Working with law enforcement
Most forensic radiologists do not work with the police full time. Even the most decorated and accomplished forensic radiologists spend only a small part of their day actually doing forensic radiology. In general, forensic radiologists will be contacted by law enforcement officials when their expertise is needed. Then, the relevant images will be sent to them, either via the Internet or through a courier, as well as important details and what the radiologist should be looking for. After the forensic radiologist has thoroughly examined all the materials, he or she will write up an official analysis and interpretation and send it to law enforcement officials.
Working with patients
Because only a small percentage of a forensic radiologist's day is spent working with law enforcement officials, the majority of the day is spent working with patients in medical settings. This can include performing such radiological examinations as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. In addition, a forensic radiologist will often be called upon to consult on scans and images performed by other physicians. Most radiologists have a specific specialty or area of the body that they are an expert on, and so will spend most of their day examining and reviewing radiologic images taken from that part of the body.
Academics and Publication
For many forensic radiologists, free time during the work day is spent writing articles and books about forensic radiological techniques. These publications tend to have a limited circulation but can be highly valued by law enforcement officials and other forensic radiologists. In some cases, these published works can focus on particular forms of radiology---X-rays or MRIs---while in other cases specific areas of the body are focused on. The function of these articles is to present individual cases and experiences, along with the results of the investigations, in the hopes that future professionals can learn and implement the ideas that are written.
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