How much detail does the radiologist have to know about MRI?

[Gradient Echo]

Does radiology involve using standard imaging protocols that are already loaded in the machine to do everything, or do radiologists also have to design custom MRI pulse sequences?

In general, do they have to be very familiar with the physics of all the imaging methods and equipment, or are they only concerned with diagnostically interpreting the produced image?

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[Whisker Barrel Cortex]

All diagnostic radiology residents must take a board exam in physics which covers all imaging modalities in some detail. I haven't taken it yet so I can't say how much they are expected to know, but most attendings seem to have a good amount of detailed knowledge about how to optimally use and innovate MRI and CT technology.

Most of the MRIs do have set sequences based on what the study is for, but adjustments are made by the radiologist when unique clinical problems arise.