Clinical Interventional Radiology: Stop Being a Technician

Interventional radiology is emerging as one of the most rapidly evolving medical specialties. With our minimally invasive, yet complex and often life-saving procedures, we´re still too often viewed as proceduralists – not clinicians. But that perception is changing. Dive into the discussion on why interventional radiologists should step up as clinicians and how this can revolutionize the field.

by Victoria zur Strassen, EBIR
Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany

Interventional radiology offers a wide range of endovascular procedures, often overlapping with specialties like vascular surgery or interventional cardiology. Yet, despite our critical role, we are often regarded as technicians rather than clinicians. Can this perception change? Should it?

The Shift Toward Clinical Interventional Radiology
My answer to both questions is yes. And it seems I’m not alone. The CIRSE Clinical Practice Manual (2021) and the Clinical Services in IR Task Force (2023), aiming to develop best practices for the implementation of clinical IR, are important steps in advancing IR as a clinical specialty.

Why This Change Matters
By assuming responsibility for our patients - not just during procedures but also before and after - IRs can provide a more holistic, patient-centered approach with continued care beyond the angiographic suite.

However, achieving this shift requires more time, resources, and staffing, all of which are limited and costly. But the benefits will outweigh the costs in the long term.

The Benefits: More than Just a Job Title
Taking on full responsibility for our patients gives us the opportunity to claim greater revenue and improve cost-effectiveness by reducing the number of physicians and departments involved. It also raises awareness of IR services among patients and other specialties, which will ultimately lead to an increase in patient and procedure numbers.

By stepping into a more clinical role, we reduce care fragmentation, enhance long-term outcomes, and improve patient satisfaction. On top of that, this approach fosters professional growth and makes IR more attractive to rising talent.

Let´s embrace this role, the future is clinical!