"Interventional Radiology is at the forefront of cool and it’s intellectually stimulating! Via tiny incisions, Interventional Radiologists (IRs) use their expertise in imaging techniques as navigational tools to guide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It is amazing that potentially life-threatening conditions can be treated effectively via a small incision. These patients would otherwise have to undergo traditional surgery with large incisions, and require a long recovery time. The long hours and the hard work seem all worthwhile when we get to see a patient with the best outcomes. It is a very exciting time to be in this specialised field of Radiology.

Science, art and ethics have long been described as the pillars of medicine. The practice of Interventional Radiology is no different. IRs apply cutting edge evidence based medicine in the treatment of patients; communicate the intricacies of these procedures to patients and clinical colleagues through multidisciplinary meetings, ward rounds and outpatient clinics; and deliver the expert care in an ethical and informed manner. The patient remains at the very centre of what we do.

Under the guidance of great leadership with amazing foresight and grit, the department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (DVIR) was born. It was like coming of age, filled with plenty of excitement and occasional moments of uncertainty. It was a bold move in an attempt to bring recognition to what we do to prominence. The future is looking bright."

Dr Shaun Chan
Consultant
Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Singapore General Hospital