How has the role of radiologists changed?
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Prof Hans Ringertz
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The role of a radiologist has evolved from that of a ‘photographer’ to a centrally positioned medical professional without whom the modern healthcare system would collapse.
What are common mistakes that lead radiologists to make incorrect diagnostic decisions?
The most common radiological healthcare error is using imaging when it is not needed or when the treatment is independent of the radiological findings. The other common error is probably inexperience but ‘satisfaction of search’ is frequent which means that once something has been observed, a second more important finding is missed. Other mistakes are mistaking an abnormal structure for a normal, or right and left errors.
How can these be avoided?
With good training. The average number of all errors (important or not important) is said to be around four per cent. This can be reduced to about two per cent by double reading – that is two radiologists read the cases independently.
Why are training programmes like STAR necessary?
STAR is necessary for radiologists today because of the fast technical development in the field. All types of modalities are geting better and hence more and more medical problems can be approached. The sub-specialisation are also getting more and more pronounced.
Having worked in the radiology sector for a long period, how do you perceive radiology talent from India?
Indian radiologists are very well trained and many are working abroad. The continuing medical education system in radiology is well developed which keeps the radiologists up-to-date.
How would you rate the research in radiology coming out of India?
A lot of good radiological research comes out of India. But a higher percentage published in the international journals rather than the local could probably be achieved. The size of the population makes it possible to study large numbers, even those suffering from rare diseases if co-operation between centres are set up.
What is your advice for young radiologists in India?
Get a good complete radiological training in an established department. Then sub-specialise in one anatomical area of radiology (chest, body, musculoskeletal etc.) and in one radiological modality (ultrasound, CT, MRI etc.).