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

I first entered medicine determined that I wanted to be in a technical specialty and work with my hands. Initially, I was drawn to ENT due to my interest in anatomy and for the ability to work with intricate structures. Over several electives, I realized that ENT was not the right fit. But while participating in head and neck tumor board, I gained admiration for the leading presence of the radiologist. Fortunately, I matched into radiology and it was during a residency rotation in interventional radiology that an “ah-hah” moment occurred – I realized that IR was the perfect mix of highly technical surgery with minimally invasive interventions that can have profound impacts on patients. I found my calling very quickly and have enjoyed the privilege of working in this field ever since.

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

Interventional radiology is an intense specialty but there is a lot of flexibility within the field. Unless desired otherwise, most interventional radiologists still do a fair amount of diagnostic radiology in their work. I am working in a group that does 50/50 IR and DR. This has been ideal in offering a different pace and clinical variety in between busy, and sometimes demanding IR days. With knowledge in both IR and DR, interventionists are in a special position to adjust the intensity of their work according to the demands of their personal life and through different stages of life. There are also many different types of IR practices, such as academic, community, outpatient based and private practice. There is really no one way to be an IR. Because of this, I would argue that IR is probably the most flexible in terms of work demands among all other procedural-based specialties.

I have recently finished my training and have taken up a job at a tertiary hospital with a wide variety of complex cases and emergencies. In selecting a place of work, I cannot emphasize how important it is to be in an environment where you feel supported. You do not come out of fellowship having learned everything about IR and the learning never stops as you progress through an ever-evolving field of IR. It is essential for your work satisfaction and longevity to have supportive colleagues willing to back you up when you are in a complex case or scrub in together when you are learning a new technique. Although work is hard, it is much better when you have good colleagues working together as a team.

Being early career, I am enjoying dedicating my time and efforts to a demanding work schedule. Although I understand that working too much may not be ideal for the long term, I am aware that burn out is a real issue and I consciously make an effort to disconnect during my time away from work and prioritize daily self-care such as catching up with friends, working out, and making healthy recipes.

What are some key challenges you faced as a woman in interventional radiology, and how did you overcome them?

Personally, I have battled with imposter syndrome, especially being a trainee and early career attending. In general, I feel women in male-dominated fields such as surgery tend to undervalue their skills despite being technically equal or superior to their male colleague. In training, I found that I have to do a procedure independently a number of times and have done my due diligence in reading the literature before I consider myself competent. Other colleagues may feel comfortable with a procedure after doing it a few times. I have also struggled with being told that I am “too shy”, when I may simply prefer to address patients and colleagues in a more soft-spoken manner. Over time, as my team has gotten to know me, I realized that my softer approach is not necessarily a weakness, but rather an advantageous quality which is quite appreciated and can foster closer-knit relationships with my IR support team and with my patients.

How has the landscape of interventional radiology evolved over the years, especially in terms of gender representation?

I have found radiology and especially interventional radiology to be an evolving landscape during my training and start of independent practice in terms of gender disparity. When I became interested in IR during residency, I found my IR attendings to be initially surprised then particularly encouraging and supportive in making sure that I am offered ample opportunities to succeed. When I started applying for fellowship, I did not feel that being a female applicant disadvantaged my application in any particular way. Recently having been through a job searching process, I was also pleasantly surprised that radiology groups are making a conscious effort to close the gender gap, and very quickly settled into a position that was a great fit for me. My overall experience as a female IR has been promising and I believe that the field of IR is ready to embrace more female physicians. I encourage anyone who may be interested to have confidence in diving into the field.

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

Female IR physicians have much to add to the field. There is a growing domain of IR that targets women’s health issues such as uterine fibroid embolization, pelvic congestion syndrome, varicose veins, and breast cancer-target therapies. With this, there are increasing opportunities for women IR to take up specific interest in women’s health and to better understand and address the unique needs pertaining to women. A more diverse IR team is also able to identify health outcomes that vary by gender and background leading to better patient comfort, communication and satisfaction. Female representation in IR can serve as role models and mentors for other aspiring female interventionalists. Personally, my career would not have been the same without the female IR mentors who supported me throughout my path in IR. Having access to mentorship and role models is crucial for encouraging more women to pursue the career in IR and supporting their professional development

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

Attending the CAIR ASM has been the highlight of each year. As a trainee, I had the opportunity to have the conference funded and attend trainee day more than once and thoroughly enjoyed the experience each time. It is an opportunity to make friends with other trainees who are going through the same experience as you, meet IRs across different Canadian institutions, and rub shoulders with the giants of the field from whom you have a lot to learn from. The Canadian IR field is a closely knit group and there is no better opportunity to get to know people than coming to the ASM. SIR and CIRSE are two other conferences that you may consider attending to network and be inspired at.

