In training, in-depth use of radiopharmaceuticals (radioisotopes) is used in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Most of the training is work-based, focussing on the practical implementation of skills and knowledge. Trainees are supervised while undertaking the training until they are ready to practice independently. 

Clinical radiologists utilise advanced X-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to produce and interpret medical imagery. Radiologists are pivotal in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring the progress of injuries and diseases in humans. Clinical radiologists are highly qualified medical professionals who have undertaken an intensive clinical radiology training program to be recognised in Australia and New Zealand as specialists in their field.

Clinical radiologists fall into two different categories: diagnostic radiologists and interventional radiologists. Both types produce and interpret medical imagery to diagnose illness and injury. The difference between a diagnostic radiologist and an interventional radiologist is that an interventional radiologist takes the findings from the medical imagery one step further. Interventional radiologists will treat the disease or injury and perform medical procedures, for example biopsies whereby the radiologist will steer a needle, fine plastic tubes (catheters) and wires around the body (guided by the medical imagery) to complete medical procedure such as the treatment of kidney stones or blocked arteries.

To study Clinical Radiology, the trainee commits to several years of intensive Clinical Radiology training. The training requires 5 years of full-time training in Australia. Therefore, trainees must be motivated and passionate about the program to see it through. 

Aside from academic skills and experience, highly regarded radiologists have strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Radiologists must be excellent at interpreting results to make decisions under pressure. Lastly, Clinical radiologists must be effective and clear communicators, working with both health professionals and patients to deliver diagnosis and treatment where applicable. 

The number of applicants selected differs from year to year. In 2021, for example, there were 9 successful applicants in total from 45 total applicants for the QLD training program. In Australia, there are 2,187 specialists in total. 

The northern Queensland region offers a well-balanced mix of quality education and a relaxed or adventurous lifestyle, depending on your preference. With the convenience of cities close by, but the benefit of reasonable housing costs and vast landscapes a stone’s throw away, Northern Queensland is hard to beat. 

Each regional centre is small enough to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life, but large enough to boast a range of facilities for socialising and entertainment. You can make the most of the great outdoors through rainforest hikes, mountain biking and snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Living and working in Northern Queensland offers a great balance for all ages and stages, with short commute times putting more hours back into your workday, and plenty to explore on the weekends.

Networking and industry social opportunities are to be found in the tightknit hospital and health communities. Our vision is to improve the health of communities in the northern Queensland region by addressing the shortage of doctors in the area, a passion which unites the students, interns, junior doctors, and specialists training and working here. 

Our training region ensure trainees have access to a wide range of hospital and health settings of varying sizes and capabilities offering diverse case load and case mix. These training areas include the following health service areas: Cairns, Central West, Mackay, North West, Torres and Cape, and Townsville.

References

• https://www.insideradiology.com.au/clinical-radiologist/
• https://medinav.health.qld.gov.au/careers/radiology/clinical-radiology/
• https://www.ranzcr.com/join-our-professions/clinical-radiology/a-career-in-clinical-radiology