Tomorrow’s radiologist: what future?

Abstract

Today's radiology is experiencing two major trends, one negative and one positive. The first is the so-called turf war, in other words, the progressive invasion of the imaging domain by other specialists such as cardiologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, gynaecologists etc. who are taking over various techniques from ultrasonography (US) to computed tomography (CT) to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this process, they are aided by new technologies such as picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and computed-aided diagnosis CAD and by radiology technologists who collaborate with them, replacing radiologists. The positive aspect is the outstanding technological evolution: the advent of molecular imaging, optical imaging, nanotechnologies, teleradiology and percutaneous gene therapy. While dramatically expanding the diagnostic possibilities down to the subcellular level, these techniques demand new forms of training in radiology and interdisciplinary cooperation. Tomorrow's radiologist will need to acquire appropriate clinical knowledge, restore contact with the patient to take on a prominent role in the diagnostic process, learn the basic sciences, foster a multidisciplinary approach and finally be able to use the Internet for learning and continuing education. Tomorrow's radiologists will survive if they learn to reinvent themselves.

Radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians are looking forward to a cross-curricular training

“…Radiology and all specialties related to imaging science, including nuclear medicine, are changing rapidly. Radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians are threatened by both internal and external challenges [9][10][11][12][13][14] that may diminish our role in health care and limit our ability to attract outstanding trainees and to optimize advances in imaging research. One possible solution to strengthen our position is for radiology and nuclear medicine to combine their complementary skills Rad, radiology; NM, nuclear medicine; y, year(s); m, months and work toward a common goal in the multidisciplinary development of molecular imaging.…”

The professional and organizational future of imaging

“…This historical mode of practice is under threat. As described before, there are potent incentives for nonradiologists to take on imaging technologies and “self-refer” for imaging procedures rather than sending their patients to a radiologist [8, 19]. …”

The future role of radiology in healthcare

“…But radiologists will have to change many of their attitudes and rethink their professional training to accommodate to the dramatic revolution and evolution of radiology [4]. Radiologists need to adapt to the changes in technology in order for the profession to deliver the service that patients expect and medical progress requires.…”