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

If you are interested in IR, I would seek every opportunity to gain exposure to IR in medical school and residency to determine whether this is the field for you. In medical school, IR is not necessarily the most available specialty to rotate in but do not be discouraged and keep trying by participating in IR in and out of school. It may be the most wonderful field you have ever known. Once you have determined that this is your calling, do not let the gender disparity discourage you. IR as a field is ready to accept more female physicians and you will be surprised to find many mentors with open arms to support you along the way. The work intensity of IR can seem intimidating but there are so many ways to make an IR practice work for you, leading to long lasting and rewarding career. Be confident in yourself and trust that you are more than capable despite how challenging it may seem sometimes. You will have good days and bad days. The reality is you will have losses where a procedure may not have gone the way you had hoped or had a complication that you wish you could have foreseen. Know that you are not the only one it happens to and that these experiences are invaluable in making you even better physician.

Congratulations to Dr. Lindsay Machan for receiving the Order of Canada!

Dr. Machan is an early Canadian proponent of interventional radiology. A clinical practitioner at the Vancouver Hospital and an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, he continues to innovate while guiding others on their own paths to growth and success. His company created and licensed the paclitaxel coated stent, which has improved the lives of people with peripheral arterial disease.

He is also a past CAIR Board President and CAIR Award winner.

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

As a junior doctor, I was always attracted to procedures on the ward. In 2007-2008, I was a foundation year doctor, which is the first two years after graduation. I would always volunteer to do procedures like lumbar puncture, ascitic and pleural tap/drainage, etc. Back then, we used to be on call for 7 nights in a row. Week of night shifts was followed by ‘Educational week’, nowadays called ‘Taster week’. We could select any specialty to spend time in for exposure. I selected Radiology as I wanted to spend time in a different specialty.

I was rostered to be in Interventional Radiology suites on one day of that week. Completely oblivious of what it was, I went and attended. The first patient on the list was an IVC filter insertion. I had no idea what the procedure involved and thought it would take hours. I was introduced to the consultant and I saw him prepping for it. I was chatting with the nurses and in 5 minutes the operator turned around and said ‘DONE’. This left me shocked and impressed at the same time. I will remember that day for the rest of my life because I was introduced to the world of IR. The more I got to know about it, the more I fell in love with it. I started speaking to the Interventional radiologists and started building my CV towards it.

I started my journey in Radiology in 2010, after I finished 2 years of internal medicine training, which was not a requirement to get into Radiology, but a backup in case I changed my mind. I have never looked back and what a journey I have had.

Throughout my journey, I have had fantastic mentors who have guided me all the way and encouraged me to pursue my dream.

How do you balance work and personal life in a demanding field like interventional radiology?  How do you balance the demands of interventional radiology with family responsibilities, and what advice do you have for women aiming to achieve this balance?

I am not going to lie. It has been difficult, but not impossible, and hence here I am.

I finished my training and took up a consultant job in Oct 2016. I started my family at the same time. I have one daughter who is nearly 7 years old. My husband is a general practitioner/family physician. I work in a tertiary hospital which means all the complex cases/emergencies are directed to our hospital from a wide region. Being on call for vascular radiology means, I am on call for cases like aortic aneurysm ruptures, trauma, upper and lower GI bleeding, and acute limb ischemia.

I am the chair of the EDI committee of the BSIR and also an IMG(International medical graduates) tutor for my region i.e Hull University teaching hospitals NHS trust.

So, in a nutshell, I have a busy professional and personal life and it can be a struggle to maintain that balance. I have had my share of struggles during my training, with my husband and me living away, childcare issues, no family support nearby, etc.

The most important thing (which worked for me) was looking after my physical and mental health. Taking time out for the things that I found interesting outside of work. Simple things like going on a long drive with my daughter, and listening and singing to our favorite playlist gives me so much pleasure. I like to maintain my fitness, so I enjoy running and gym classes. I simply love trekking and hiking, so I make sure I do that at least once every year with my group of hiking friends.

