CIRSE Fellowship report: Dr. Ornella Moschovaki-Zeiger

by Dr. Ornella Moschovaki-Zeiger

My name is Ornella Moschovaki-Zeiger, and I am in the first year of an interventional radiology fellowship at the 2^nd Department of Radiology at the University General Hospital “ATTIKON” (Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens) in Athens, Greece. We are one of the biggest hospitals in Greece, with an interventional radiology department that plays a crucial role in managing patients in the whole of Athens, as well as rural areas and islands.

Driven by a desire to explore an innovative centre of excellence that primarily delivers patient-centred care while emphasizing the clinical management of patients in interventional radiology, I chose to apply for the CIRSE Fellowship Grant, which I was pleased to receive. This grant offered me the opportunity to pursue a fellowship at the Medizinisch Radiologisches Institute (MRI) Outpatient Interventional Radiology (IR) Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, under the mentorship of Professor Christoph Binkert, which greatly fuelled my enthusiasm for interventional radiology.

Dr. Ornella Moschovaki Zeiger

The amazing team! From right to left – Professor Binkert, Eva, Dr. Takes, (me), Max, Marion, Kai, Barbara.

Highlights of the fellowship

One of the most exciting aspects of this fellowship was witnessing the establishment of a new and unique outpatient-only IR clinic. I had the privilege of assisting in almost all cases performed by Professor Binkert and Dr. Martin Takes during my stay. This involvement allowed me to gain exposure to advanced IR procedures and observe the foundation and organization of an exceptional outpatient department from its very first case.

Another exciting aspect of my fellowship was observing and assisting in procedures that are not routinely performed in my institution, including varicocele embolization, prostate artery embolization, transcatheter arterial embolization of joints, U/S-guided carpal tunnel release, etc. All procedures were performed in an outpatient setting, a concept that was entirely new to me and something I found inspiring. Being actively involved in the full patient journey – consultations, interventions, and immediate post-procedural care until the patient’s same-day discharge, as well as their follow-up – added an important clinical dimension to the technical skills I gained.

Learning objectives and achievements

The primary goals I had set for myself at the beginning of the fellowship were to:

• Get exposure to procedures not commonly performed at my home institution.
• Understand the unique outpatient model and potential applications.
• Enhance my clinical practice by engaging in patient consultations and follow-ups.

I am pleased to say that these objectives were not only met but exceeded. Beyond the technical procedures, the focus on patient-centred care and the opportunity to observe different aspects of clinical practice were highlights that will have a lasting impact on how I approach my work.

In action with Prof. Christoph Binkert!

The view from one of the Angio-suites, with the sky changing colours every day – a sight I could not get enough of.

Our favourite procedure to perform with Prof. Binkert – genicular artery embolization.

Experience with the team and colleagues

Working alongside Prof. Binkert, Dr. Martin Takes, and the rest of the team was an absolute privilege. The department’s ethos stood out, with a strong sense of team spirit and support balanced with a high level of professionalism. The team’s willingness to teach me and involve me in all aspects of the daily obligations made the learning experience both effective and enjoyable.

The clinic’s atmosphere was positive and collaborative, with moments of light-heartedness when the schedule allowed, which was a perfect balance of both learning and a sense of belonging.

Comparison with my home institution

The outpatient setup at the MRI-IR was unlike anything I had encountered before. While my home institution operates within a traditional big-hospital setting and performs only some single-day cases, this clinic demonstrates how even complex procedures can be efficiently and safely performed in an outpatient environment. The workflow was meticulously organized, with a clear structure and seamless patient flow.

Procedures and clinical practice

During the fellowship, I assisted in a wide range of procedures, including vascular, non-vascular, oncologic, and MSK interventions. This diversity deepened my understanding of how an outpatient department can and should function and expanded my own procedural repertoire.

Participating in consultations, discussing the treatment plans and the thought process behind them, and being involved in post-procedural care and follow-ups highlighted the importance of integrating clinical practice into interventional radiology, which is an area I am eager to incorporate into my practice back in Greece.

I had the privilege of witnessing the very first procedure performed in the clinic by Prof. Binkert and Dr. Takes.

One of my favourite activities outside the clinic was taking long walks and exploring Zurich. A few snowy days during my stay made these walks even more enjoyable.

Continuous learning and mentorship

In addition to clinical exposure, I had the chance to attend the ESIR Course on Liquid Embolization in Strasbourg, France, which was organized by Prof. Binkert. This offered deeper insights into the characteristics of various liquid embolic materials and embolization techniques, complementing the experience I was gaining during my fellowship.

And although my primary focus during the fellowship was on clinical practice, I noted the strong research opportunities that exist due to the variety of procedures performed in the department, making it an excellent environment for those interested in academic work.

Reflections on expectations

The fellowship surpassed my expectations. The opportunity to learn directly from Prof.Binkert and his team, coupled with exposure to new techniques, materials, and clinical workflows, made this experience truly invaluable.

Conclusion

My time at the MRI Outpatient IR Clinic was a professional milestone that will have a lasting impact on my career. The combination of hands-on experience, clinical practice, and exposure to a unique setup provided a well-rounded and inspiring fellowship.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof.Binkert, Dr. Takes, and the entire team for their guidance, patience, and hospitality. This fellowship has been an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to future grant recipients looking to broaden their horizons in interventional radiology.