As an Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Roy Siragusa subspecializes in CT-guided interventions and vascular angioplasty/stenting. He performs an array of safe, minimally-invasive treatments for a variety of diseases and disorders that once required open surgery. Dr. Siragusa speaks about the practice of Radiology today, and what’s ahead tomorrow.
Q: What inspired you to go into Radiology?
When I was in Medical School, I met a physician by the name of Dr. Dick Hawkins. I got to know him on a personal and professional level. I agreed to do some research in his department, which introduced me to a field in medicine that I did not know existed, the field of Interventional Radiology. I felt I could really make a difference in this specialty. There was direct patient contact with the goal of solving a specific problem. So, I changed my focus from Internal Medicine to Radiology. After completing my Residency in Diagnostic Radiology in Albany, New York, I returned to Florida to complete a Fellowship in Interventional Radiology at the University of Florida with the exceptional and inspiring Dr. Hawkins. It became a very rewarding specialty for me.
Q: What do you find most challenging in this field for you, specifically today?
The biggest challenge today is trying to provide consistent, high-quality care to our patients with the ever-increasing burden of federal regulations, which can sometimes threaten the patient-doctor relationship.
Q: Are there new technologies you are using now or see on the horizon that you find especially fascinating or exciting?
The constant about Radiology is it is a field based on technology. So, Radiology is always changing as new technologies are invented and redefined. This keeps Radiology on the cutting edge of Diagnostic Medical Imaging. As advanced as Radiology is today, it will only get more sophisticated, far-reaching and effective going forward. I am gratified to play a part in it all.