Keeping and maintaining a schedule and prioritizing things is very important, keeping in mind that you’re only human. Don’t be unrealistic when you’re organizing your week.

Setting boundaries is very important. If work finishes at 5 pm, then I’m physically and mentally at home. There will be times when that’s not possible especially when I’m organising an event/conference or preparing for a talk. Other than that, after 5 is home time. I work full time but have squeezed my working hours in 4 days. I’m off on Mondays and I maintain those boundaries.

I have had my share of childcare issues. I have received calls from nursery/childcare/school to collect my daughter because she was unwell, typically on days when getting out of work was impossible. Having an amazing team and colleagues has pushed me through some hard times.

What are some key challenges you faced as a woman in interventional radiology, and how did you overcome them?

Back in my training days, I was the only female IR trainee in my year. There were no female trainees in the year above or below me.  I always hesitated about starting a family, thinking being away on Mat leave will push me back. It seemed a bit unfair at the time. I always felt I was better than some of my male colleagues who were not subjected to making similar decisions. I made a choice and finished my training and exams. I got a consultant’s job and then started a family. Did I make the right decision? There is no right or wrong answer here, it’s a personal choice.

I have a lot of friends and female colleagues who started their families while training and going through exams. I have tremendous respect for them. I always thought I did it the easy way but actually taking that decision of not extending family during training was a tough one.

The number of women in IR is extremely low which puts off many females to choose this specialty. The main reason is the lack of representation and role models as a result of which females are not attracted to this post. There is a lack of mentorship or guidance which is more female specific, and I faced the same problem.  Family responsibilities are different for females than for men, and understanding that is the key. I am currently the only female vascular interventional Radiologist in my hospital. As already mentioned, there have been a few times when I had to leave work for a family emergency. I used to be reluctant to think of finishing the list first and then leaving, which used to cause more anxiety. Communication and keeping your work colleagues in the loop is extremely important. People generally understand and want to make it work.

Radiation and pregnancy are other issues that most women are afraid of and hence unable to pursue a career in IR, mainly due to a lack of guidance and knowledge.

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

Interventional radiology is an amazing field that is changing constantly, with new devices and techniques for treating different vascular/non-vascular pathologies evolving on a yearly basis. Women in general are very good at adapting very quickly to changing environments and unexpected challenges. Especially women with young families deal with difficult situations on a day-to-day basis. They can handle stress and are able to balance multiple responsibilities. So, my one piece of advice to women who want to pursue their career in IR is to ‘Go for it, you can do it’.

I have spoken to a lot of young female trainees looking to pursue a career in IR with a lot of questions in their heads, wanting to be in control of their career, life, and family. They want to plan their whole life which is practically not possible. Life is unpredictable and nothing goes according to plan in my experience, so why are we putting so much pressure on us?

Mentorship and guidance are so important, so find yourself a good mentor. Doesn’t necessarily need to be female. All my mentors were men and they encouraged me throughout my journey.

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

Of course !! Unconscious bias does exist and women are mostly at the receiving end. For example, research has shown, that women are less considered for leadership posts. The main misconception is that they are too emotional and hence weak in making decisions. Another misconception is that women have too many responsibilities, more on a personal front in comparison to men, which makes them unable to focus or dedicate themselves fully to work.

Lack of confidence is an issue as well. Women underestimate themselves. During my training, I only believed that I could do a procedure if I did it independently without any help. Men are different, they have more confidence and would probably consider themselves competent even if they have just observed the procedure a couple of times.

Women don’t tend to put themselves forward. I am guilty of that too. I know I have more potential than many of my male colleagues in leadership roles, but I still feel not ready for it.

Unconscious bias is a mindset, which needs to be changed but at the moment it does exist. So, what can we do in order to make our work life better, to be able to have the same respect and opportunity as our male colleagues, to be listened to, and to be valued for our opinion?

The first and most important thing is to believe in yourself. Build that self-confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one around will believe you.

A healthy home life is so important as well. My husband always takes over if I’ve had a tiring day and feel unable to function physically and vice versa. A healthy family life is a big confidence boost for every woman or man.

Can you share any experiences or insights related to the integration of artificial intelligence in interventional radiology practice?

Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and Virtual reality hold a unique beneficial position in Interventional Radiology because they not only improve image processing but also guide and predict outcomes of procedures.

