How Does a Forensic Radiologist Spend a Workday?

Forensic radiology is a part of the medical imaging field that use radiology imaging techniques for the purpose of gathering evidence that may be used in a court of law.  As the radiologic sciences have advanced to include MRI's, CT's, and ultrasound, accuracy of the imaging process has increased. This has made Forensic radiology even more prominent and relevant in crime investigation and gathering evidence.

There is a long history of using radiography to assist medical diagnoses, as well as gather and support of evidence, dating back to the Wilhelm Roentgen's discovery of radiography in 1895.

• Law enforcement. Contrary to popular belief, most forensic radiologists work with the police only part of the time. In general, law enforcement officials will contact forensic radiologists when their expertise is needed. At that point, the relevant images are sent to the radiologist via the Internet or a courier, along with any important details and information stating what law enforcement agents want the radiologist to look for. Following the examination by the forensic radiologist, a report will be written with an official analysis and interpretation, which is then sent to law enforcement officials. Additionally, pathologists use radiographs during the performance of autopsies.


• Working with patients. Forensic radiologists, even the most decorated and accomplished among them, spend only a small part of their day involved with forensic radiology. The majority of their day is spent with patients. Including performing radiological examinations with X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. A forensic radiologist is often asked to consult on scans and images performed by other physicians.
  
  Most radiologists specialize in and are an expert on a specialty or specific area of the body, and will spend most of their day examining and reviewing radiologic images based on their specialty.


• Academic and Publications. Many forensic radiologists spend the majority of any free time they may have during their workday writing articles and books about forensic radiological techniques. These publications can be highly valuable to law enforcement officials and other forensic radiologists.