Professor Anna-Maria Belli is a Consultant in Interventional Radiology at St George’s Hospital.
How did you choose interventional radiology and why?
I chose IR as it excited me. It’s a rapidly developing field where I can make a real difference to a patient’s life. IR is truly minimally invasive- we are talking about pinhole rather than keyhole surgery and it is replacing open surgery in some fields therefore lots of research opportunities.
What’s the best thing about your job?
No day is the same. The cases are challenging and much of what I do is cutting edge.
What has been the highlight of your career working in interventional radiology?
The highlight of my career is seeing IR develop from a niche section of radiology into a full subspecialty with a clear training pathway and acknowledged as essential to modern healthcare.
Why should more women get involved with interventional radiology?
Women have a lot to offer. They counterbalance some of the more masculine traits. They are patient, caring as well as highly skilled. The women who enter IR are highly motivated as it is still a male dominated specialty.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in interventional radiology?
It is a great career and you will make a direct difference to patient’s lives. I have never been bored in my 25 years of practice. We have refined our skills but there are so many new applications of IR, that it has never stopped being exciting. I still derive enormous pleasure from my work and being a clinician responsible for my patient’s care and outcomes.
Is there a woman you look up to in interventional radiology? And if so why?
All my female colleagues inspire me. They are incredibly motivated and hard working!
Read more interviews with inspiring women working in clinical radiology and oncology