Formal Paper #2 - Careers

Careers

ISM 6th Period

Amita Raj

11/17/2010

            There are so many fields of medicine, and each one is fascinating in its own way. What is most enthralling about this field of study is that medicine branches into various specialties, all seemingly different but inherently cohesive. One branch cannot exist without the help of another. This is why even though specialists may dedicate an extra four years to a certain field of study, they must be aware of other systems and how their own specialty is related to them.

            My primary interest in medicine is Radiology. A Radiologist is a physician who has been trained in the interpretation of medical images. These images come from x-rays or radioactive substances (a subspecialty called nuclear medicine). Images can also come from sound waves (ultrasound) and the body’s natural magnetism (MRI). (Professions in Radiology)

            Having been exposed to this field for a summer, I feel that it is a good fit for me. Every case is different because every person is built differently. Although it is one of the ‘dry’ fields of medicine, a great deal of critical thinking is required when looking at images. Radiologists have to go through years of practice (and an oral exam). After four years of undergraduate school, radiologists must go through an additional 4 years of medical school (as with most physicians), 3 years of residency and an optional 2 years of fellowship. They also must be certified by the American Board of Radiology.

            These days, the number of Radiologists in the country has been decreasing. This is because many imaging companies are outsourcing their images to overseas, where doctors scan the same images for a smaller amount of money. This means that the radiology profession may not be viable in the long run. However, it is said that there may be a shortage of doctors so the true predictability of this field is very hazy.

            Another fascinating branch of medicine is Oncology. Oncologists are physicians who study, diagnose, and treat cancerous tumors. They practice in hospitals and medical centers, university hospitals, and research organizations. Oncologists go through a similar amount of schooling as radiologists, but additional years of study are required if the physician wants to sub-specialize in, for example, radiation oncology, surgical oncology or even pediatric oncology.

            Oncology may perhaps be the most advanced field of medicine. This is because as the world’s population increases, and in some countries life expectancies increase, more people are falling sick and the number of cancer patients is increasing dramatically. This branch of medicine is fascinating because it is sometimes extremely difficult to find the cause of the cancer. Doctors must be innovative and use a great deal of knowledge and experiences when trying to treat or cure a patient.

            The types of cancers that exist may be treatable but not curable, or may be curable all together. It is very satisfactory for a doctor when they cure someone who had a disease that was slowly killing them. Oncologists save many lives during their careers. The only downside of this field is that some patients cannot be cured, and can only be treated temporarily. The doctor-patient relationships must be really strong for all oncologists because they must be strong, firm, and compassionate when giving a patient the news.

            Oncologists will always remain in business because cancer is not a disease that can be eradicated. There will always be a bigger need for these kinds of doctors.

            As of this point in time, I am unable to make a firm decision about what kind of doctor I may want to be. There are so many possibilities and I have not yet been exposed to all of them. I look forward to my years of study and hope that I will be as successful as the doctors I work with today.

Bibliography

"Professions in Radiology." RadiologyInfo - The Radiology Information Resource for Patients.

Web. 15 Nov. 2010 <http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/careers/index.cfm?pg=diacareer>.

"What Is a Radiologist? - What Is a Radiologist? - Radiology Channel." Radiology Procedures –

Your Radiology Community - Radiology Channel. 1 May 2000. Web. 15 Nov. 2010.

<http://radiology.healthcommunities.com/aboutradiology/radiologist.shtml>.

"What Is an Oncologist? - What Is an Oncologist? - Oncology Channel." Cancer, Tumors,

Patient Ed, Physician-Developed - Your Oncology Community - Oncology Channel. Web. 15 Nov. 2010. <http://www.oncologychannel.com/oncologist.shtml>.