BackTable Vascular & Interventional Ep. 551 Independent IR Practice: Opportunities and Challenges with Dr. Waqaar Diwan
Jun 10, 2025
Dr. Waqaar Diwan, an interventional radiologist, shares his experience transitioning to building his own independent IR practice after sudden ownership changes. He discusses navigating challenges like securing hospital contracts and managing a small team. Dr. Diwan emphasizes the importance of trust-building for referrals and the differences between independent and combined practices. He also highlights leveraging networks for business development and adapting to patient care logistics, all essential for a successful independent practice.
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Sudden Group Collapse Leads to Independence
- Dr. Waqaar Diwan's group underwent a major collapse shortly after he signed his first attending contract.
- He and his partner negotiated a subcontract to provide full-time IR at the hospital, effectively starting an independent practice.
Challenges of Independent IR Practice
- Independent IR requires greater investment in outpatient and referral-building efforts compared to larger groups.
- Hospital politics and gaining respect as young IRs add significant challenges in independent practice.
Build Trust to Grow Referrals
- Build your referral base by starting with straightforward cases and focusing on excellent outcomes.
- Invest time in personal visits, onsite presence, and consistent patient care to earn trust from referring physicians.