|
The Department of Radiology provides a wide range of imaging modalities from simple plain film radiography, mammography to complex investigations like Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In addition, interventional procedures are performed on a regular basis. These include percutaneous biopsies and drainages, peripheral vascular angioplasty, intra-arterial chemo-embolisation, radiofrequency ablation and more.
On the average 170,000 examinations are performed annually, of which 11,800 are CT scans and 3,500 are MRI. All the radiologists in the department are proficient in general radiology. Every radiologist of associated consultant and above appointment sub-specializes in one of the following areas:
- Head and Neck Radiology
- Vascular and Hepatobiliary Interventional Radiology
- Uroradiology
- Breast imaging
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Body cross-section Radiology
The main department has two CT scanners (one spiral, one multi-slice), a 1.5T MR, three advanced ultrasound machines with color/power Doppler capability, one angiography unit, two general fluoroscopy units, two urography tables, one mammography unit, four general radiology units, one BMD unit and one ESWL lithotripter.
In addition, the department operates three satellite locations performing plain film radiography in support of A & E and the endoscopy unit in the day surgery.
The department has a formal training program for basic and advanced trainees supervised by at least an associate consultant. Trainees are exposed to all available modalities of clinical radiology.
Basic trainees are given time off each week to attend the lectures and tutorials organized by the Specialist Training Committee (STC) to prepare them for the Part I, Part 2A and Part 2B FRCR examination. In addition, they receive tutorials twice weekly by the departmental staff.
Advanced trainees are trained in general radiology during the first year after passing the FRCR 2B examination. From their second year, they are encouraged to take up a sub-specialty interest. Trainees expressing interest in a particular sub-specialty will be provided additional clinical exposure in the chosen field and will receive supervision by a suitable sub-specialist radiologist.
Currently, the major on-going research is on functional MRI of the kidney and MR evaluation of breast lesions. Another research project on volumetric evaluation of the pharynx for sleep-apnoea patients is in the pipeline.
Advanced trainees undergo a three-year training in the department. In the first year, the objective is to develop competency as a general radiologist. As such, the trainees would be given exposure to all modalities of examination under the supervision of the departmental staff.
In the second year of training, trainees are encouraged increase training in a sub-specialty field, while maintaining a smaller proportion of general radiology practice. Trainees would also be assigned a mentor who will provide guidance, teaching and supervision. By the third year, trainees are expected to be proficient in their chosen sub specialty.
The following sub-specialty fields of radiology are available for the trainee:
- Head and Neck Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Body Imaging
Under construction
|