BackTable / VI / Podcast / Episode #551
Independent IR Practice: Opportunities & Challenges
with Dr. Waqaar Diwan
What would you do if your IR/DR practice underwent major ownership and staffing changes just one week after signing your first attending contract? In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Waqaar Diwan joins host Dr. Michael Barraza to share his experience facing exactly that challenge—and how it led to the eventual development of his own independent IR practice.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, June 10). Ep. 551 – Independent IR Practice: Opportunities & Challenges [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Dr. Waqaar Diwan
Dr. Waqaar Diwan is an interventional radiologist practicing in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Michael Barraza
Dr. Michael Barraza is a practicing interventional radiologist (and all around great guy) with Radiology Associates in Baton Rouge, LA.
Synopsis
Dr. Diwan discusses how he navigated the unexpected transition of ownership and staffing changes, and ultimately secured a hospital contract that allowed him to perform IR procedures full-time. Since then, he has been building an independent IR practice with the support of his partner and a growing team.
Dr. Diwan shares his goals for the practice, including staffing and equipment logistics, strategic planning, and patient outreach. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging personal and professional networks to guide his business development.
He also outlines key differences between independent IR practices and combined IR/DR models. These include the need for greater investment in the outpatient experience, actively seeking referrals, and navigating hospital politics without the backing of a larger department. His top advice for building a referral base is to first earn trust—by excelling in straightforward cases and ensuring strong outcomes—and to market the practice directly to potential referring providers.
Overall, Dr. Diwan encourages early-career interventional radiologists to know their worth. He notes that in the real world, IRs are often seen as providers of “catch-all” services, making it crucial to ensure fair compensation. He stresses the importance of striking a balance between self-advocacy and humility, all while staying focused on serving patients.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:42 - Navigating Contracts and Restructuring
8:07 - Upcoming Goals for His IR Group
14:00 - Strategic Planning and Marketing
20:16 - Compensation and Finances of Independent IR
27:38 - Future Plans and Market Trends
29:48 Advice for New Interventional Radiologists
Resources
Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas:
https://www.mist-health.com/
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.