[An opinion regarding diagnostic radiology in new century]

I. Technology of diagnostic radiology of the chest on next century I received and discussed concerning following subjects: 1) Dose analogue images remain on next century? 2) Progress and quality of digital images. 3) Expectation of progress of CT, MR and RI on the chest. 4) Application of monochromatic X-ray for the diagnostic imaging. For the radiologists, it is very important to assess the clinical usefulness of each diagnostic modality and form consensus development annually. II. Radiologist in the next century In accordance with the progress of technology of diagnostic radiology, it is very important to know what radiologists should do in the next century. Many referring physicians may perform not only the X-ray examinations but also therapy by themselves to ensure quality and save time from the view point of patient's benefit. Besides diagnostic imaging technologies are very attractive to them. From this point of view, radiologist should see patients and grasp the clinical data of the patients and, of course, interpret diagnostic images which were ordered by themselves. And if possible, they should treat and take care the patients. To survive in the next century, radiologist must focus on an clinical relevance and subspecialization, either by organ group or by technology. In my opinion, organ group specialization seems more useful than subspecialization according to technologies. It is considered to be a survival tactics in next century that we radiologists should band together.