Vascular Interventional Radiologist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe role of a vascular interventional radiologist is very patient based, which is different than many other types of radiology services. The vascular interventional radiologist works with minimally invasive procedures to treat vascular conditions in the patient.
This means that the vascular interventional radiologist helps with diagnosis and treats conditions of the circulatory system without having to use very invasive and potentially dangerous surgical procedures for minor to moderate vascular problems and conditions.
The vascular interventional radiologist is a physician that actually inserts small imaging devices into the vascular system and then uses the image displayed on the screen to guide them and treat problems that they encounter. Usually the vascular interventional radiologist works in an office setting rather than in a surgical area or a hospital.
Some of the procedures that a vascular interventional radiologist may complete include:
- Angioplasty – a small tube is inserted into an artery and routed through until the blockage is reached. A balloon, attached to the end of the tube is then inflated, pushing aside the blockage.
- Chemoembolization – a small tube is inserted into a blood vessel and then directed to a cancerous tumor. Chemotherapy drugs are then applied directly to the tumor for optimum effect.
- Stent Placement – to correct collapsed arteries a small mesh disk or stent is placed into the artery to hold it open and allow the blood to flow.
- Inferior Vena Cava Filters – small filters are placed either in the groin area or the neck to prevent blood clots from entering the heart.
The vascular interventional radiologist needs to have excellent hand-eye coordination, be able to work with minuscule items, and be very knowledgeable about the vascular system. He or she should be very calm mannered and be able to relate well to patients and help them understand the various procedures both prior to and during the process.
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Career RequirementsA vascular interventional radiologist must be Board Certified and should have completed an undergraduate, graduate and residency program within radiology with a specialization in vascular interventional radiology. Most vascular interventional radiologists also compete a one or two year fellowship in vascular interventional radiology prior to writing the Board examinations.
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Job OutlookContinued emphasis on early intervention and non-surgical treatments for many conditions has increased the demand for vascular interventional radiologists in all aspects of patient care. Vascular interventional radiologists that specialize in certain areas of treatment may have more difficulty finding jobs than those that are more generalized, but both groups will find that there are more positions available than qualified individuals to staff them.
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Career TrackMost vascular interventional radiologists will begin their careers working for a managed care organization, HMO, or a hospital or healthcare facility. Once the vascular interventional radiologist has experience within an established facility they may choose to move into private practice or may specialize in one specific area of treatment.
Some vascular interventional radiologist will return to schools of medicine to teach the various procedures used in vascular interventional radiology.
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CompensationA starting vascular interventional radiologist working for a hospital or healthcare facility earns between $74,000 and $98,000. Once they have experience this salary can increase to $200,000 or more. Private practice vascular interventional radiologists earn more than those working for salaries but will also have additional overhead costs and expenses.
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