IRs-in-training By Waseem Wahood, MD, MS; Brian Covello, MD; Osman Ahmed, MD
Beyond the angio suite The lasting impact of mentorship in IR
I
n interventional radiology, mentorship is more than just procedural guidance; it’s about navigating the complex journey of professional and personal
growth. The path to becoming a competent, confi dent and fulfi lled IR physician requires more than mastering catheters and wires. It demands insights into leadership, communication, practice development, fi nancial planning and even work-life balance—elements that a strong mentor can help illuminate.
Good mentorship can often feel elusive to trainees. The hours spent in the angio suite provide technical training, but the nuanced lessons of building a career, cultivating relationships and making sound decisions often happen in conversations outside the procedure room. It is in these moments that mentorship truly shines.
Why mentorship matters Mentorship in IR connects textbook knowledge with real-world practice. It’s the diff erence between knowing how to perform a TIPS procedure and understanding when to advocate for it, how to explain its risks and benefi ts to a concerned family, and how to manage potential complications with confi dence.
This relationship extends beyond procedural. A mentor can help a mentee prepare for the less-discussed aspects of IR: navigating hospital politics, understanding billing practices, and establishing oneself within a practice or academic environment. Mentorship isn’t just about teaching technical skills; it’s about passing down the intangible lessons that defi ne a meaningful career.
Exploring the many layers of mentorship Mentors significantly influence the professional and personal growth of trainees by offering constructive feedback, demonstrating emotional intelligence and providing consistent support during periods of uncertainty—key components that help IRs adapt to the complexities of a rapidly evolving specialty.1
In this new era of mentorship, the approach has become more tailored and fl exible to align with the mentee’s evolving goals, which may shift throughout their career. Each mentee encounters a distinct mix of personal and professional challenges, and no single mentor can fully grasp all these complexities. Regardless of background, mentors must commit to the lifelong practice of cultural humility.2
The most impactful mentorship relationships go beyond a single domain. For an IR in training, this might look like:
• Receiving candid advice on how to communicate eff ectively with referring physicians who may not fully grasp IR’s capabilities.
• Learning the subtle art of patient communication, where empathy and clarity matter as much as medical knowledge.
• Gaining insight into the business side of IR, from negotiating contracts to understanding revenue streams in a hybrid practice.
• Discussing strategies for long-term fi nancial success, from retirement planning to investment strategies tailored to IRs’ unique career trajectories.
• Learning how to manage family planning while balancing the demanding nature of IR training and practice.
• Gaining perspective on navigating career changes, such as transitioning from academic to private practice
irq.sirweb.org | 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
