Jaspreet Bajwa, MD
Clinical Fellow Interventional Radiology
University of Toronto


Can you share your journey into interventional radiology and what inspired you to pursue this specialty? 

I hadn’t given a thought to IR until I did my first rotation in it. I had always enjoyed every rotation in residency, but particularly enjoyed my breast, MSK and body rotations because they had a procedural and clinical component. I enjoyed meeting patients again, and even more enjoyed working with my hands. My first IR rotation solidified this but it wasn’t until my second IR rotation where my teachers pulled me aside and told to seriously consider a career in IR that brought it to the forefront of my mind. I did my due diligence in researching the career and speaking to as many people as I could about it, and in the end felt that an IR career is where I would be most professionally fulfilled.


How do you balance work and personal life in a demanding field like interventional radiology?  

Fellowship is a year of many highs and many lows, and is incredibly demanding of your time and energy. To set you up for success, I believe it’s important to have a good support system in place outside of work to ground you and help keep life in perspective. Also remember you don’t have to be the one to do everything – outsourcing chores or tasks that are low priorities for you free up your time for other things. Examples would be ordering groceries online or getting them delivered, getting a maid service etc. Prioritizing, a great work ethic and a solid support system are all you need for a balanced year in fellowship!


What advice do you have for women who are aspiring to enter the field of interventional radiology?

I would encourage them to chat to women in the field already and ask them every question that is on their mind, and to not be afraid to ask the hard questions on topics such as pregnancy, family life and radiation risk. I encourage talking to multiple people to get multiple perspectives. The more information you have at your disposal, the better equipped you are to make decisions for your own life and career.


Are there any specific skills or areas of knowledge that you recommend focusing on during training for a career in interventional radiology?

I highly recommend getting your hands on a needle and probe at every opportunity possible during residency. Being able to expertly use an US probe and a needle set us apart from other specialties, and open doors to almost every organ in the body. Having this basic skill also sets you up for success in your fellowship, so that you can then work on refining your skills to get the smallest of targets, and add fluoro and CT guided skills into your arsenal. Fellowship is only a year, so starting on the ground running is an excellent way to maximize the year.


What role do you think diversity plays in enhancing the practice of interventional radiology?

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers. More specifically, having more women in IR can mean more attention on health issues more specific to women, especially when building procedure protocols or pain relief regimens to procedures like UAEs, breast interventions, pelvic varices etc.


Are there any specific organizations or conferences that you recommend for networking and career development in interventional radiology?

The CAIR RFS is a fantastic place to start for Canadians. You get to meet like minded individuals from all phases of training and make friends with people you will likely be meeting over and over in your career as an IR. I would highly recommend attending their in person and online meetings, and as a trainee, submit cases to the Virtual Angio Clubs and Residents and Fellows Day at the Annual Meeting. The more people you meet, the more perspectives on IR you will benefit from.


Have you encountered any specific stereotypes or misconceptions about women in interventional radiology, and how do you address them?

Yes. Before I joined the CAIR RFS, I thought the women that went into IR had to be the kinds of girls that fit into the boys’ club, looked a certain way that people didn’t worry if they’d be able to withstand wearing lead all day, or had to have a strong personality that people believed they’d be able to lead in the Angio suit. However, after seeing so many women interested in IR during my time with the RFS, with such diversity in their leadership styles, their cultural backgrounds, and their personalities, that I immediately felt more validated; that I, too, can be an IR and I wouldn’t be the outcast. There’s plenty of room in this field for everyone, so don’t let stereotypes stop you from doing what you love.

 

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

Call for Submissions

We are excited to announce the Trainee Day at the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting, taking place in Calgary, May 22, 2024 .

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

This year, we will be structuring the day to include two sections: a case presentation section (maximum 10 minutes/presentation) and an interactive show and tell ‘Guess the Procedure’ section.

Eligibility for Submission:

  • Residents: Those currently enrolled in a radiology residency program in Canada and who are members in good standing with CAIR.
  • Fellows: Those undergoing fellowship training in interventional radiology in Canada and who are members in good standing with CAIR.
  • Medical students: medical students from Canadian institutions with a keen interest in interventional radiology and who are members in good standing with CAIR.

