Incorporating physician assistants and physician extenders in the contemporary interventional oncology practice.

Interventional radiology (IR) has been for the last few years undergoing a transformation from a service oriented to a clinically oriented specialty. With increasing oncologic procedures and patient volume, the balance between quality clinical care, and the time constraints on the busy interventionalist pull in opposing forces. The need for greater clinical support staff in the IR practice is unquestionable. Physician Assistants (and other Physician Extenders) have been in the medical field since the 1960s with intensive clinical training, capabilities of providing patient care and ability to generate revenue income more than justifies their place in the IR. The contemporary model of a clinical orientated service within IR for cancer patients undergoing interventional oncology procedures should include Physician Extenders as a vital part of the team allowing delivery of high-quality patient care.