The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), in conjunction with Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, recently explored how the toughest medical challenges can be treated with minimally invasive, image-guided treatments performed by interventional radiologists.
In a panel discussion held in the Cannon House Office Building, three interventional radiologists—Theresa M. Caridi, MD, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital; Arshad A. Khan, MD, FSIR, MedStar Washington Hospital Center; and Venu Vadlamudi, MD, Association of Alexandria Radiologists and Inova Alexandria Hospital—explained how they treat conditions as varied as stroke, fibroids, postpartum hemorrhage, cancer, and pain, using advanced imaging, a small incision, and innovative devices.
Jeannie Franklin, an interventional radiology patient, participated in the panel to describe how her quality of life was restored thanks to an interventional radiology treatment for uterine fibroids called uterine fibroid embolization.
“This briefing highlighted the urgent need to ensure that an adequate number of interventional radiologists are trained to meet the needs of patients,” says SIR Executive Director Susan E. Sedory, who moderated the panel. “This is why SIR supports Rep. Love’s bill, H.R.1167, the Enhancing Opportunities for Medical Doctors Act, which will reallocate currently unused federally funded graduate medical education training slots to rural hospitals, new medical schools and new specialties, like interventional radiology, to ensure our nation’s medical community is keeping up with the demand for services.”
“We are at a critical point in health care in this country. I believe we must do everything we can to encourage innovation and workforce development in the medical field,” said Love. “I’m excited at such advancements in interventional radiology and am proud that my bill would make a difference in making these things happen.”
