Radiology Basics
A free CT, US and MRI e-learning resource
Books and apps
Recommended radiology textbooks & apps
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What is a radiologist
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Radiologist?
Look into radiology
Look into a career in radiology
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Junior doctors & students menu
Books
Chest X-rays for Medical Students
A superb guide to CXRs for students
Abdominal X-rays for Medical Students
A superb guide to AXRs for students
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Looking for educational resources or want to learn more about a career in radiology? Either way, you've come to the right place!
Clinical radiology is central to much of hospital medicine and is certainly one of the most exciting specialties. Basic x-ray interpretation is required for almost all doctors, so in this section we have provided some resources to help you brush up (or learn!) these.
If you are interested in becoming a radiologist, then specialist training takes 5 years. You can become a generalist, or after learning the ‘core’ radiology skills you can choose to sub-specialise, for example in brain or abdominal imaging. If you start building your CV early on, you’ll find applying for jobs much easier, especially when you’re asked to demonstrate your commitment to radiology! If you have already made up your mind then check out the section, if not, read on for some more information about the specialty!
So you're interested in radiology. What can you do?
Engage with your radiology department
- Talk to radiologists and radiology trainees about the specialty and visit the department to see what we do. Find out who are the key people in the department that you need to speak to. Seek advice.
- Join or set up a radiology student society.
Get experience
- During medical school / junior doctor teaching, take as many opportunities as possible to learn more about the specialty.
- Do a radiology student selected component or module whilst at med school.
- If you can’t get a Go to the radiology department and immerse yourself in the department.
Get involved in projects and plan ahead
- Conduct or help with radiology audits and research. This is great at demonstrating your commitment to radiology and will get your face known! It is important to start early as it can take 1-3 years to actually finish and publish a project.
- Apply for undergraduate or postgraduate bursaries and prizes
- Read our helpful article specifically on improving your CV.
- Attend regional and national careers meetings and events.
Have a plan B
- You may hit Foundation Year 2 training and have a radiology based CV and then decide you want to be a microbiologist! There are many doctors who switch from surgery to radiology. Make sure you have a plan B!
In the Interview & Application section of this site there is an excellent video by Dr Ian Craven (Clinical Lead, Leeds Radiology Academy) on ‘Getting into radiology training’ which is aimed at medical students. Well worth a watch.
Must reads for those interested in Radiology
- 1. What is a radiologist
2. Career in radiology
3. Life as a trainee
What are the best radiology books to get started with?
Chest X-rays for Medical Students
Christopher Clarke, Anthony Dux
This guide gives students and junior doctors a solid understanding of the basics of chest radiology with high quality images and abnormalities clearly marked in colour. Teaches a step-wise approach to the CXR, essential for examinations. Follow on Facebook for free mock exam questions and answers. More information and example pages can be found here.
Abdominal X-rays for Medical Students
Christopher Clarke, Anthony Dux
A comprehensive guide to reading, presenting and interpreting abdominal radiographs. Clearly illustrated using a unique colour overlay system. Essential reading for any medical student. Follow on Facebook for free mock exam questions and answers. More information and example pages can be found here.
Put your image interpretation skills to the test!
Can you guess what the objects are in the radiograph below?
Fruit Pastilles, Double Decker, Kit Kat (from left to right)
- Christopher Clarke
- Last updated: 6 October 2021
