BackTable Vascular & Interventional

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 535 Genicular Artery Embolization: Current Controversies and Insights with Dr. Sid Padia and Dr. Osman Ahmed Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Who is the ultimate candidate for GAE, which technical approach is best, and how do you set your patients up for success? Tune into this week’s episode of BackTable to hear from interventional radiologists Dr. Osman Ahmed (University of Chicago Medicine) and Dr. Siddharth Padia (UCLA Health) as they discuss everything from patient selection to follow-up care, covering pre-procedure imaging, access, embolics, technical challenges, clinical data, and the future of genicular artery embolization.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Padia debate their approaches to patient selection criteria, the use of MRI and cone beam CT, permanent vs. resorbable embolic materials, how many arteries to embolize, and the relevance of pain metrics post GAE. They also delve into follow-up considerations and the potential for GAE as a long term treatment.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:08 MRI for Patient Selection in GAE

08:53 Access Techniques: Femoral vs. Pedal

17:07 Cone Beam CT in GAE Procedures

27:20 Embolization Strategies

39:30 Challenges and Complications in Embolization

44:50 Follow-Up and Pain Metrics in Clinical Practice and Research

01:06:30 Repeat GAE Procedures: When and Why?

01:11:13 Post-Total Knee Replacement and GAE

01:21:01 Advice for IRs Looking to do GAE

01:24:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

GENESIS Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33474601/

Landers et al Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37051829/

Ep. 534 What’s a Good Job? Looking at the Diagnostic Job Market with Dr. Ned Holman and Dr. Mike Romeo Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

Are you thinking about pursuing a new diagnostic radiology gig? Get the download on the current job market, how to evaluate different compensation models, and what to look out for when considering your next job offer in this week’s episode of BackTable, featuring guests Dr. Ned Holman (Neuroradiologist at Alaska Imaging) and Dr. Mike Romeo (Radiologist and President of West Reading Radiology).

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SYNPOSIS

The doctors begin by exploring various employment models, including private practice, academic positions, and hybrid arrangements that combine elements of both. They share valuable insights on job transparency and the significance of leveraging professional connections to gain honest, firsthand perspectives on potential employers. They also provide advice on key questions to ask during job interviews and strategies for negotiating contracts. The doctors conclude by sharing tips to help make informed decisions to ensure job satisfaction and professional growth.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

04:30 - Employment Models

06:32 - Compensation Structures

08:43 - Evaluating Job Offers

19:05 - Red Flags in Employment

27:13 - Private Equity Jobs: Pros and Cons

31:36 - Navigating Job Boards and Resources

42:03 - Final Advice for Job Seekers

Ep. 533 Physician’s Guide to Financial Literacy and Investment Strategies with Dr. Jim Dahle Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

The road towards financial literacy and financial freedom does not need to be a solo, do-it-yourself, figure it out as it goes type of journey. Guest Dr. Jim Dahle (practicing emergency medicine physician and Founder of the White Coat Investor) joins host Dr. Chris Beck to help better illuminate the process of becoming financially literate and securing financial freedom for physicians and others in similar professional arenas.

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This podcast is supported by:

RADPAD® Radiation Protection

https://www.radpad.com/

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Dahle begins the episode by driving home how sound and solid financial education coupled with early, prudent financial behaviors can be worth millions over a career. The doctors discuss writing investment plans, goal setting, and understanding of asset allocation to ensure long-term financial success. Dr. Dahle also delves into the Mega Backdoor Roth IRA, practical tips for handling savings and expenses, as well as how to integrate real estate into your investment portfolio. The episode concludes with helpful resources, programs, and conferences available through the White Coat Investor.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

04:30 - Savings Tips and Strategies

13:22 - Retirement Goals and Savings Targets

28:20 - Real Estate as an Investment

32:30 - Mega Backdoor Roth IRA

42:59 - Advice for New High-Income Earners

46:09 - Teaching Financial Literacy to Kids

48:15 - Addressing Physician Burnout

53:53 - Common Financial Mistakes by Doctors

58:11 - White Coat Investor Book Giveaway Program

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RESOURCES

White Coat Investor:

https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com

BackTable VI Episode #194 - Financial Basics from the White Coat Investor with Dr. James Dahle:

https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/194/financial-basics-from-the-white-coat-investor

