The Future of Interventional Radiology

Gary J. Becker, MD Index terms: Interventional procedures Interventional procedures, technology Interventional procedures, utilization Radiology and radiologists, socioeconomic issues Published online: July 19, 2001 10.1148/radiol.2202010252 Radiology 2001; 220:281–292 Abbreviations: ACGME 5 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education AHC 5 academic health care center MCO 5 managed health care organization PTA 5 percutaneous transluminal angioplasty RSNA 5 Radiological Society of North America SCVIR 5 Society of Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology 1 From the Department of Research and Outcomes, Miami Cardiac and

Vascular Institute, 8900 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33176. Received January 3, 2001; revision requested January 11; revision received February 28; ac- cepted March 7. Address correspon- dence to the author (e-mail: gbecker318 @aol.com). © RSNA, 2001 The Future of Interventional Radiology 1 Origins in imaging, procedural emphasis, and dependence on innovation charac- terize interventional radiology, which will continue as the field of image-guided minimally invasive therapies. A steady supply of innovators will be needed. Current workforce shortages demand that this problem be addressed and in an ongoing fashion. Interventional radiology’s major identity problem will require multiple corrective measures, including a name change. Diagnostic radiologists must fully embrace the concept of the dedicated interventionalist. Interspecialty turf battles will continue, especially with cardiologists and vascular surgeons. To advance the discipline, interventional radiologists must remain involved in cutting-edge thera- pies such as endograft repair of aortic aneurysms and carotid stent placement. As the population ages, interventionalists will experience a shift toward a greater emphasis on cancer treatment. Political agendas and public pressure will improve access to care and result in managed health care reforms. Academic centers will continue to witness a decline in time and resources available to pursue academic missions. The...

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