CIRSE Fellowship report: Dr. Timothy Neuss

By Dr. Timothy Neuss

My name is Timothy Neuss. I studied medicine in Italy and trained in interventional radiology mainly at Amsterdam UMC, which is known, among other things, for its high-quality care in interventional oncology—particularly in liver ablations, as highlighted in the recent COLLISION study. I will soon be starting as a consultant interventional radiologist at UMC Groningen.

At the end of my CIRSE Fellowship and just before beginning my new role, I was given the opportunity, thanks to the CIRSE Fellowship Grant, to go to the Department of Radiology at the Attikon University General Hospital in Athens, Greece, under the supervision of Prof. Filippiadis. My main goal was to become more familiar with interventional procedures in the pain management field and to expand my knowledge of robotic-assisted solutions. These are both areas in which the Attikon department has developed notable expertise and offers rich learning opportunities.

Since my time as a resident, I have been fascinated by the pain management field and its potential to significantly improve quality of life. There are many procedures performed at Attikon that I would like to learn and implement myself. At the same time, I believe there is still room for improvement and innovation within this field.

From the first day, I was welcomed into a dynamic and inspiring environment; it is an outstanding team. Since I grew up in Italy, I am used to warm welcomes, but the Greeks take it to another level! I really felt like a part of the team from day one. Not only did I meet some incredible professionals, but I also can say I made new friends.

Prof. Filippiadis discussing a case with the team

Me with the team at Attikon University General Hospital

Highlights of the fellowship

Prof. Filippiadis was an incredible mentor. He offered me the opportunity to learn a wide range of procedures for managing chronic and oncologic pain. Some of the highlights included neurolysis of the pudendal nerve, ganglion impar, trigeminal nerve, and greater occipital nerve, as well as the use of pulsed radiofrequency ablation. I also participated in a significant number of cryoablation procedures for various tumours aimed at pain relief, in addition to musculoskeletal infiltrations. Several of these procedures were performed with the aid of robotic guidance, which was seamlessly integrated into the workflow.

What struck me most was the structured and systematic approach to these interventions, from clinical evaluation and patient selection to image-guided technique and post-procedural follow-up. It was fascinating to see how this technology improves accuracy, reduces radiation exposure, and enhances operator confidence in difficult anatomical scenarios. This experience gave me concrete insights into how robotics can be gradually implemented in my future department, especially for complex or high-risk cases.

Experience with the team and colleagues

I had the pleasure of working closely with many outstanding professionals during my time at Attikon. The residents were incredibly kind and welcoming, and I truly enjoyed every coffee break with them. We had weekly drinks after work in some amazing places, and they went out of their way to organize activities that made me feel included from the very beginning. I had a blast with the technicians and nurses, who, after only a short while, made me feel at home and gave me the confidence to participate fully. The interventional radiologists also went out of their way to include me in every case and often asked for my opinion, which left me feeling both humbled and grateful, especially considering their many years of experience.

A special mention goes to Dr. Ornella Moschovaki Zeiger, who herself completed a CIRSE Fellowship and played an essential role in guiding me through the day-to-day clinical workflow and procedures. Her clinical and personal support made a significant difference in my experience. Inspired by her generosity and openness, I would be more than happy to offer the same support to anyone interested in undertaking this fellowship or any similar experience abroad. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of help in planning or preparing for such an opportunity.

Me with Prof. Filippiadis

Checking out the sites in Athens. 

View of the nearby islands – a great way to spend the weekends! 

Outside work

My days at Attikon were filled with learning, but I also had time to explore Athens and its surroundings. The city is a beautiful blend of ancient history and modern life, and don’t get me started on the exquisite food! It was my first time in Greece, but I quickly understood why the ancient Romans were so fascinated and ‘borrowed’ so many of their great inventions (no offence, Julius Caesar).

What to do during the incredibly warm weekends? I simply caught a quick ferry with my girlfriend to one of the nearby stunning islands, spent the day lying on pristine beaches, and recharged for Monday all over again.

Final thoughts

This fellowship not only strengthened my technical abilities but also helped me to clarify and refine my professional vision for the years ahead. I return home with new skills, meaningful friendships, and a renewed enthusiasm for the future of our specialty. I am eager to take back and apply as much knowledge, experience, and inspiration as possible to my daily practice, and to share what I’ve learned with colleagues and trainees. This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to interventional radiology and deepened my appreciation for the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and excellence in our field.