How safe are we?

[Rajshah]

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Hello
I'm interested in becoming a radiologist, however there is one thing concerning me.
My job would involve barium studies such as enemas and swallows and perhaps some interventional work, while I'm training, and maybe when I specialise.
I have been told that even with todays sophisticated equipment, there is increased exposure to ionising radiation to the radiologist.
The reason this concerns me is I feel that I would not want to enter a specialty where I will get premature cancer, cataracts, skin burns etc.... Or have mutations appearing in my kids (like those from chernobyl and hiroshima)!!

Please, please advise me. I really think radiology is a fascinating subject.
Are these risks a reality and are we safe as radiologists?

Thanks

 

[Milo]

Most radiologists I know have either an extra head or a superfluous nipple. Really makes you think.

 

[fedor]

Hello
I'm interested in becoming a radiologist, however there is one thing concerning me.
My job would involve barium studies such as enemas and swallows and perhaps some interventional work, while I'm training, and maybe when I specialise.
I have been told that even with todays sophisticated equipment, there is increased exposure to ionising radiation to the radiologist.
The reason this concerns me is I feel that I would not want to enter a specialty where I will get premature cancer, cataracts, skin burns etc.... Or have mutations appearing in my kids (like those from chernobyl and hiroshima)!!

Please, please advise me. I really think radiology is a fascinating subject.
Are these risks a reality and are we safe as radiologists?

Thanks

Some studies came out a decade or so ago saying that these days (there were some problems 60 years ago or so) radiologists have a lower incidence of CA than other physicians. I wouldn't sweat it.

But, personally, I think you're doomed.

 

[Amxcvbcv]

Just as an anecdotal joke, I'd say you're more likely to develop skin cancer from all the vacation time on the beach without sunscreen.

But I know nothing at this point. 😉

 

[hans19]

Please, please advise me. I really think radiology is a fascinating subject.
Are these risks a reality and are we safe as radiologists?

Thanks

There are risks in everything we do-- did you have this degree of anxiety when you drove your car to work this morning?

Radiation exposure caries known risks, which can be minimized with a proper understanding of radiation physics and radiobiology.

Radiation exposure is not unique to radiology. Orthopedists, neurosurgeons, and especially interventional cardiologists get a massive amount of radiation exposure but get no formal training in radiation safety. At least as a radiologist you will have a better understanding of radiation biology and how to reduce risk.