White Coat Investor Champions Program (For Students):

https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/wci-champions/

Ep. 532 OBL Site of Service Update with Dr. Bret Wiechmann and Dr. Jerry Niedzwiecki Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Navigating the intricate world of medical billing can be challenging, and knowing the steps needed to ensure fair reimbursement can be even more challenging. Guests Dr. Bret Wiechmann and Dr. Jerry Niedzwiecki (private practice interventional radiologists) join host Dr. Ally Baheti to discuss how IRs in the OBL setting can legislatively rally behind the office-based facility concept and improve physician reimbursement in the light of developments addressed at the recent OEIS meeting.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Wiechmann and Dr. Niedzwiecki begin the episode by defining several key-terms and processes in physician reimbursement in the outpatient setting to help orient us to the issue at hand. After explaining why and how reimbursement for more advanced procedures in the OBL setting has been lagging behind, the doctors introduce the concept of creating an office-based facility concept. This would help stabilize payments for complex procedures done in the OBL space. The episode concludes with emphasis on more physician involvement and advocacy in pushing reform forward, underscoring how a unified effort is essential for long-lasting, meaningful change.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:42 - Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

05:46 - Challenges with Current Reimbursement Models

11:28 - Proposing the Office-Based Facility Concept

17:58 - Legislative Efforts and Congressional Involvement

26:53 - Call to Action: How You Can Help

36:40 - Conclusion

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RESOURCES

Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society:

https://oeisweb.com

Ep. 531 Ten Commandments for Female Interventional Radiologists with Dr. Maureen Kohi Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

What are the 10 Commandments of Being a Female Interventional Radiologist? Guest Dr. Maureen Kohi (Chair of Radiology at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill) sits down with host Dr. Ally Baheti to discuss the details of her popular lecture topic and how these 10 rules are actually applicable to all current and future interventional radiologists.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Kohi begins by going through each of the 10 points - offering detailed advice throughout, while also acknowledging nuances and challenges women and men can encounter in medicine and best approaches. Dr. Kohi also speaks on how to build and navigate strong relationships with industry. The episode concludes with several more pearls of wisdom as Dr. Kohi shares the last of the 10 commandments.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:08 - 10 Commandments of Being a Female IR

23:06 - Importance of Involvement in Professional Societies

24:46 - Childcare Concerns in Professional Settings

28:58 - Making the Leadership Leap

35:24 - Navigating Gender Bias in Professional Environments

41:51 - Prioritizing Health, Family, and Personal Fulfillment

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RESOURCES

From Good to Great (Book):

https://a.co/d/gXWW1Qp

Start With Why (Book):

https://a.co/d/hgaadIt

Ep. 530 Evolution of IR: A Conversation with Dr. Barry Katzen Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In honor of the 50th annual meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) in Nashville, let’s take it back to the beginning of IR and review how the field became what it is today. Guest host Dr. Andrew Niekamp (interventional radiologist at Miami Vascular) sits down with esteemed guest Dr. Barry Katzen, who began his training at the advent of IR, to discuss the origins and development of the field since its inception.

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This podcast is supported by:

RADPAD® Radiation Protection

https://www.radpad.com/

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SYNPOSIS

The doctors discuss challenges and innovations that shaped IR’s growth, and the importance of clinical practice and patient-centered care. Dr. Katzen shares insights from his extensive career, including his early involvement in advancing image-guided therapies, his role in founding Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and strategies to overcome turf-wars and complacency in medicine. Dr. Katzen emphasizes the need for continuous innovation and dedication towards improving patient outcomes in the evolving landscape of IR. The episode concludes with Dr. Katzen’s advice for future and early-career IRs.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

03:39 - Early Innovations and Training in Europe

09:08 - Founding the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute

17:13 - Challenges and Innovations

25:24 - Importance of Clinical Responsibility

34:07 - Birth of a Specialty

40:35 - Advice for Future Interventional Radiologists

43:29 - Conclusion

Ep. 529 Building a Social Media Presence in IR with Dr. Gustavo Elias Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Is social media an effective patient acquisition tool for interventional radiologists? In a word: absolutely. Learn how to reach more patients in this week’s BackTable Podcast, where Dr. Gustavo Elias joins Dr. Ally Baheti to discuss the benefits he has seen with social media, and the content strategies that he uses in his medical practice.

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SYNPOSIS

The episode begins with Dr. Elias sharing his journey of overcoming initial reservations around posting content. The doctors emphasize the importance of individuality and passion in showing what IR can offer to the public in easily-digestible ways. Dr. Elias then discusses the impact of social media on patient engagement, and shares practical tips for physicians who are looking to enhance their online presence. Dr. Elias also touches on optimal posting schedules, collaboration tips, and balancing professionalism with approachability.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

04:02 - Social Media for Interventional Radiologists

08:56 - Building a Social Media Presence

19:24 - Optimal Posting Strategies

21:58 - Collaborations and Platforms

25:27 - Conclusion

Ep. 528 Approach to Microwave Liver Ablations with Dr. Asad Baig Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Let’s talk liver ablations. This week’s episode of the BackTable Podcast provides a thorough review of modern microwave ablation methods, tools, and tech, featuring Dr. Asad Baig (interventional radiologist at Columbia University) and host Dr. Michael Barraza.