Submission Criteria:

  • Relevance: Cases should be pertinent to the field of interventional radiology.
  • Originality: Submissions should be unique and not previously presented at other conferences or published in journals.
  • Quality: High-resolution images with clear annotations. Accompanying text should be concise, clear, and provide educational value.
  • Ethics: Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained. Any identifiable patient information should be removed or anonymized.
  • Format: The presentation must be anonymous, your name and your institution, and any identifiable marks should not appear on the ppt/pdf. Max 10MB. Images and videos can be low resolution in a submission file and full resolution when presenting. If there is a need for larger file submission, please contact us directly at cairservice@cairweb.ca.

 For the “Guess the Procedure” show and tell section:

  • Submit presentations which can include images and/or videos up to 4 slides.
  • Presentations may need to be adjusted after submission to fit the format for the session.
  • Include a 250 words summary of the case.

Additional documents:

  • A letter of intent explaining why you would like to attend.
  • A short, updated CV (maximum 2 pages) that must include contact info (email address and phone number).
  • A letter of standing or a letter of support signed by any supervising staff radiologist.

This is your moment to shine and contribute to the enrichment of our community’s collective knowledge. Not only will this be an excellent platform for learning and interaction, but it will also provide invaluable exposure and feedback from esteemed professionals in the field.

IMPORTANT: Submissions need to be complete to be considered. Send your complete submission at cairservice@cairweb.ca
DEADLINE: February 5th, 2024

Attending the Annual Scientific Meeting is mandatory, complimentary registration, accommodation  for up to four (4) nights for those who are not local, and a bursary for transportation for the most economical way to travel to the event, up to $800, will be provided to the successful candidates selected to present. If you have questions regarding transportation and/or the amount covered, please email cairservice@cairweb.ca

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

Purpose

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

  • Service to Interventional Radiology may include teaching, research, clinical investigation, and/or promotion of Interventional Radiology or CAIR. Research must be recognized for quality and consistency by publication in recognized professional journals.
  • Service to CAIR may include outstanding contributions to the CAIR, other medical organizations, and/or government agencies.

The CAIR Award may also recognize individuals who have dedicated their past and present talents to advancing the quality of patient care through the practice of Interventional Radiology, and/or who, by their outstanding achievements, also help to ensure the future of the field.

Eligibility

  • CAIR member in good standing for the past five (5) years
  • Candidates may not nominate themselves
  • CAIR Board members are not eligible during their term of office
  • Individuals will not be considered if they have received an award within the last five (5) years

Nomination Process

Nominations must be submitted via email to luciana.nechita@cairweb.ca, by December 31st, 2023, attention: Nominating Committee, subject: CAIR Award nomination and include the following:

1) Completed nomination information, including:

  • Nominator’s name, affiliation, title, address, phone number, and email.
  • Nominee’s name, affiliation, title, address, phone number, and email.

2) A statement / letter of nomination, not to exceed 500 words, addressing the following areas:

  • Significance of contributions.
  • Quality and impact of contributions.
  • Years (duration) of significant effort.
  • Geographic range of contributions.
  • Resume or CV of nominee.

3) One (1) letter of support (in addition to the nominator’s narrative) from a person familiar with the nominee’s achievements.

Please note the letter of support must be from a person other than the nominator.

Evaluation Criteria

The process of evaluating nominations is:

1) Determination of eligibility for consideration

  • Does the nomination satisfy the guidelines for eligibility?
  • Is the nomination complete?

2) Determination of merit

  • If a candidate is deemed eligible, the merit of their nomination should be evaluated with respect to the narrative, letter of reference, resume/CV, and any additional supporting documentation.

3) Selection: A nominating committee will review the submissions and make recommendations to the CAIR Board for final approval.

  • CAIR is under no obligation to present the award annually.
  • Except under special circumstances, the award will be given to one nominee each year.
  • Only in the event of the demise of the nominee after being selected shall the award be presented posthumously.

Presentation of the Award

The CAIR Board President will present the Award at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology.

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense. His role as a staff at UHN/MSH VIR for greater than 20 years has directly contributed to the most number of fellowship trained interventional radiologists in Canada. With the help of his colleagues, he has developed one of the most competitive and desirable Canadian VIR Fellowships. More recently, he was involved in gaining Royal College Interventional Radiology Subspecialty designation and developing the Interventional Radiology Residency Subspecialty Training Requirements/Objectives of Training.

