Neuroradiologist

As defined by the United States’ National Cancer Institute, a neuroradiologist is “a doctor trained in radiology who specializes in creating and interpreting pictures of the nervous system. The pictures are produced using forms of radiation, such as x-rays, sound waves, or other types of energy.” To become a neuroradiologist, an individual must graduate from medical school, complete a residency in radiology, and then pursue a fellowship in neuroradiology. Once done with this 10-year–long training process, a neuroradiologist can practice in hospitals, academic institutions, or private practice.

Arthur Schüller (1874–1957) of Austria is considered the first neuroradiologist and, hence, the father of neuroradiology. His contributions include the first studies of x-ray findings in intracranial disease and more than 300 publications.

Neuroradiologists are important in global health because they often provide the definitive diagnosis on some of the world's most common neurologic problems, from hydrocephalus to multiple sclerosis to brain and spinal cord tumors. To make these diagnoses, neuroradiologists use a wide repertoire of tools including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography (imaging of blood vessels), and myelography (imaging of the spinal cord). Neuroradiologists also can perform interventional procedures, such as coil embolization of brain aneurysms or thrombolysis (dissolving) of blood clots causing stroke.

Although not as typical as internal or emergency medicine physicians, there are plenty of neuroradiologists actively involved in public and international health. For instance, some neuroradiologists conduct research on the effects of neuroimaging on common neurologic diagnoses while others travel to impoverished countries and perform the different interventional procedures mentioned above. Given the growing demand of neuroradiologists and radiologists in general, these individuals will continue to play an important role in global health.