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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Medtronic .

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Baig shares practical advice on how to become a key contributor at your tumor board and how to position your skillset as an interventional radiologist. He talks through his microwave ablation procedure technique, highlighting the role of ablation zone visualization software. The doctors go on to discuss a variety of ablation approaches, needle placement, intra- and post-operative imaging, and tips for dealing with challenging tumor locations. The episode concludes with Dr. Baig summarizing best practices for ensuring safe and effective ablations, and underscoring the importance of solid patient-physician communication throughout care.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

08:28 - Microwave Ablation Techniques

12:54 - Collaborative Approach in Tumor Boards

23:30 - Combined Ablation Cases and Techniques

36:12 - Challenging Liver Ablations

45:56 - Tips for Safe and Effective Ablations

50:07 - Balancing Biopsy and Ablation

01:00:34 - Conclusion

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RESOURCES

The Emprint™ Ablation System with Thermosphere™ Technology: One of the Newer Next-Generation Microwave Ablation Technologies:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4640908/

Comparison of microwave ablation and surgical resection for treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas conforming to Milan criteria:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24628534/

Percutaneous microwave ablation of hepatic lesions near the heart:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34805581/

Microwave Ablation of Hepatic Tumors Abutting the Diaphragm Is Safe and Effective:

https://ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/AJR.14.12879

Ep. 527 Managing Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia and Pulmonary AVMs with Dr. Clifford Weiss Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Targeted, image-guided interventions can make a big difference for patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Learn how in this week’s BackTable episode featuring Dr. Clifford R. Weiss (Director of the Johns Hopkins Vascular Anomalies Center and HHT Center of Excellence) and host Dr. Michael Barraza.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Weiss delves into the complexities and multisystem nature of HHT, emphasizing the significance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care. He goes on to explain the clinical criteria for diagnosing HHT, the role of genetic and imaging screenings, and the evolving approaches to treating pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in adults and children. The doctors discuss the potential impact of anti-angiogenic medications on the future management of HHT. The episode closes with a nod to the pivotal role that HHT Centers of Excellence play, and the ongoing dedication to improving patient outcomes through collaborative care and innovative research.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

03:57 - Diagnosing and Screening for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)

07:37 - Treatment Approaches for HHT

12:12 - Embolization Techniques and Safety Measures

19:02 - Future of HHT Treatment and Research

22:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

The Johns Hopkins Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center of Excellence:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/interventional-radiology/hht

Ep. 526 Radiology Private Equity Update with Dr. Ben White Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Teleradiology, artificial intelligence, and private equity takeovers—how do we navigate these rapid changes in the radiology landscape? In this episode, our co-hosts Dr. Ally Baheti and Dr. Mike Barraza bring Dr. Ben White back to the show to provide an update on the current radiology job market and share his insights on reclaiming value for the profession. Dr. White begins by reflecting on the changes since his last appearance with us in 2022, focusing primarily on the ongoing shortage of radiologists, which has lasted longer than anticipated during the pandemic, and the explosion of teleradiology.

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SYNPOSIS

Today’s radiologists are more mobile than ever, with remote work options and the appeal of sensationalized job postings. Dr. White also discusses the instability of more established practices, particularly when legacy partners depart after fulfilling their contractual obligations. In response, many practices are refinancing their debt, which has led to a decrease in practice acquisitions.

Dr. White believes that large-scale healthcare operations often result in increased inefficiency and reduced agility. The downstream effects include the commoditization of teleradiologists, concerns about decreased quality of reads, a limited scope of practice for procedures, reduced access to imaging for smaller hospitals, longer wait times, and more unstable locum staffing. The doctors also speculate about the future division of radiology into different service tiers, depending on the level of access each hospital has to radiologists.

Finally, Dr. White highlights his Independent Radiology job board, which lists open positions from physician-owned practices. His goal in creating the website is to address the pain points of other job advertisement sites, where misleading postings are common. He wants radiologists to consider joining a team of physicians, rather than simply accepting a job. His advice to all radiologists is to expect uncertainty in the job market and to remain flexible.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Current Radiology Job Market

07:43 - Updates on Private Equity in Radiology

16:26 - Role of Artificial Intelligence

22:46 - Growing Imaging Volume and Efficiency

26:51 - Challenges in Radiology Staffing

36:49 - Independent Radiology Job Board

50:07 - Future of Radiology and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

BackTable VI Ep. 277- Private Equity and the Radiology Job Environment with Dr. Ben White: