Radiology falls into two general categories: diagnostic and interventional, both

of which encompass multiple subspecialties.  Doctors who are interested in a

particular subspecialty usually complete a diagnostic radiology residency, along

with an additional one to two years of subspecialty radiology fellowship.

 

Diagnostic radiologists use imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI scans,

ultrasound exams and PET scans to help diagnosis a patient’s condition.  

Subspecialties within diagnostic radiology often involve imaging related to a specific organ system. For example, some radiologists focus on breast imaging, abdominal or cardiovascular radiology. Other specialties include head and

neck radiology and musculoskeletal radiology. 

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Interventional radiologists use image-guided procedures to diagnosis and treat

a wide variety of conditions and disorders. Procedures include: angioplasty, tumor biopsy and ablation and stent placement along with spine procedures such as kyphoplasty and therapeutic pain injection, venous access port and drainage catheter placement.