RadiologistWhat exactly is Vascular and Interventional Radiology and what is the scope of procedures performed?Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that utilizes imaging techniques—such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound—to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures. Interventional radiologists perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using catheters and other instruments that are inserted through small incisions or natural body openings. This field combines advanced imaging technology with innovative techniques to treat various conditions in a less invasive manner than traditional surgery.
What was your path from medical school to Interventional Radiology (IR) like? How did you land in the specialty?
I knew very little about IR as a medical student. After completing my undergraduate medical degree at the University of Nairobi, I was not too sure about what I wanted to specialize in, though I knew I always wanted a specialty that combined hands-on practical skills with patient interaction. While working as a Medical Officer, I witnessed percutaneous drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst and was so fascinated at how imaging can be used to guide needle placement and offer minimally invasive treatments for patients. I knew from that moment that this was what I wanted to do. I went ahead to do a four-year residency at the University of Nairobi and just completed a one-year fellowship at the University of Toronto.