We at our trust are working towards integrating AI in our day-to-day work in IR. We have had experience so far with the use of Rapid AI for stroke mechanical thrombectomy. We are alerted as soon as the patient goes for scanning. The app not only processes the imaging, measures perfusion mismatch, and recognizes large vessel occlusion but also predicts the outcomes of the procedures as well.

AI will play a huge part in appropriate patient selection for procedures. It will also help to delineate complex anatomy prior to the procedure. During the procedure, image fusions or recommending options of how to approach various techniques will help save time and radiation dose for the operators. Post-procedure, it can evaluate the response of treatment and help with follow-up.

There are some downsides to AI as well, such as integrating it into an existing system can be costly and complex. Poor data input can lead to inaccurate results.  There is a genuine potential of overly relying on AI and hence the risk for future generations to lose diagnostic skills and confidence in making decisions.

Can you speak to any initiatives or projects you’ve been involved in that aim to address gender disparities or enhance the representation of women in interventional radiology?

I am the current chair of the EDI committee of the BSIR(British Society of IR). The main aim of this committee is to increase the profile of IR mostly in medical students and junior doctors, encouraging mostly females and doctors with ethnic minorities to take up IR as their career. We are currently in the process of launching the BSIR mentorship program in collaboration with the Royal College of Radiologists. This mentorship programme will consist of a mentor and mentee-relationship for one year in which the trainee (BSIR member) will be guided both personally and professionally. The application process for the mentors and mentees has now closed and we have had a brilliant response.

As EDI committee members, we carried out a BSIR workforce survey last year. The workforce survey had interesting results and highlighted several issues faced by women in IR and doctors of different ethnicities. We are currently in the process of writing this up and this will definitely be a good guide for the future of BSIR and the vascular radiology specialty.

EDI committee also actively takes part in the BSIR ASM to increase the profile of IR especially in women. We are running a session in our ASM this year, where we have invited speakers from national and International platforms to speak on topics like Diversity and women in IR.

I have been actively involved in various forums and platforms organized for medical students and junior doctors looking at pursuing careers in Radiology and Interventional Radiology e.g Yorkshire Imaging and interventional radiology Symposium (YiiRs) and Society of Radiologist in Training (SRT) to encourage more women to join IR.

I have recently had meetings with the RFS section of CAIR and as Chair of the EDI committee will be looking forward to future collaboration between BSIR and CAIR to raise the profile of IR in women.

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

I first entered medicine to be a cardiac surgeon. But when I assisted to a cardiac valve replacement and coronary bypass… I realized the surgery was interesting but way too long for my taste!

When I did my radiology rotation as a medical student, I discovered a specialty that embraced all my interests in anatomy and diagnostics. Then, I visited an IR suite, and all the lights went on in my brain! I was immediately attracted by the major change it did to the patient’s life with minimal invasiveness. This specialty would allow me to treat and follow-up patients for a specific problem, and use my skills in diagnostic radiology to achieve my treatment plan. It was just the perfect specialty for me.

I now work in a university hospital, and specialize in peripheral vascular intervention, aorto-iliac intervention, non-vascular intervention, and oncology.

What are some key challenges you faced as a woman in interventional radiology, and how did you overcome them?

Before I had kids, I didn’t feel a real difference between my work and my male colleague’s work.

But since I became a mom, I have felt more challenges, especially in organizing my time to fit everything… I’m very lucky to have a husband who can miss work more easily than me, so he can be there for the last-minute appointments or when kids are sick.

I have the best colleagues, who also have their own personal responsibilities. It happens that we switch our schedules to have time off when necessary.

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

For me, being a woman doesn’t change anything regarding having interest and passion for the specialty. If you are creative, proactive, you like to challenge your brain to find solutions to problems you didn’t know could exist, you enjoy teamwork with colleagues and consultants, and you’re interested in improving patient’s life with minimally invasive procedures, you really should become an interventional radiologist!

How do you handle situations where you may be the only woman in a professional setting, and what advice do you have for navigating such scenarios?

Being a woman in a “male-only team”, I bring some empathy to patient care, and I might have a more sensitive side that helps with some patients who are more afraid or nervous before procedures.

How do you balance the demands of interventional radiology with family responsibilities, and what advice do you have for women aiming to achieve this balance?

Being a mom and an IR are two great adventures that can overlap. I brought my kids to meetings when they were babies, some of you have probably met them! Now they check the images over my shoulder if I’m on call at night (they still have a long way to go before they become radiologists, though!).

