How To Become A Radiologist In South Africa (2025)

1. Understanding the Role of a Radiologist

Before embarking on the journey to become a radiologist, it’s important to understand what the profession entails.

What Does a Radiologist Do?

• Interpret medical images to diagnose diseases and injuries.
• Work closely with other doctors to provide accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Perform minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance (e.g., biopsies, angiography).
• Ensure the safety and effectiveness of radiation-based imaging techniques.

Radiology is a demanding but rewarding career that requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities.

2. Academic Requirements and High School Preparation

High School Subjects

To pursue a career in radiology, students must excel in key subjects during high school:

• Mathematics (Pure Mathematics is essential)
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences (Biology)
• English (Strong language skills are necessary for medical studies)

High school students should aim for high marks, particularly in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, as admission into medical school is highly competitive.

3. Obtaining a Medical Degree (MBChB)

After high school, aspiring radiologists must complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at a recognized South African university. This degree typically takes six years to complete.

Admission Requirements for MBChB

• A strong National Senior Certificate (NSC) with high marks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
• National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) may be required.
• Some universities use additional selection criteria such as interviews, shadowing experience, or personal statements.

Medical Schools in South Africa Offering MBChB

• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• University of Pretoria (UP)
• Stellenbosch University (SU)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• University of the Free State (UFS)
• Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
• University of Limpopo (UL)
• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

During these six years, medical students undergo pre-clinical and clinical training, gaining knowledge in various medical fields, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.

4. Internship and Community Service (3 Years)

After completing the MBChB degree, graduates must undergo compulsory practical training to gain hands-on experience before specializing.

1. Two-Year Internship

Newly qualified doctors are required to complete a two-year internship at an accredited hospital. This training provides exposure to different medical fields, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and more.

2. One-Year Community Service

Following the internship, doctors must complete one year of community service in a government hospital or clinic, often in underprivileged or rural areas.

After completing both internship and community service, doctors can register as independent medical practitioners with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

5. Specializing in Radiology (4 Years)

To become a radiologist, doctors must pursue postgraduate specialization through a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Radiology or complete the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) Fellowship exams. This training lasts four years.

Steps to Specialization in Radiology

1. Apply for a Radiology Registrar Post

   • Positions are limited and highly competitive.
   • Most registrars work in academic hospitals affiliated with universities.

2. Complete the MMed in Radiology or CMSA Fellowship

   • This involves theoretical training, research, and practical work.
   • The program covers diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, and radiation safety.

3. Pass the Fellowship of the College of Radiologists (FCRad) SA Exams

   • Administered by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA).
   • Exams include written, practical, and oral components.

After successfully completing the four-year specialization, candidates can register as specialist radiologists with the HPCSA.

6. Career Opportunities and Subspecialties

Once qualified, radiologists can work in various settings:

• Public or private hospitals
• Private radiology practices
• Academic institutions (as lecturers or researchers)
• Telemedicine and teleradiology

Subspecialties in Radiology

Radiologists may choose to pursue further specialization in fields such as:

• Interventional Radiology – Performing minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging.
• Neuroradiology – Specializing in brain and spinal imaging.
• Pediatric Radiology – Focusing on imaging for children.
• Musculoskeletal Radiology – Specializing in imaging of bones, joints, and muscles.
• Breast Imaging – Diagnosing breast cancer through mammograms and other imaging techniques.

Additional training (fellowships) may be required for subspecialization.

7. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Radiology is a rapidly evolving field with continuous advancements in technology. To stay updated, radiologists must engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by:

• Attending medical conferences.
• Participating in research and publishing papers.
• Enrolling in refresher courses or advanced training programs.

The HPCSA requires specialists to accumulate CPD points regularly to maintain their registration.

8. Challenges and Rewards of a Radiology Career

Challenges

• Highly competitive training programs.
• Long years of study and specialization.
• Expensive tuition and training costs.
• High-pressure work environment.

