The Radiologist as a Clinician

Abstract

Despite the centrality of radiology and radiologists in much clinical investigation and care of patients, the precise roles radiologists fulfil are often poorly understood by patients, and, sometimes, sadly, by our colleagues in healthcare. Loose use of language often designates those who refer patients for radiological investigation as “clinicians,” implying that this descriptor does not apply to radiologists. The term “clinician” applies to physicians with direct responsibility for patient care; this includes typical radiologist activity. For a variety of reasons (personal preference, workload demands, modern methods of communication and working), direct contact between radiologists and patients, and between radiologists and referring colleagues is in decline. Yet this trend is occurring against a backdrop of increased reliance upon radiology and other investigative tests, as opposed to history-taking and physical examination, for diagnosis and management decision-making. Given the opportunity this trend creates for radiology and radiologists to demonstrate and enhance our clinical centrality, and the concurrent increasing expectation on the part of patients for direct interaction with those making decisions with respect to their healthcare, radiologists need to emphasise our clinical role by embracing every opportunity for direct contact with our patients and our referring colleagues, rather than allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed by and hidden behind ever-increasing workload. It is only by being true, active clinicians that radiologists can deliver most value for our patients, and ensure that our speciality prospers and grows.