Diagnostic Radiologist - Working conditions
Kaimātai Tātari Hihi Irirangi
Working Conditions
Diagnostic radiologists work in hospitals, clinics and private practices. They may travel locally and overseas. They need to know how to work safely with x-rays, chemicals and radioactive materials.
"As a training registrar you have monthly rotations around different areas of the radiology department."
Lisa Sweetman - Diagnostic Radiologist
Equipment
Equipment diagnostic radiologists may use includes:
- x-ray equipment
- specialised imaging equipment such as ultrasound machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and gamma cameras
- medical equipment and instruments
- computers.
Diagnostic radiologists wear protective clothing when exposed to radiation
Hours
Diagnostic radiologists may work long hours, including evenings and weekends. They may also be on call. However, most work between 40 and 60 hours per week. One-quarter of diagnostic radiologists work part-time.
Contact with people
Diagnostic radiologists work as part of a team. They supervise medical radiation technologists who operate the x-ray equipment, and interact with patients and their families and other health professionals.
Updated
September 2009
