The Kinked Wire Episode 66: Collaborative care in small and rural practice
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Aug 14, 2025 Ezana M. Azene, an interventional diagnostic radiologist at Amplify Health, discusses the pressing challenges small and rural interventional radiology practices face, including increasing closures. He emphasizes the vital role of collaborative care in enhancing patient access to crucial, minimally invasive procedures. The conversation also touches on how advanced practice providers are evolving within the field and the need for comprehensive training. Advocacy for policy reforms and innovative solutions is crucial for sustaining healthcare in underserved areas.
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Rural IR Access Crisis
- Only about 10% of US counties have a practicing interventional radiologist, limiting rural access.
- Lack of local IR forces patients to travel long distances, impacting quality of life and timely care.
Path to Rural IR Practice
- Dr. Azene returned from Baltimore to serve smaller communities in Wisconsin to practice advanced interventional radiology.
- He highlights strong collegial collaboration in small towns due to close community relationships.
Fostering Collaborative Role Clarity
- Be candid and upfront with colleagues to maintain role clarity while fostering collaboration.
- Engage fully in clinical workflow and attend multidisciplinary meetings to gain respect and visibility.