Who they are:
Medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and sometimes treating diseases using medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, PET scans, and more.
Main responsibilities:
Interpret medical images to identify injuries, diseases, and abnormalities.
Provide written reports and communicate findings to referring doctors.
Recommend additional imaging or tests if needed.
In some cases (interventional radiology), perform image-guided procedures like biopsies, stent placements, or draining fluid collections.
Educational requirements (India context):
MBBS degree (5.5 years)
MD/DNB in Radiology (3 years specialization)
Registration with the Medical Council of India (now NMC) to practice.
Skills needed:
Detailed knowledge of anatomy and pathology
Ability to interpret complex imaging data
Decision-making and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Work settings:
Hospitals
Diagnostic imaging centers
Specialty clinics
Research institutions
Who they are:
Allied healthcare professionals who operate ultrasound machines to capture live images of organs, tissues, and blood flow — often used for pregnancy, abdominal, cardiac, and vascular imaging.
Main responsibilities:
Prepare patients for ultrasound exams.
Operate ultrasound equipment to obtain diagnostic images.
Adjust settings for optimal image quality.
Provide preliminary findings to radiologists or physicians (final interpretation is done by a radiologist/doctor).
Educational requirements (India context):
Diploma in Medical Imaging Technology (DMIT) – 2 years
B.Sc. in Medical Imaging Technology / Radiology & Imaging – 3–4 years
Additional specialized certificate in ultrasonography may be required (often for MBBS doctors in India; technicians work under radiologists).
Skills needed:
Proficiency with ultrasound equipment
Understanding of anatomy and imaging principles
Good patient interaction and positioning skills
Attention to detail in capturing clear images
Work settings:
Hospitals
Diagnostic labs
OB/GYN clinics
Cardiology and vascular centers
