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In Australia and New Zealand diagnostic radiology is now better recognised as Medical Imaging. However, the specialists who obtain the Fellowship of the College are still known as Radiologists. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) has always encouraged the integrated practice of all imaging techniques as a means of improving patient care in the most effective way, while recognising that interaction with other medical practitioners is essential in good patient management.
The discovery of x-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen heralded the arrival of a totally new method of medical diagnosis. The past century has witnessed an explosion in the increasingly sophisticated utilisation of x-rays and other energy sources such as radio isotopes (nuclear medicine), ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to enable us to provide a very accurate display of human anatomy, pathology and physiology. Modern diagnostic imaging methods clearly define disease processes and also allow evaluation of the effects of treatment. The newer imaging modalities also enable the diagnostic radiologist to undertake sophisticated interventional and therapeutic procedures. The new millennium is a very exciting time to be entering the speciality known as Diagnostic Radiology.
Vocational training in Diagnostic Radiology aims to produce specialists who are not only technically competent but also knowledgeable health professionals able to participate in multidisciplinary activities now so necessary for overall patient management. The aim of the College is to produce radiologists who are skilled in their subspeciality areas as well as specialists who are able to participate in collaborative research and keep up with the new developments in imaging for the benefit of patients in Australia and New Zealand.
As mentioned earlier, diagnostic radiology/medical imaging is a speciality which is primarily used in the diagnosis of disease processes. However, in the last few years accurate anatomical depiction of disease processes has also enabled radiologists to develop the subspeciality of Interventional and Therapeutic Radiology. The utilisation of these techniques is already well established and continues to expand with new methods of "non-invasively" obliterating intracranial aneurysms and extracranial vascular lesions. The therapeutic aspects of radiology also are extended to image-guided biopsies, abscess drainage, relief of obstructed renal or biliary tracts and stenting of narrowed arteries.
The RANZCR recognises that research has an important role to play in advancing medical science in general but particularly the science of radiology. In 1982 the RANZCR established a Research Fund to help encourage research by trainees and Fellows of the College. Furthermore, the RANZCR is in the process of undertaking a complete review of its curriculum and research is expected to receive appropriately increased emphasis in future.
A career in Diagnostic and Interventional/Therapeutic Radiology (Medical Imaging) offers exciting opportunities and excellent employment prospects to interested medical graduates.
Dr John Slavotinek
Chief Censor in Radiology
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