Interventional Neurology

[Kaiv Man]

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Hi everyone,

Is interventional neuroradiology (INR) becoming easier to get into for physicians coming from a neurology residency? Or is it still tightly held by the radiologists/neurosurgeons? Also, can an interventional neurologist divide his/her time between endovascular procedures and serving as a general neurologist? The ability to do both general neurology and also carryout interventional procedures seems like it can be a very satisfying career.

Thanks for any input! 🙂

 

[typhoonegator]

There are multiple previous threads on this topic, which you might find helpful. Short answer, it varies from center to center. For neurologists, it is competitive, but certainly very doable with good credentials and meeting the right people.

In terms of splitting your practice, it is possible but relatively rare. You can make a hell of a lot more money (at least right now) doing INR procedures than sitting in clinic. Also, most INR groups are not very large, so you'd likely be expected to take on a significant case-load of elective procedures ('rysms, diagnostic angios, etc.) during the day, and take frequent call as well. We have an INR attending who did a full neurocritical care fellowship as well as an INR fellowship. He attends in the unit and does procedures as well. He is mind-bendingly busy, however, and I don't think he sleeps. At all.

 

[Kaiv Man]

Thanks for the info! Wow! So, it seems as if its nearly impossible to balance the two...I had a naive impression that being an interventional neurologist would provide a significantly better lifestyle than being a neurosurgeon while still allowing you to perform various interventional procedures.

 

[Astrocyte]

Thanks for the info! Wow! So, it seems as if its nearly impossible to balance the two...I had a naive impression that being an interventional neurologist would provide a significantly better lifestyle than being a neurosurgeon while still allowing you to perform various interventional procedures.

Naive is right. Remember NSGY can be elective. Stroke, for the most part, cannot.