Rewards

• High earning potential.
• Diverse career opportunities.
• Vital role in patient care and diagnosis.
• Continuous learning and professional growth.

If you have a passion for medicine, technology, and problem-solving, radiology could be the perfect career path for you

1. Interpreting Medical Images – They analyze X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other imaging studies to detect abnormalities such as fractures, tumors, infections, or organ dysfunction.

2. Consulting with Other Doctors – Radiologists work with primary care physicians, surgeons, and other specialists to help diagnose and develop treatment plans for patients.

3. Performing Image-Guided Procedures – Some radiologists perform minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsies, draining fluid collections, or treating tumors using interventional radiology techniques.

4. Ensuring Patient Safety – They monitor radiation exposure to minimize risks and ensure imaging techniques are used appropriately.

5. Advancing Medical Imaging – Many radiologists contribute to research and advancements in medical imaging technology and techniques.

Radiologists usually work in hospitals, imaging centers, or private practices, and some specialize in areas like neuroradiology (brain and spinal imaging), pediatric radiology, or interventional radiology.

Benefits of Being A Radiologist

1. High Earning Potential

Radiology is one of the highest-paying medical specialties, offering competitive salaries and financial stability.

2. Job Stability & Demand

With the increasing need for medical imaging in diagnostics, radiologists enjoy strong job security and high demand worldwide.

3. Diverse Work Environments

Radiologists can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, or even remotely through teleradiology.

4. Work-Life Balance

Compared to some other medical specialties, radiologists may have more predictable work schedules, especially in non-emergency settings.

5. Less Patient Interaction (if preferred)

For those who prefer a behind-the-scenes role, radiology involves minimal direct patient contact, focusing instead on image interpretation.

6. Technological Advancements

Radiology is at the forefront of medical technology, including AI-assisted diagnostics, interventional radiology, and 3D imaging.

7. Intellectual Challenge

Analyzing complex medical images and making critical diagnoses requires strong problem-solving skills, making the work engaging and rewarding.

8. Variety of Specializations

Radiology offers numerous subspecialties, such as neuroradiology, musculoskeletal imaging, and interventional radiology, allowing for diverse career paths.

9. Contribution to Patient Care

Although indirect, radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases early, leading to better treatment outcomes.

10. Remote Work Opportunities

With advancements in teleradiology, some radiologists can work remotely, offering flexibility and location independence

South Africa has been home to several notable radiologists who have made significant contributions to the field. Here are a few prominent figures:

• Professor Leonie Scholtz: Currently serving as Professor Extraordinaire at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Pretoria, Professor Scholtz has had a distinguished career in radiology. After obtaining her MBChB at the University of Pretoria in 1980, she pursued post-graduate training in echocardiography and cardiac interventional procedures at Stanford University. In 1993, she established a private practice at the Pretoria Heart Hospital, which has since expanded to 25 sites across multiple provinces, making it one of the largest radiology practices in South Africa.

• Professor Victor Mngomezulu: One of the few practitioners specializing in neurointerventional radiology in South Africa, Professor Mngomezulu is a practicing radiologist and academic at WITS University. He is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, minimally invasive image-guided therapies for a wide range of medical conditions.

• Dr. Adeeb Saban: A specialist radiologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Dr. Saban is affiliated with the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA). His areas of special interest include breast imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and interventional radiology.

• Dr. Leora Sweidan: Also a specialist radiologist registered with the HPCSA, Dr. Sweidan is affiliated with the Health Professional Council of South Africa, the Medical Protection Society, and the College of Medicine. Her special interests are in breast radiology, bone mineral density (BMD) radiology, and mammography.

• Dr. Dale Creamer: An expert interventional radiologist with advanced subspecialist training from top Canadian universities, Dr. Creamer leads Cape Town Interventional Radiology. The team’s mission is to introduce cutting-edge interventional radiology practices to South Africa.

These individuals exemplify the expertise and dedication found within South Africa’s radiology community