Independent IR: More Than Locums, It's a Calling

We start off the discussion with Kavi expanding on early experiences in working a standard DR / IR split that most IRs tend to work in. He elaborates on how this split was not what he, as well as most IRs, intended to practice in when they entered the field. Thus, he then shifted over to the OBL space, a gratifying journey, but one he notes was difficult to navigate due to the intricacies. As Kavi finally transitioned to locum tenens work, he reflects on its appeal, despite the scarcity of opportunities. He notes that locum tenens work is usually in areas with an extreme dearth of IRs, such as rural areas. This conversation also explores the topic of exclusive contracts. Their impact on independent IR practices' access to hospital privileges is also explored, shedding light on the challenges faced by IRs seeking to expand their reach.

Ian then notes that his locum tenens work was also in a rural setting, and how he had served this location for an extended period of time due to their lack of retention of IRs. The discussion then reveals a growing trend among physicians, as more and more are turning to locum work due to its exclusive focus on the IR aspect of the job that initially attracted them to this field. It's a mutual demand, as physicians seeking to specialize in IR find locum work to be a well-suited avenue, while areas of healthcare dearth are equally eager to tap into the expertise of these specialists.

Both guests emphasize the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address this growing public health crisis in rural areas. This is precisely where organizations like Travelier come into play. Travelier was established by IRs, one of whom is Kavi, with a mission to bridge this critical gap by offering world-class IR services to communities with unmet needs. Their approach involves assembling dedicated physician teams and creating interventional radiology practices that generate revenue while providing viable work solutions for radiologists. This discussion is a testament to the adaptability and innovation that drive the field of IR, characterized by the commitment to improving healthcare access in areas where it is needed the most. It's also a testament to the increasing mutual demand for specialized IR services and the unique opportunities that come with it.