Although I would like to NOT have on-call weekends, the whole family knows it’s impossible, so when I have weekends off, I take more time with the kids and the family. I prioritize my family whenever possible.

And I also feel very good now that I attend the meetings alone and have a break from the madness!

Dr. Josée Dubois , M.D.

As a Professor of Radiology at the Université de Montréal, former Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Director of the Diagnostic Radiology Program, Professor Dubois has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise in the realms of interventional radiology, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular anomalies.

Internationally recognized for her significant achievements, Professor Dubois has amassed a remarkable body of work, comprising over 244 scientific publications and collaborations on various chapters in esteemed medical textbooks. Her scholarly contributions have not only expanded the horizons of medical knowledge but have also played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and treatment of vascular anomalies, establishing her as a respected authority in the global medical community.

Beyond her academic prowess, Professor Dubois has exhibited an extraordinary dedication to the field of interventional pediatric radiology at Hôpital Ste-Justine. Her commitment to this specialized area underscores her passion for improving healthcare outcomes for pediatric patients, reflecting a profound sense of responsibility toward the well-being of the younger population.

A trailblazer in the domain of interventional radiology, Professor Dubois has been a pioneer for women in the field, breaking barriers and serving as an inspiring role model for aspiring female radiologists. Her mentoring efforts, spanning over 25 years, have cultivated the talents of numerous students, instilling in them not only technical proficiency but also the values of dedication and perseverance.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Professor Dubois leads a fulfilling personal life as a devoted mother of two children and a supportive spouse. Her ability to balance the demands of a successful career with her responsibilities as a parent and partner is truly commendable, reflecting her exceptional organizational skills and capacity to excel in multiple domains.

Professor Dubois is characterized by her determination, hard work, and unwavering dedication to her students, colleagues, and patients. Her availability and willingness to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge are traits that have consistently set her apart as a leader in the field.

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

Before I did my first interventional radiology rotation in residency, I knew I was going to like it, despite not having spent any time in the IR suite as a medical student. I enjoyed procedures, challenges, team work and anything hands on. That being said, I had no idea I was going to love it. As each day of my rotation went on, I realized that this was the type of environment I wanted to work in, the type of work I wanted to be doing and the type of team I wanted to be a part of. Once I started to get more involved in the IR world, with CAIR for example, I was getting to know interventional radiologists at different stages of their careers and through learning about their careers, involvement in the IR community and their journeys, which solidified that this was a career path I wanted to pursue.

Seeing the range of procedures that IRs performed, the innovation involved in the day to day practice and industry side of things drew me even more to the career. As I worked with interventional radiologists at different stages of their careers, their passion was inspiring, I had not yet met a subgroup of radiologists who loved their careers as much as IRs seemed to. After my first month on an IR rotation, I was hooked, I knew that I wanted to grow a career like this and to be part of this a team and community that is passionate and innovative.

What are some key challenges you faced as a woman in interventional radiology, and how did you overcome them?

As a female trainee interested in and working towards a career in interventional radiology, the main challenge I have faced is finding and connecting with female mentors in the IR community. Simply due to the small percentage of females in IR, it has been challenging to meet and get to know someone to be a mentor in the field. One of the ways that I have been able to find and connect with mentors has largely been through spending time at conferences, being a part the CAIR organization, and taking the time to network with individuals outside of my local community.

Another key challenge that I have faced is hearing negative comments from those outside of interventional radiology about my desire and plans to pursue a career in interventional radiology. For example, it is not uncommon for other trainees or staff to mention that it is a busy career with risk of radiation exposure, and also comment on the difficulty of having a family or having children while working as a female interventional radiologist. The best way I found to overcome this was to remind myself that these comments were not coming directly from people who had experience in the area, and I would take the time to speak with others who have had years of experience working as an Interventional Radiologist and listen to their lived experiences as female IRs.

In getting to know female IRs who have worked for several years, had children and are incredibly successful, I was able to reassure myself that any negative comments I had heard were likely coming from a place of lack of understanding about the situation. While some people may have been mentioning these items from a good place or thoughts of concern, it has been ongoingly reassuring the more I hear from experiences female IRs who do not even mention the same negative concerns about being a female in the field of IR, but instead talk about the support they have received as a female in the field.

How has the landscape of interventional radiology evolved over the years, especially in terms of gender representation?