Dr. Simons has made a significant contribution to Interventional Radiology scientific literature and daily clinical practice. He has regularly published in leading VIR journals on various clinically relevant topics. His main contributions have been in the fields of vascular malformations (high and low flow), hepatobiliary intervention including TIPS, uterine fibroid embolization, and hemodialysis vascular access. Moreover, Dr. Simons has established the largest prostate artery embolization practice in Ontario. He is also pushing the envelope by initiating a multidisciplinary study on left gastric embolization in the bariatric population. These are monumental accomplishments that ensure the ongoing role of VIR in providing cutting-edge patient-care.

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 3:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR’s Annual Scientific Meeting.


AGM documents

Agenda

The agenda for this year’s AGM is available here (coming soon).

2022 Annual Report

The 2022 CAIR annual report is available for download here (coming soon).

2022 Financial Statements

The 2022 Financial Statements for CAIR are available for review here (coming soon).

Board of Directors

 

We look forward to seeing you in Québec City!

For questions and inquiries about our AGM, please contact Siri Boulom

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

ALOHA from Hawaii

The Western Angiographic & Interventional Society (WAIS) celebrated its 50th annual conference this past fall held September 24-29, 2022 at the Fairmont Orchid on the beautiful Island of Maui.  Though I was unable to attend, (I was probably already shoveling myself out of a prairie snowstorm), a few BC IRs made their way to Hawaii and have reported back on what they got up to.

Now I had never heard of WAIS, it seems like an exclusive club, and to a degree it is.  The WAIS membership region covers 15 Western States and British Columbia Canada, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and British Columbia Canada.  I may email them and see if they would consider Saskatchewan western enough.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture, this year given by Dr. Barry Katzen.  This year, CAIRs very own Dr. Lindsay Machan was recognized as a Luminary in Interventional Radiology, he is also a past president of WAIS. Other Canadian past presidents include Dr. David Liu. Aside from potentially rubbing elbows with the above name dropped IR heavy hitters, this year Dr. Nevin de Korompay, IR from Kelowna BC and WAIS member, had the privilege of meeting both Dr. David Kumpe and Dr. Tom Sos, I suspect you’ve used their catheters once or twice.

In conclusion, if you are only able to attend one conference a year I would recommend the CAIR Annual Scientific meeting in Quebec, QC, May 25-27, 2023.  But if you are looking for a conference in the fall that is held in Hawaii every 2 years consider WAIS (you don’t have to be a member to go to the conference and there is an excellent conference rate at a beautiful hotel). Maybe see if Dr. Machan can get you the member rate if you don’t live in BC?

Dr. de Korompay and Dr. Kumpe living their best island boy lives while enjoying the Western Angiographic & Interventional Society Annual Conference in Maui in September.

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

Please just hear me out!  I know it is annoying, but I am back to make another plug for the Royal College Exam in Interventional Radiology.  I realize no one enjoys exams, and specifically paying lots of money to take an exam that they are unsure or unclear of the benefit. I get it. But in case you have been thinking about it I wanted to encourage you to consider it.

Here is what Dr. Stephen Ho, Chair of the Specialty Committee in Interventional Radiology at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada wants us all to know about the potential impact of this exam.

“I believe that the future of Interventional Radiology in Canada is in our hands to shape and guide. By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field. I would like to encourage all practicing IRs in Canada to take this opportunity and show our merit!”

The next exam will be Wednesday September 27, 2023, though if you haven’t registered already you will need to get your registration for the Fall 2024 exam submitted by August 31, 2023.  Please enjoy this link to the Royal College information page for the Interventional Radiology exam and consider signing up.

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

 

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital), a community hospital (Eagle Ridge Hospital) and a community imaging clinic (MedRay Imaging). Royal Columbian Hospital is a busy site located in New Westminster and provides tertiary care services to the Fraser Health Authority in Neurosciences, Cardiovascular, Trauma, Obstetrics/Perinatology, and Interventional Radiology. Eagle Ridge Hospital is situated in the beautiful and rapidly growing suburb of Port Moody and provides community level hospital services to Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam. MedRay Imaging in Coquitlam (www.medrayimaging.com) is a modern, vibrant fully digital facility providing the whole range of community.

The full posting is available here.

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.


Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine’s research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

Francine previously completed her undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at Acadia University. Subsequently she had the unique opportunity to work alongside Dr. Robert Abraham, a staff interventionist at the QEII Health Sciences Center in Halifax, at ABK Biomedical Inc., a company in which Dr. Abraham was a co-founder and prior CEO. In her position as a biomaterials research technician, she assisted in the research and development of radiopaque bland embolic microspheres and radiopaque Y90 radioembolization microspheres prior to completing her medical degree at the University of Ottawa.

