.
No pollen.
Safer from pandemics.
Hang out with other radiologists.
You get to work with radiographers.
Meet doctors from other specialties.
Power to grant or refuse scans.
Air conditioning.
You have time for lunch.
You have time for the toilet.
Younger consultants.
No more clerking.
Lots of patient contact (if you want).
Little patient contact.
Radiology is a huge community.
The cool kids are doing it.
It can be just a job.
Training
Training is fast.
Trainees are supernumerary.
A lot of consultant supervision.
A lot of teaching in general.
Training locations are close together.
Many trainees in one place.
Study for exams at work.
Lots of online resources.
Even service provision is rewarding.
Fewer portfolio requirements for ARCP.
Workplace-based assessments (WBAs) are quick to complete.
Self-directed learning.
Audits are quick.
Work-Life Balance
Flexible working.
It's a 9 to 5 job.
You have time for hobbies again.
No night shifts (in some places).
Infrequent on-calls.
Less than full time working is possible.
Career and Earning prospects
Many NHS consultant jobs.
Locum NHS consultant jobs.
You can go into nuclear medicine.
You can work for teleradiology companies.
You can be involved in teaching.
You can be involved in management.
You can be involved in research.
Trainee locum ultrasound lists.
Trainee locum MRI lists.
Report 'insourced' scans.
Opportunities to work abroad.
Teleradiology for other countries.
Work in MedTech.
Private radiology reporting.
The Future of Radiology
Radiology embraces technology.
New imaging techniques.
New procedures being invented.
Radiology in emergency medicine.
You can shape the specialty.
Artificial intelligence.
Radiology is an expanding specialty.