Episode # 612 • 30 Jan 2026
Interventional Radiology in Military Medicine
What does day-to-day interventional radiology look like in the military? Here’s a firsthand account. Dr. John York, interventional radiologist at University of California San Diego with 37 years of active duty in the Navy joins host Dr. Ally Baheti to share his experiences and perspectives on being an interventional radiologist in the military.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:53 - Journey to Medicine: From Naval Academy to Medical School
05:55 - Choosing Interventional Radiology
08:11 - Military Medical Experience: Portsmouth and Beyond
11:38 - First Deployment: Challenges and Adaptations
14:38 - Case Studies: Trauma and Innovation in Afghanistan
26:15 - A Unique Procedure in a Combat Zone
28:49 - Transitioning Back to Civilian Life
31:07 - Challenges in Combat Zones
34:22 - Deployment in Djibouti
38:25 - COVID-19 on the USS Theodore Roosevelt
45:50 - Reflections on Military Service
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More about this episode
Dr. York recounts his path to the military and how it ultimately led him to interventional radiology. He reflects on his deployments to Afghanistan and Djibouti, highlighting the clinical complexity, operational challenges, and fulfilling aspects of delivering image-guided care in high-acuity environments. Dr. York recounts several remarkable cases from his deployments, including the management of a vertebral artery aneurysm. He underscores how strong foundational training enables creative problem-solving in resource-limited settings.
Dr. York also shares his experience as senior medical officer on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, offering insight into the clinical, operational, and administrative challenges he faced. He highlights how adaptability and creative problem-solving are essential to managing complex cases in dynamic environments.
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