An Interventional Radiologist is a physician who has training both in Radiology (a physician who interprets MRI’s, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds and other types of imaging studies and explains/consults those test results with referring doctors) and in performing minimally invasive surgeries and caring for those patients as a typical surgeon would. This specialty came into being in 1964, when Dr. Charles Dotter successfully dilated a blocked artery in the leg of a woman who had refused amputation thereby saving her life. Interventional Radiologists are at the forefront of medical advancement where medicine and technology intersect.
IR’s typically perform the following MIIPs (Minimally Invasive Interventional Procedures):
Office Based Procedures:
Interventional Radiologists (IR’s) have, until recently, been unknown to the public. They typically consult for and assist other specialties and as such are generally considered part of the medical and surgical teams in hospitals. However, some IR’s, like Dr. Gropper now have their own offices and perform procedures in the office setting.