In this episode, guest host and interventional radiologist Dr. Dana Dunleavy interviews neurointerventional radiologist Dr. Wayne Olan about growing neuroIR and IR through a neurosurgery department. Wayne serves as the Director of Interventional and Endovascular Neurosurgery at George Washington University Medical Center.

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SHOW NOTES

First, Wayne tells us more about his training, journey in academia, and role in building robust neuroIR and IR service lines through his leadership of the neurosurgery department at his institution. Wayne also shares how powerful being involved in interdisciplinary clinics can be in growing the scale, reach, and impact of minimally-invasive image guided interventions. These collaborations include neuroIR/neurosurgery for neuro clinic and IR/ gynecology for fibroid clinic.

Dana and Wayne then discuss how neuroIR and IR has evolved over the years, highlighting watershed moments and key innovations. They discuss sacroiliac joint interventions in detail and how MSK has become one of IR’s newest subspecialties.

Wayne shares his history of playing and coaching lacrosse, and he also tells us about the Q-Collar and his role in serving on the company’s board of medical advisors. The device has been shown to protect the athletes’ brains from concussive and subconcussive impacts by increasing internal jugular vein pressure.

We conclude the episode with some parting wisdom from Wayne regarding career paths, navigating reimbursements and insurance as a neuroIR or IR, and finding joy and purpose at and outside of work.

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RESOURCES

SI-Bone, iFuse TORQ Device:

https://si-bone.com/providers/solutions/trauma/ifuse-torq

SI-Bone, iFuse Triangle Device:

https://si-bone.com/providers/solutions/ifuse

Stryker, Spine Jack Device:

https://www.stryker.com/us/en/interventional-spine/products/spinejack-system.html

Q-Collar Company web-page:

https://q30.com/

Q-Collar Studies / Research Briefing:

https://q30.com/pages/fda-reviewed

Boston University CTE Clinic:

https://www.bu.edu/cte/