Prof. Nick Brown | IASIOS Council Member
I-MED Radiology, Wesley Hospital – IASIOS Accredited centre
Professor Nicholas Brown is an esteemed member of IASIOS whose commitment to excellence has significantly impacted the field of Interventional Radiology. Prof Brown’s facility achieved the prestigious IASIOS accreditation seal in 2021, a testament to its unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality assurance in patient care.
A pivotal figure in the attainment of the IASIOS accreditation, Prof Brown recognized early the significance of the IASIOS accreditation in the IO landscape. With a specialization in Interventional Radiology, his expertise extends across a wide spectrum, encompassing interventional oncology, thoracic interventions, sports medicine, uroradiology, and health economics.
Prof Brown’s academic journey began at the University of Queensland Medical School, where he laid the foundation for his illustrious career. Subsequently, he underwent rigorous radiology training at The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Interventional Radiology at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
Prof Brown pursued post-graduate qualifications in Sports Medicine, Bioscience Enterprise, and Public Health from esteemed institutions such as the University of Cambridge and Harvard University. His diverse skill set, coupled with certification by the European Board of Interventional Radiology (EBIR), enriches his approach to radiological practice.
Currently serving as the Clinical Director of I-MED Radiology at The Wesley Hospital and a Senior Staff Specialist in Radiology at The Prince Charles Hospital, prof Brown’s active involvement in research spanning uroradiology, oncology, sports medicine, and nuclear medicine has resulted in numerous publications in peer-reviewed literature.
In addition to his clinical endeavours, Prof Brown generously imparts his knowledge and expertise as an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland School of Medicine. His contributions to the field of Interventional Radiology are truly commendable.
Get to know Prof. Brown a little bit better!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I find enjoyment and relaxation in a variety of hobbies and interests. I am an avid Formula 1 enthusiast. Additionally, I am a supporter of the Wallabies (Australian national rugby team), and I enjoy cycling.
Could you share an experience from your working/educational background that significantly impacted your journey?
As a junior doctor, I regularly attended multidisciplinary team meetings where radiologists consistently stood out as the most knowledgeable. Other specialities often sought their opinion and treatment advice, recognizing the significant role radiologists played in shaping patient care pathways. Interventional radiologists added tremendous value for both referrers and patients, demonstrating the vital importance of their expertise in the healthcare setting.
Why did you choose a career in Interventional Oncology over other specialities?
The field of Interventional Radiology offers a unique approach to patient care, characterized by its minimally invasive techniques guided by imaging. This approach enables us to provide better, faster, safer, and more cost-effective treatments compared to traditional methods. As new technologies continue to emerge, they open exciting new frontiers in treatment, driving the evolution of our field, and I wanted to be a part of this evolution.
What was your motivation behind seeking IASIOS accreditation?
Quality assurance is an important and critical aspect of IO. Ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care. Accreditation to international standards plays a crucial role in validating IO’s speciality credentials, placing it on par with other oncology specialities. By adhering to these rigorous standards, IO demonstrates its commitment to excellence and patient safety, while also fostering trust and confidence among patients and healthcare providers alike.
What benefits does the IASIOS accreditation provide to the patients and the IOs?
Patients benefit from a stricter adherence to quality practices that provide better outcomes. Additionally, patients are reassured that our IO services comply with the highest international standards.
Could you name some of the improvements IASIOS has brought into your IO service line?
Stricter adherence to quality practices in Interventional Oncology yields numerous benefits. It ensures better and more consistent clinical practices, leading to improved treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Additionally, it enhances post-treatment verification processes, allowing for thorough monitoring of treatment efficacy and patient response. Moreover, it facilitates better recruitment of skilled professionals, strengthening the IO team.
How do you see the future and development of IO and the role it plays within cancer care?
Non-surgical, imaging-guided, precision, and personalised medicine are increasingly dominant in the healthcare landscape, and IR/IO is extremely well placed to capitalise on this. IO will consolidate its role as a recognised pillar of Oncology Care.
What advice do you have for the next generation of IOs?
Persevere, aim for high-quality clinical care, understand the role of IO within the broader Oncology Care, alongside surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology care, and advocate for your patients.
I-MED Radiology, Wesley Hospital | Auchenflower, Australia
