Need for Radiologists is High in the Country
Are there adequate numbers of good radiologists in the country? If not, why?
The tribe of trained radiologists in the country is rather small. The reasons are many. One, the number of medical graduates allowed entry into radiology has, until recently, been very small. The universities are, however, now waking up to the situation. Two, the growth in radiology has been sudden and exponential; hence the requirement has grown more acutely only in the last three decades.
Three, we, as a nation, have never been futuristic in our thinking, planning, and strategy-building processes, and hence, we did not recognise this simple fact that the need for radiologists would get so acute. Four, many of our radiologists move to greener pastures in the West, where there is a positive environment for free-thinking, research, and evolution.
Is the quality of care/facilities in radiology in the country up to world standards?
The standards of facilities and care are comparable to the best in the world. However, we lag behind by a mile in research. But then, that's true in all fields, be it medicine, other sciences, or even social sciences.
Where can a radiologist find employment?
Jobs are aplenty both in the public sector and the private clinics, hospitals, and institutions. Medical colleges, public hospitals, large health centres - none can do without a team of radiologists. However, if you have the entrepreneurial streak, you could well open a diagnostic centre of your own.
How important is the role of a radiologist in the medical setup in India?
The edifice of modern medicine is built upon the quest for hardcore evidence, and since most people now prefer to be treated by modern medicine, radiology is in a dominant position, be it in India or anywhere else in the world. Interestingly, even though the paths and philosophies of other medical systems like homeopathy, ayurveda, unani and siddha are quite different, these practitioners have also started to turn to radiology to impart direction to their treatments and use it as a tool in the follow-up.
What are the challenges facing radiologists today?
Over time, radiology has been on a fast track mode, evolving at a breakneck pace. The demands on the older radiologists is to come to terms with change, keep learning and, at the same time, yield their places with dignity and grace to youngsters without feeling awkward about it. They must work at moulding young radiologists, smoothening out their weaknesses and brashness, teaching them humility and compassion, and in imparting the basic philosophy in practice of medicine: "Life is short, the art long, opportunity fleeting, experiment treacherous, judgement difficult."
Author: Pranab Ghosh (HT Horizons)
Date: 8th October, 2010
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