High-impact IR program building

This article is a summary of insights from the Early Career Section’s LENS (Learn, Engage, Network and Share) February 2026 event. 

Abhishek Kumar, MD, FSIR is an interventional radiologist with a decade of experience and serves as Associate Professor of Radiology and Division Chief of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He launched the Y-90 radioembolization program at University Hospital in 2017, which has since become the highest‑volume program in New Jersey. He became involved with SIR in 2019 through the Early Career Section and has since contributed to committees including the Gala and Membership Committees.

Lei Yu, MD: How did you grow your Y‑90 practice from a handful of cases to the largest program in the state?

Abhishek Kumar, MD, FSIR: It took patience and deliberate steps. When I arrived, the practice was still very “old school,” doing mostly transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and ablation. I volunteered to serve as the Authorized User (AU), built a clinic so patients could be evaluated directly by IR and picked early cases strategically to establish good outcomes. Clear communication with hepatology and referring teams helped build trust. Once results spoke for themselves, the volume naturally grew and now we perform around 100 cases a year.

Dr. Yu: How do you navigate obtaining AU status for Y‑90 when local politics are involved?

Dr. Kumar: Unfortunately, AU politics are very local. My strategy was collaboration and not confrontation. I asked to be added to the license rather than replace existing AUs, offered to co‑review cases and gradually demonstrated expertise. If radiology physics teams or nuclear medicine are protective, work with them: share mapping results, propose doses and build mutual confidence over time.

Dr. Yu: How did you build and grow your genicular artery embolization (GAE) practice?

Dr. Kumar: First, I identified who would refer patients to orthopedic surgery. We already had a strong clinical relationship, so I approached them about GAE for patients who weren’t surgical candidates or needed alternatives. We collaborated on grand rounds, research and IRB projects, which deepened the partnership. I also pitched a media story about GAE to our university’s media team and the free publicity brought in patient volume and even local news coverage.

Dr. Yu: How do you manage work‑life balance and avoid burnout while building a large practice?

Dr. Kumar: Early on, you simply need to grind. There’s no way around it. But if you genuinely enjoy the work, the imbalance feels manageable. Over time the workload becomes easier as you gain efficiency and confidence. Scheduling specific “protected times” for yourself helps set case days or keeping certain weekends open when possible. Balance looks different for everyone, so define what it means for you.

Dr. Yu: How do you cope with complications as an early‑career IR physician?

Dr. Kumar: Complications never feel easy, even years into practice. The most important step is to talk to colleagues instead of bottling it up. Share cases with senior attendings or peers, as they’ve all been there and can offer practical and emotional guidance. Acknowledge the emotional impact but also remember that complications are part of practicing medicine.

Dr. Yu: What exciting developments are happening in IR right now?

Dr. Kumar: While new procedures are always emerging, the biggest shift is IR’s push toward independent practice models. Hospitals and systems are increasingly recognizing IR as its own specialty and sometimes even with standalone IR departments. This independence elevates IR’s role, increases visibility and improves patient access.

Dr. Yu: What are your goals for the next phase of your career?

Dr. Kumar: I want to deepen my mentorship of early‑career physicians, continue contributing to clinical trials and expand my musculoskeletal embolization practice. Advancing the field and supporting the next generation are top priorities.