Myth vs fact: What does an interventional radiologist actually do?
Medically reviewed by Dr Gary Yoong,
Senior Consultant Radiologist (Subspeciality: Interventional radiology)
01 October 2026
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When people hear the word radiologist, they often think of someone sitting behind a computer reading X-rays all day.
The reality? Interventional radiologists are doctors who diagnose disease through medical imaging and also perform minimally invasive procedures that can treat a wide range of conditions without the need for major surgery.
Dr Gary Yoong debunks six common myths about interventional radiology, a lesser-known medical specialty.
Myth #1: Radiologists never see patients.
Fact: Interventional radiologists diagnose and treat patients.
Many radiologists spend much of their day interpreting CT, MRI and ultrasound scans to help doctors diagnose disease.
But interventional radiologists also perform procedures using real-time imaging guidance.
At HMI Medical, Dr Gary Yoong performs minimally invasive procedures such as:
- Image-guided biopsies
- Vascular access and line placements
- Tumour ablation
- Embolisation to treat abnormal blood vessels or control bleeding
Every procedure is guided by imaging, which lets the doctor see where the instruments are as treatment is carried out.
Myth #2: Interventional radiologists are "just behind a computer."
Fact: Their day moves between the reporting room and the procedure suite.
A typical day begins by reviewing and prioritising scans so urgent cases are reported promptly to referring doctors.
When patients require procedures, Dr Yoong heads to the interventional suite, where imaging becomes a live navigation system to guide every movement.
Between procedures, he returns to reporting scans and discussing cases with other specialists.
The specialty combines diagnostic expertise with hands-on procedural skills.
Myth #3: If I need a procedure, I should always see a surgeon.
Fact: Some conditions can be treated without major surgery.
Interventional radiologists use small needles and catheters (thin, flexible tubes) guided by ultrasound, CT or fluoroscopy to reach areas deep inside the body.
Depending on the condition and compared with open surgery, this minimally invasive approach may offer:
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain
- Reduced risk of complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
While surgery remains the best option for many conditions, image-guided procedures can be an effective alternative for selected patients.
Whether an image-guided procedure is suitable depends on the condition and the patient. Your doctor can advise on your options.
Myth #4: Reading scans is straightforward.
Fact: Every image influences important medical decisions.
A radiologist's report often determines what happens next.
The findings may confirm a diagnosis, identify an emergency or help doctors decide whether surgery, medication or another treatment is needed.
"The greatest challenge isn't just reading large numbers of scans," says Dr Yoong. "It's making accurate decisions quickly because every report directly impacts patient care."
Accuracy matters because there is little room for error.
Myth #5: Radiologists work alone.
Fact: They work with almost every medical specialty.
Collaboration is a large part of an interventional radiologist's work.
Dr Yoong works closely with surgeons, oncologists, physicians, gastroenterologists and general practitioners to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
Understanding what each specialty needs helps imaging findings and procedures fit into the patient's overall treatment.
Myth #6: Interventional radiology is a niche specialty with limited impact.
Fact: It's a growing field in modern medicine.
Advances in imaging technology mean more conditions can now be diagnosed and treated through minimally invasive procedures.
Interventional radiology continues to expand across cancer care, vascular disease, pain management and many other areas, offering patients more treatment options, some of which need a shorter hospital stay.
At HMI Medical, Dr Gary Yoong combines diagnostic imaging expertise with minimally invasive, image-guided treatment.
To find out whether an image-guided procedure may suit you, speak to your doctor.
The bottom line
Interventional radiologists may not be the first specialists patients think of, but they are often involved in both diagnosis and treatment.
Whether they are reading a scan or performing an image-guided procedure, their work helps patients receive an accurate diagnosis and, where appropriate, less invasive treatment and a faster recovery.