THE WAIS MISSION: The Western Angiographic and Interventional Society is incorporated to maintain the highest standard of patient care, providing quality, timely continuing education programs for member physicians and other health care professionals.
OBJECTIVES: The professional goal of WAIS is achieved through an annual seminar combining scientific presentations (by Society members and invited non-member experts), practical interactive discussion sessions, hands-on demonstrations and personal non-formal contacts between members and guests. Annual lectureships include
The Charles Dotter Memorial Lecture The Thomas Dorsey Lecture Both are given by invited international experts in the field of Interventional Radiology with special emphasis on newer modalities, long-term results of various therapies and quality control and monitoring.
TARGETED AUDIENCE: The annual WAIS Conference is intended for board certified member physicians practicing in the field of Vascular & Interventional Radiology and related research positions. WAIS also welcomes Fellows, RNs, PAs and RTs working in Image Guided Therapy positions. The Society Conference opens registration to a limited number of allied professionals and is based on space availability each year.
AFFILIATIONS: Through a regional society, WAIS is actively supportive of and interactive with larger national organizations such as the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) and the American College of Radiology (ACR). This close rapport supports and aids national data collection, credentialing and establishing practical guidelines including quality assurance.
MEMBERSHIP: More than 200 physicians from 14 western states make up WAIS, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and British Columbia. To become a member, applicants should submit an application form, CV and member dues to the WAIS address. Additionally, members will meet the following criteria: Reside in the membership region Qualify as physicians who have a primary interest and responsibility in Image Guided Therapy
Review Committee Procedure: Consideration for membership is based on a general guideline of 200 cases per year as a minimum activity, whether done personally or in a supervisory or teaching capacity. The committee may allow for teaching consultation, innovative or investigational activity, which might reduce the total number of cases an angiographer performs per year. The committee is also instructed to estimate the quality of the nominee's angiography, the impact of his/her angiography on the medical community in which he/she practices, and his/her contribution to the field of Angiography and Image Guided Therapy. For more information, contact a WAIS Officer.
