The Saudi Interventional Radiology Society (SIRS) and CIRSE recently signed a memorandum of understanding setting the framework for SIRS’ group membership starting in 2026. We spoke with SIRS President Dr. Hassan Alshehri about his society, the status of IR in Saudi Arabia, and future plans to advance IR in the region.
CIRSE Insider: Can you tell us about the history of your society?
Alshehri: Certainly. SIRS is a non-profit professional organization founded in 2014 to represent interventional radiologists and trainees across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its establishment marked a significant step toward unifying and advancing the practice of interventional radiology in the region.
One of the society’s early milestones was the organization of its first international conference, held in Jeddah in January 2017. Since then, SIRS has been actively involved in hosting annual scientific meetings, hands-on workshops, and a variety of educational programs aimed at supporting physicians, trainees, and allied health professionals. Through these initiatives, the society continues to promote excellence in education, research, and clinical practice within the field of interventional radiology.
CIRSE Insider: What is the path like for students or physicians who wish to become an IR in Saudi Arabia?
Alshehri: The path begins with completing medical school and a one-year internship to obtain an MBBS degree and then to qualify for a medical license through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS). The next step is entering a radiology residency, which typically lasts four years. During residency, we gain broad exposure to all imaging modalities, including dedicated rotations in vascular and interventional radiology.
After completing residency and earning the Saudi Board certification in radiology, trainees can pursue a subspecialty fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, accredited by the SCFHS or recognized international centres. The fellowship usually lasts between one and two years and provides intensive, hands-on training in both vascular and non-vascular interventions. Currently, around 20 to 25 doctors graduate each year from the local vascular and interventional radiology fellowship program, significantly contributing to the growth and availability of high-quality IR services across the Kingdom.
Upon successful completion, physicians become certified vascular and interventional radiologists, qualified to practice independently. From there, continuous education, research, and active participation in professional societies such as the SIRS are essential for professional growth and staying up to date with advances in the field.
CIRSE Insider: How aware is the general public about interventional radiology? How does SIRS help share information about IR with patients?
Alshehri: Public education is a key part of SIRS’s mission. We’ve actively organized and supported awareness campaigns across hospitals and public venues in multiple cities throughout the Kingdom to help people better understand what interventional radiology is and how it can benefit patients.
In addition, SIRS leverages social media platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach a broader audience. Through these channels, we share patient-friendly educational videos, simple infographics that explain IR procedures clearly, as well as success stories and testimonials from patients. We also produce short videos featuring interventional radiologists themselves, who explain the specialty and the treatments they provide in accessible terms.
CIRSE Insider: What motivated SIRS to pursue group membership with CIRSE? What initiatives are you and your members involved in or hope to become involved in in the future?
Alshehri: CIRSE is a global leader in advancing interventional radiology through education, research, and collaboration. Being part of CIRSE will allow our members to connect with international experts, stay updated on the latest innovations, and contribute to shaping the future of our specialty on a broader scale. Our members are actively involved in initiatives focused on enhancing clinical practice guidelines, expanding training and fellowship opportunities, and promoting patient awareness locally and regionally.
Looking ahead, we hope to collaborate with CIRSE on educational programs, multicentre research projects, and initiatives to improve access to IR services across underserved areas. Ultimately, our goal is to elevate the standard of interventional radiology in Saudi Arabia while contributing meaningfully to the global IR community.
CIRSE Insider: SIRS is having its 9th Annual Scientific Congress from January 15-17, 2026. What plans can you share about the programme?
Alshehri: SIRS has continued to grow and expand year after year, gaining greater recognition both nationally and internationally. For the SIRS 2026 Congress, we are proud to be hosting over 100 speakers representing a wide range of interventional radiology subspecialties. This reflects not only the society’s growth but also its commitment to advancing education and collaboration within the field.
SIRS 2026 is designed to offer a comprehensive scientific programme covering various key areas, including interventional radiology, neurointervention, allied health tracks, and a dedicated track for students. In addition, the congress will feature hands-on workshops aimed at enhancing practical skills across different subspecialties. I’d also like to mention—though not yet officially announced to the public—that we’ve received approval for 30 Continuing Medical Education (CME)/CPD credits, which we believe adds significant value for our attendees.
CIRSE Insider: Can you briefly describe the Saudi Vision 2030? What is the role of SIRS in supporting this national strategy?
Alshehri: Saudi Vision 2030 is a national initiative aimed at transforming the Kingdom by diversifying the economy and reducing its reliance on oil. One of its key pillars is the development of a world-class healthcare system that is efficient, patient-centred, and driven by innovation.
SIRS is proud to support this vision in several ways. First, by promoting minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures, we help improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times which aligns with the goals of enhancing healthcare efficiency and quality. We also focus heavily on education and capacity building by supporting Saudi physicians, trainees, and allied health professionals through specialized training and fellowship programs. In addition, we contribute to research and innovation in the IR field, which supports the vision’s emphasis on advancing science and technology.
Lastly, public awareness is another area we contribute to. We’re working to ensure that patients across the Kingdom understand what interventional radiology offers, empowering them to make informed decisions which is very much in line with Vision 2030’s commitment to improving the overall patient experience.
CIRSE Insider: Looking to the future, what do you hope for IR in Saudi Arabia?
Alshehri: I truly believe interventional radiology has the potential to transform healthcare in Saudi Arabia. My hope is that IR becomes a leader of innovation and excellence, reaching every corner of the Kingdom and making minimally invasive, life-changing treatments accessible to all patients.
I’m excited about the possibilities that technology will bring, empowering us to tackle complex diseases with precision and compassion. Equally important is nurturing the next generation of passionate, skilled interventional radiologists who will carry this vision forward. Ultimately, I see IR not just as a specialty but as a movement that will redefine patient care by improving outcomes, reducing suffering, and inspiring hope throughout Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system.
