ABSTRACT
Parallels between the evolution of surgery into an accepted clinical specialty and
changes in the practice of interventional radiology (IR) have been drawn. Technical
advances have mandated a change in the role of interventional radiologists from diagnostic
radiologist to that of the treating physician. The development of “modern” IR is an
accelerated repetition of the evolution of “modern” clinical surgery. The resistance
or delay of some to accept IR as a clinical specialty is a duplication of the resistance
to accept surgery as a clinical specialty by medicine in general. It is clearly time
to understand that the benefits the interventional radiologist brings to the patient
far exceed his ability to synthesize imaging data with catheter skills. Those of us
who have accepted this can take some comfort in the fact that we now tread a path
already proven in its destination.
KEYWORDS
Barber-surgeons - revolution - clinical practice
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, Review
Timothy P MurphyM.D. F.S.I.R. F.A.H.A. F.S.V.M.B.
Associate Professor of Diagnostic Imaging, Brown Medical School
Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903
