Should You Choose Radiology in NEET PG Counselling? Will AI kill it? Real Career Insights with Dr. Zainab Vora

If you’re in the middle of NEET PG counselling and radiology is on your mind, you’re probably hearing a lot of noise – “best branch”, “AI will kill it”, lots of confusion.

Instead of deciding out of fear or FOMO, you need a clear, honest picture of this.

 AI and Radiology: Will ChatGPT Take Your Job?

Short answer: No. But it will change your job.

AI is already everywhere – including radiology. It’s no longer just theory.

What AI Actually Does in Radiology?

The main use case today is workflow optimisation.

Example:

• You have 100 chest X-rays to report.
  
• AI screens them:
  
  • Marks 95 as “likely normal”
    
  • Flags 5 as “suspicious/abnormal”

You, as the radiologist, spend your time and brainpower on those important 5 instead of wasting hours scrolling through normal films.

This:

• Saves time
  
• Reduces fatigue
  
• Let’s you focus on complex, meaningful work

AI can also:

• Generate preliminary reports
  
• Act as a second reader to reduce errors
  
• Enhance pattern recognition in CT, MRI, mammography, etc.

Will AI Reduce the Number of Radiologists Needed?

Probably yes, per unit workload. Where a department earlier needed 5 radiologists, it might now manage with 2–3.

But in India:

• The volume of patients is massive
  
• Demand for imaging is still growing
  
• There is already a shortage of radiologists in many areas

So practically, you will still have plenty of work – provided you upskill.

What AI Cannot Replace?

• Interventional radiology
  
• Most ultrasound work
  
• Hands-on procedures and non-vascular interventions
  
• Clinical judgement, ethics, communication, and decision-making

Think of AI as your assistant, not your competitor.

If you like radiology, take it. Don’t reject it just because “AI aa gaya hai”.

But yes, you must:

• Learn how AI tools work
  
• Use them smartly in your practice
  
• Continuously update yourself

During NEET PG counselling, don’t let fear of AI decide your future. Radiology remains a strong, in-demand speciality where technology works with you, not against you. If you enjoy imaging and clinical decision-making, choose radiology with confidence — keep upgrading your skills, and your career will stay secure and rewarding.