BackTable Vascular & Interventional

Dr. Ned Holman, a Neuroradiologist at Alaska Imaging, and Dr. Mike Romeo, President of West Reading Radiology, dive into the intricacies of the diagnostic radiology job market. They discuss diverse employment models and the importance of job transparency. Tips on compensation structures, contract negotiation, and critical interview questions are shared. They also warn about red flags to look out for and discuss the pros and cons of private equity positions in radiology, making this an essential listen for anyone navigating their career path.

Dr. Jim Dahle, a practicing emergency physician and founder of the White Coat Investor, discusses crucial financial strategies tailored for high-income earners. He emphasizes the importance of early financial literacy, effective saving practices, and smart retirement goals. The conversation covers innovative investment tactics like the Mega Backdoor Roth IRA and incorporating real estate into portfolios. Additionally, Dr. Dahle shares advice for new graduates and highlights common financial pitfalls to avoid, ensuring a roadmap towards lasting financial success.

Dr. Bret Wiechmann and Dr. Jerry Niedzwiecki, both interventional radiologists in Florida, tackle the complexities of physician reimbursement in outpatient settings. They expose the lag in payments for advanced procedures and advocate for an office-based facility concept to stabilize compensation. The conversation dives into the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and emphasizes the urgent need for interventionalists to engage in advocacy and legislative efforts. Together, they call for collective action in seeking reform for fairer reimbursement practices.

Dr. Maureen Kohi, Chair of Radiology at UNC Chapel Hill, dives into her ten rules for female interventional radiologists. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and navigating gender bias in a male-dominated field. Kohi discusses how to balance parenting and career, advocating for professional growth while prioritizing personal well-being. She shares insights on building strong relationships in the industry and encourages women to lead with confidence. This conversation is packed with pearls of wisdom applicable to all aspiring interventional radiologists!

Dr. Barry Katzen, a pioneering figure in interventional radiology, shares his remarkable journey from training during the field's inception to founding the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute. He discusses the early challenges and skepticism surrounding IR, highlighting the importance of innovation over complacency. Dr. Katzen emphasizes the value of patient-centered care and mentorship, urging future interventional radiologists to remain dedicated to evolving practices for better outcomes. His insights encapsulate the transformative spirit that continues to shape the field.

Is social media an effective patient acquisition tool for interventional radiologists? In a word: absolutely. Learn how to reach more patients in this week’s BackTable Podcast, where Dr. Gustavo Elias joins Dr. Ally Baheti to discuss the benefits he has seen with social media, and the content strategies that he uses in his medical practice.---SYNPOSISThe episode begins with Dr. Elias sharing his journey of overcoming initial reservations around posting content. The doctors emphasize the importance of individuality and passion in showing what IR can offer to the public in easily-digestible ways. Dr. Elias then discusses the impact of social media on patient engagement, and shares practical tips for physicians who are looking to enhance their online presence. Dr. Elias also touches on optimal posting schedules, collaboration tips, and balancing professionalism with approachability.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction04:02 - Social Media for Interventional Radiologists08:56 - Building a Social Media Presence19:24 - Optimal Posting Strategies21:58 - Collaborations and Platforms25:27 - Conclusion

This week, Dr. Asad Baig, an interventional radiologist from Columbia University, dives into the world of microwave liver ablation. He shares innovative techniques and the importance of personalizing treatment based on patient needs. Dr. Baig discusses how real-time visualization software enhances ablation accuracy and emphasizes the critical role of teamwork in tumor boards. The conversation also covers best practices for tackling challenging tumors, ensuring patient safety, and fostering effective communication with patients throughout their care.

Dr. Clifford Weiss, the Director of the Johns Hopkins Vascular Anomalies Center, shares his expertise on hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and pulmonary AVMs. He discusses the critical role of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary teams in effective patient care. The conversation highlights evolving guidelines for intervention, the intricacies of embolization techniques, and the importance of genetic testing. Dr. Weiss also sheds light on innovative treatments and ongoing challenges in managing HHT, showcasing the impact of specialized care on patient outcomes.

Dr. Ben White, a leading neuroradiologist from American Radiology Associates, lays out the shifting landscape of the radiology job market. He emphasizes the ongoing shortage of radiologists worsened by the pandemic and the rise of teleradiology. Discussions include the risks of commoditizing teleradiologists, decreased quality of reads, and staffing instabilities. Dr. White also tackles the complexities of private equity in healthcare, advocating for smaller practices and transparency to navigate these turbulent times.

Join Dr. Adam Burgoyne, a medical oncologist; Siddharth Padia, an interventional radiologist; and Gabriel Schnickel, a transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon, as they dissect complex hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases. They explore treatment options like surgical resection, thermal ablation, and systemic therapies while emphasizing a collaborative approach. The discussion highlights innovative treatment strategies, including immunotherapy and the evolving transplant criteria for patients with portal vein thrombosis. Tune in for a deep dive into the intricate world of HCC management!