As I am still in the early years of my journey, I am not able to provide a representative comment on this topic as it pertains to the last several years. I would like to highlight though, that in only the past 2 years, during my involvement with the CAIR Resident, Fellow and Student Section (RFS) I have seen an increase in the number of female residents and students who are interested in pursuing a career in Interventional Radiology. Furthermore, I have seen a substantial amount of increased interest from medical students of all backgrounds involved with the CAIR RFS and who are interested in interventional radiology. Through my experience with the RFS I am certain that in the past few years alone, IR has become a more well known specialty amongst trainees and that it will continue to grow in diversity in the years to come.

Can you share any insights into the networking opportunities available for women in interventional radiology?

The CAIR organization offers a few different avenues for networking opportunities with women in IR. Being an involved member of the CAIR RFS opens the door to meet other female trainees who are interested in IR and to work together on the RFS. The CAIR RFS also hosts an annual Women in IR virtual panel which is an excellent opportunity to hear from some of the amazing female leaders in IR across our nation. The CAIR Annual Scientific Meeting is an excellent in-person event to attend and be able to learn from and meet women in IR, at the ASM there is a Women in IR Cocktail event which has been an incredibly successful event in the past years and is an excellent opportunity to attend and chat with other women in IR.

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

The CAIR ASM, SIR in the United States and CIRSE in Europe are three of the larger conferences that I have personally attended, enjoyed and been able to network at. Each of these are excellent conferences and there is ample opportunity to submit research and presentations for opportunities to present and for funding. Even if you are not submitting a presentation, simply attending these meetings is a great way to learn more about interventional radiology and to meet other likeminded trainees.

What advice do you have for women in interventional radiology who are navigating leadership roles within the specialty?

Start now, work on honing your skills as a leader even as a trainee. Be patient, take the time to learn about yourself as a leader and to learn with and from your team members. Keep one foot in the door, as best you can, create and maintain healthy relationships with colleagues in the IR community, both at your institution and around the country. If you encounter difficult situations and are unsure how to navigate them, don’t be afraid to reach out to a peer or mentor to discuss the situation and ask for help working through it. Lastly, trust in your ability to succeed in a leadership role, and work hard to maintain a high standard for yourself.

What steps can women take to foster a supportive and collaborative community within the interventional radiology field?

In my opinion, the most important thing that everyone who is part of the interventional radiology community can do is to support and encourage others in their endeavors. It is so simple to be kind and encouraging to others as they work towards their goals and as a woman in the field, it is so important to not only be an ally but to recognize one as well. It is important to take the time to create connections with other women who are both in the field of IR and who are interested in a future career in IR. Some of the times I have felt the most comfortable and supported have been when female leaders in the field of IR have engaged in simple, everyday conversations with me. It is valuable to create an open environment that fosters positivity and support for women on their journey to and through a career in interventional radiology.

Can you speak to any initiatives or projects you’ve been involved in that aim to address gender disparities or enhance the representation of women in interventional radiology?

I have been fortunate to be a part of several initiatives which enhance the representation of women in interventional radiology, many of which are through the CAIR organization or through similar societies and communities such as SIR.

The CAIR hosts a Women in IR cocktail and their Annual Scientific Meeting, and it has been an excellent opportunity to attend the event, meet other women in radiology who are staff, trainees as well as technologists and nurses in the field.

Similarly, at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting I have been fortunate to be able to attend Women in IR sessions, to learn about other’s experiences and also to meet other women in IR.

Alongside the strong female leadership of the CAIR organization, I have been fortunate to join the executive director and President in meetings with other organizations such as BSIR to engage in discussions around diversity within their leadership teams and organization.

Over the past two years since I have been with the CAIR RFS, the RFS team has put together some amazing virtual Women in IR events, with a panel of esteemed speakers. Being a part of the RFS and simply watching the Women in IR committee grow and work together to plan events such as these has, in itself, been an incredible experience. Through efforts such as this, I am certain that there will be changes in the diversity of trainees who are interested in interventional radiology and who pursue it as a career path.

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 23rd, 2024 at 2:50 pm at the Westin Calgary in Calgary, AB, during CAIR’s Annual Scientific Meeting.

AGM documents

Agenda

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

2023 Annual Report

The 2023 CAIR annual report is available for download here.

2023 Financial Statements

The 2023 Financial Statements for CAIR are available for review here.

Board of Directors

We look forward to seeing you in Calgary!

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

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.

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

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.