The Department of Diagnostic Radiology performs some 335000 examinations per year, which range from simple radiography to complex examinations such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Interventional radiological procedures necessitating high technology are also carried out by a team of radiologists sub-specializing in vascular and interventional radiology.

The radiologists practise both general and sub-specialty radiology. The sub-specialties are: Neuro- and Otorhinolaryngologic (ORL) radiology, Musculoskeletal radiology, Mammography, Ultrasound, Vascular and Interventional radiology, and Body imaging. Each of these sub-specialties is led by a Senior Consultant or Consultant.

There are 34 examination rooms spread over four imaging centers. Most of these are located on two levels in the Main Department at Block 2, Singapore General Hospital. These include six general rooms, six ultrasound units (two with color Doppler), three urography tables, two mammography units, two fluoroscopy units, four CT scanners, two MR imaging scanners and two angiography units. Most of the facilities are of state-of-the-art technology.

The Department also provides radiology services at Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital, Geylang Polyclinic, Bukit Merah Polyclinic, Pasir Ris Polyclinic, and Thomson Medical Centre. Services at Tampines Polyclinic will commence in May 2002.

TEACHING AND TRAINING

Teaching is organized under Basic Specialist Training; Advanced Specialist Training; Visiting Fellows/ Ad Hoc Courses; Radiographers and Paramedical Staff Training; and Medical Undergraduate Teaching. The library committee supports teaching and research activities. The Department has 7 clinical teachers who supervise medical undergraduates as well as foreign elective medical students. In addition to training our local basic and advanced specialist trainees, we provide training to overseas and visiting radiologists for periods ranging from one week to one year. Training for radiologists is coordinated with the Chiefs of the various sub-specialty teams in the department. We also provide training for radiographers and other para-medical staff, as well as clinicians.

BASIC SPECIALTY TRAINING (BST)

The department receives 8 to 10 BST trainees at any one time in rotation under the National Scheme directed by the Specialist Training Committee (STC) for Diagnostic Radiology. The BST program lasts for 4 years consisting of one year of clinical training and 3 years of radiology training.

ADVANCED SPECIALTY TRAINING (AST)

The department receives 5 AST trainees at any one time in rotation under the National Scheme directed by the STC for Diagnostic Radiology. AST trainees undergo two years rotation through sub-specialties that equip them for responsibilities necessary for handling work independently. These sub-specialties include Chest radiology, musculoskeletal imaging, abdominal imaging, mammography, paediatric radiology, O&G radiology, neuroradiology, oncological imaging and general ultrasound.

The duration allocated for each sub-specialty area is approximately 3 months. Arrangements are made for AST trainees to rotate to different departments to cover aspects of a sub-specialty not available in Singapore General Hospital. During the last 6 months of their advanced training, AST trainees may spend 6 months in a chosen sub-specialty.

RESEARCH

Research remains one of the department’s principal commitments. All levels of staff members are actively and positively encouraged to pursue research in their respective fields of subspecialty interests.

Areas of current research include:

• MR spectroscopy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• 3D imaging for staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• Computer-based mammographic image processing,
• Thermographic imaging of the breast
• Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of stroke
• Task activation MR imaging in mapping of language centres in the brain
• Clinical trials in carotid artery and abdominal aortic aneurysm stenting
• MR angiography in peripheral arterial disease
• Uterine arterial embolisation of fibroids
• Mini-MR imaging of the finger
• Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of vertebral compression
• Percutaneous vertebroplasty of vertebral compression

In 2000, the department had 53 publications, of which 50 were in foreign publications and 3 in local publications. In 2001, there were 54 publications, of which 38 were in foreign publications and 16 were in local publications. Staff members actively serve as editorial board members and manuscript reviewers of local and foreign journals.

The department is recognized for training by the Specialist Accreditation Board.

WELFARE & FACILITIES FOR JUNIOR DOCTORS
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