We are excited to share the latest developments regarding RANZCR’s advocacy of interventional radiology (IR) and interventional neuroradiology (INR), and the ongoing efforts to promote the recognition and advancement of these specialties.
Interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology are radiological specialties, distinct from diagnostic radiology, with specialised clinical skill and advanced technical capabilities. IR and INR are dynamic areas of modern medicine, offering precise, targeted treatments and management of complex diseases and conditions across the body. Specialist IRs and INRs provide high-quality clinical care through advanced, minimally invasive image-guided techniques with numerous benefits to patients and the healthcare system. These include shorter procedure times, faster recovery times, fewer complications, and often at a lower cost compared to traditional surgical and medical approaches.
Here's a summary of the initiatives being undertaken:
The Interventional Radiology Committee (IRC), under the guidance of the Faculty of Clinical Radiology, is actively seeking specialty recognition for IR and INR within the specialty of Clinical Radiology. This recognition is crucial for defining the unique knowledge, clinical expertise and procedural skill of IR and INR specialists.
Contemporary and best-practice training programs for IR and INR have been developed for member consultation and, ultimately, AMC accreditation. These programs will create a clear pathway to careers in IR and INR and ensure that future generations of specialists receive consistent and high-quality training to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems.
In 2022, RANZCR launched the Standards of Practice for Interventional Radiology and Interventional Neuroradiology (1.0). These standards provide a framework for ensuring high-quality patient care and outcomes across IR and INR services in Australia and New Zealand.
The IRC actively advocates for IR and INR through various channels, including feedback on government consultations, policies, and position statements, and actively contribute to policies that impact IR and INR services. A recent example of this is the creation of a new interventional radiology subsection within the College’s official journal JMIRO for the publication of articles of excellence in the specialties of IR and INR.
We encourage all members to engage with the IRC and contribute to the ongoing efforts to advance IR and INR. There are regular Expressions of interest opportunities relating to the work of the IRC. Your input and support are invaluable as we work towards enhancing the recognition, training, and quality of care in these vital specialties.
For more information or to get involved, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence in radiology and for your support of interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology.
RANZCR progress update on interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology
Evolution of interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology: Towards recognition as formal clinical specialties
Understanding the impact of interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology on existing specialties
Revolutionising patient care: The influence of interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology
Interventional radiology patient experience: How uterine fibroid emobolisation changed a young woman’s life
Interventional radiology patient experience: My interventional radiologist was a godsend