Radiologists

Attending Physician

Diagnostic Radiologist

Interventional Neuroradiologist

Interventional Radiologist

Musculoskeletal Specialty Radiologist (MSK Specialty Radiologist)

Neuroradiologist

Nuclear Medicine Physician

Nuclear Medicine Specialist

Physician

Radiologist

What is a Radiologist?

A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques. These imaging techniques include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Radiologists play a crucial role in patient care by interpreting images and providing critical information that assists in the diagnosis and management of a wide array of medical conditions. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans based on their findings. In addition to diagnostic radiology, some radiologists may specialize in interventional radiology, where they use imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat various diseases. Radiologists typically complete medical school followed by a residency in radiology, and many pursue further fellowship training in a subspecialty to enhance their expertise.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.

Technology Skills

Medical software
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel 365
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Photoshop
Word processing software
- Microsoft Word 365

Tools Used

X ray diffraction equipment
Radiation detectors
Medical gamma cameras for general use
- Gamma cameras
- Gamma ray cameras
Medical positron emission tomography PET units
- Medical positron emission tomography PET scanners
- Positron emission tomography PET equipment
Medical computed tomography CT or CAT stationary units
- Computed tomography CT equipment
- Computed tomography CT systems

Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

15 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R85,566pm

Determining Your Readiness for a Career in Radiology in South Africa

Choosing to become a Radiologist is a commitment to being the "doctor’s doctor." In the South African healthcare landscape, Radiologists play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between clinical symptoms and definitive diagnoses. With 15 active jobs currently available and a clear upward trajectory in compensation, the field is both lucrative and intellectually demanding.

The financial outlook for the profession is exceptionally positive. Starting 2024 with an average monthly salary of approximately R75,298.46, the market has seen a steady month-on-month increase, reaching a projected R94,123.07 by December 2024. This reflects the high demand for diagnostic expertise in both our public and private sectors. Currently, the average salary sits at R85,566pm, making it one of the most rewarding specialisations in the medical field.

Is Radiology Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this rigorous path, consider if you possess the following core traits essential for success in a South African clinical environment:

Exceptional Visual-Spatial Reasoning: Can you mentally manipulate 3D structures from 2D images?
High Attention to Detail: Are you able to spot minute abnormalities that others might overlook in a complex scan?
Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy the "detective work" of connecting imaging findings with patient history?
Resilience and Stamina: Can you maintain high levels of concentration during long sessions in a darkened reporting room?
Effective Communication: Can you translate complex findings into concise, actionable reports for referring clinicians?
Technological Aptitude: Are you comfortable working with rapidly evolving AI, PACS systems, and high-tech modalities like MRI and PET-CT?

A Day in the Life of a South African Radiologist

In a typical South African setting—whether you are working at a bustling public hospital like Chris Hani Baragwanath or a high-end private practice in Sandton—your day starts early. You aren't just "looking at pictures"; you are a consultant. Your morning might involve performing ultrasound-guided biopsies or overseeing a fluoroscopy procedure. By mid-morning, you are likely at your workstation, navigating a high volume of digital "stacks" from CT and MRI scans.

The environment is fast-paced. You will frequently be interrupted by surgeons or emergency physicians seeking urgent consultations on trauma cases. In South Africa, the disease burden is diverse, meaning you will see everything from advanced tuberculosis and trauma-related injuries to complex oncology cases. It is a career of profound responsibility where your report often dictates the next surgical move or treatment plan.

Education & Upskilling

The journey to becoming a Radiologist in South Africa is extensive and requires dedication to the "long game."

Formal University Education: You must first complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree (6 years), followed by two years of internship and one year of community service.
Specialisation (Registrarship): After qualifying as a general practitioner, you must secure a registrar post at a teaching hospital to undergo 4 to 5 years of specialised training, culminating in an MMed degree and Fellowship of the College of Radiologists of South Africa (FC Rad Diag).
Continuous Professional Development (CPD): The HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) mandates ongoing learning. This involves attending local conferences, such as those hosted by RSSA (Radiological Society of South Africa), and staying abreast of international imaging protocols.
Short Courses and Certifications: Once qualified, many Radiologists pursue sub-speciality certifications in areas like Interventional Radiology, Paediatric Radiology, or Neuroradiology to remain competitive in a shifting market.

Note: Continuous learning is not just a requirement; it is a survival skill. The integration of Artificial Intelligence in diagnostics means you must be prepared to adapt your workflow and embrace new technological tools throughout your career.

Next Steps: Test Your Readiness

Are you ready to take on the challenge of diagnostic medicine and join a profession that is vital to the South African health system? The path is demanding, but the clinical impact and financial rewards are significant. To gain more clarity on whether your personality and cognitive strengths align with this high-stakes career, take the next step in your professional journey. Test your readiness now by completing our specialised career assessment.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Post-doctoral training

58 %
Doctoral degree

28 %
Associate's degree

11 %

Work Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
Record patient medical histories.
Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.