Her research is focused on the gender disparity in interventional radiology within Canada. Her co-authors on this study include her supervisor, Dr. Daria Manos, current President of the Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology and Associate Head of Education in Dalhousie Radiology. Dr. Manos has previously published in the field of gender gaps in radiology within Canada. Dr. Abraham also serves as a co-author, as well as Dr. Mo Abdolell and her two co-residents Dr. Morgan Lawley (PGY3) and Dr. Jessica Dobson (PGY3). Their research aim was to examine factors that may contribute to the gender disparity in IR at the resident level through conducting a national resident survey last year.

If you are headed to SIR this will be presented at the ‘Practice Development’ oral presentation session on March 8, 2023 in the afternoon.

 

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.

 

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR. In his IR rotations as a resident, he has particularly stood out for his technical skills, his teamwork, and his easy-going personality. He is currently PGY-5 in the IR residency program at Laval and he is actively involved in the IR community, as the representative for Laval University within the CAIR resident and fellow section, and as the member/resident responsible for the organization of the CAIR virtual angio-radiology clubs for trainees.

Throughout his PhD studies in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University and his medical training in Radiology at Laval University, François has successfully completed several large-scale research projects published in high impact factor journals (Lancet, Immunity, The Journal of Experimental Medicine). This has allowed him to develop both advanced and varied fundamental and clinical knowledge, a keen critical sense and a talent for research. His numerous awards and scholarships bear witness to this, including the Gold Medal of the Governor General of Canada. Most recently, he has done research projects on venous interventions with Dr. Mathieu Béland (JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions) and on artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to predict response to cancer immunotherapy in partnership with clinician-scientist Dr. Philippe Joubert and the AI company Imagia (Journal of Immunotherapy of Cancer, in press).

When he is not working, François enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, traveling, and working on electronic music in order to prepare his upcoming live DJ sets. Indeed, he has been DJ-ing for almost 20 years! He has held DJ residencies in Montreal, at Salon Daomé, and in Quebec City, at Le Cercle and La Cuisine. He also played in prestigious Montreal’s events Igloofest and Piknic électronique. You can listen to some of his DJ sets on his Souncloud page (https://soundcloud.com/frankcou).

“What I love about IR is that it is a relatively new and expanding field in medicine. It is a field that requires both creativity, for problem solving, as well as increasingly more evidence-based research in order to be better recognized by our peers. With my background, I think I can contribute to both aspects, and this is highly motivating!”

 

 

 

Diversity in the doctors in IR means more understanding in the diversity of our patients and providing an overall more inclusive place for our patients to come to for their health concerns. It matters greatly when there are cultural or language barriers to getting treatment, and having a specialty with many physicians from all walks of life can help alleviate some of those barriers.

As the future leaders in interventional radiology, this is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to the wider professional community. We invite you to submit your most intriguing and instructive cases for consideration and presentation.

The purpose of the CAIR Award is to recognize those who have made significant contributions and provided extraordinary service to the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association and/or the discipline of Interventional Radiology.

A founding member and executive of the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, dr. Martin Simons’ contribution to VIR medical education in Canada and abroad is immense.

The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) will be holding an in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) for its voting members in good standing on May 26th, 2023 at 15:40 pm EST at Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, during CAIR's Annual Scientific Meeting.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of Interventional radiology topics and includes M&M Case Presentations, Rapid Fire Clinical Rundown and The Charles T. Dotter Memorial Lecture

By obtaining certification, we are committing to excellence and taking IR to the next level. Having Royal College certification identifies us as experts, for the benefit of our patients and for contributing to advancement in our field.

Pacific Medical Imaging (PMI) is seeking a full time Interventional Radiologist. PMI is a dynamic, 22-member Radiology Practice that services a tertiary care hospital (Royal Columbian Hospital),

Francine Heelan is a PGY3 resident in Radiology at Dalhousie. Francine's research in the gender discrepancy in IR within Canada was recently selected for an oral presentation at the SIR conference in March.

François discovered IR as a medical student at Laval University, while attending an information cocktail organized by the CAIR. After two elective rotations in vascular and non-vascular IR, he decided to do his residency in Radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in IR.