Miller School Interventional Radiology Demonstrates Global Leadership at GEST 2026
Faculty, trainees and researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine presented research, moderated sessions and advanced multidisciplinary care models at Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies (GEST) 2026.
Faculty, trainees and researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Interventional Radiology program played a significant role at the 2026 Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies (GEST) conference, contributing to scientific sessions, moderating discussions and sharing research with an international audience.
GEST is widely regarded as a leading global forum for interventional radiologists specializing in embolization, tumor ablation and minimally invasive therapies. Its highly interactive format distinguishes it from larger meetings, emphasizing direct engagement, peer exchange and practical learning.
This year’s conference provided an important platform for the Miller School to highlight its expanding leadership in clinical innovation, education and multidisciplinary care.
“GEST stands out as one of the most important meetings in interventional radiology because it brings together global leaders in a setting designed for genuine exchange,” said Bedros Taslakian, M.D., associate professor of clinical interventional radiology and vice chair of research in the Department of Interventional Radiology at the Miller School. “The focus is not just on presenting data, but on advancing the field through collaboration, shared experience and practical innovation.”
Dr. Bedros Taslakian Advances Global MSK Collaboration
Dr. Taslakian played a key leadership role at GEST 2026 as moderator of the genicular artery embolization (GAE) expert forum. The interactive session was designed to foster open dialogue among international specialists in musculoskeletal (MSK) embolization.
“The session emphasized real-world clinical challenges and solutions, encouraging audience participation and collaboration rather than traditional lecture-based presentations,” Dr. Taslakian said.
In addition, Dr. Taslakian contributed to the GEST MSK scientific planning committee, helping shape the direction of the international MSK embolization conference held annually in Paris.
“GEST creates a uniquely collaborative environment where experts can openly exchange ideas and refine techniques,” he added. “Participating at both the session and planning levels highlights the Miller School’s role in advancing MSK embolization on a global scale.”
Dr. Alan Alper Sag Highlights Leadership in Cancer Pain Management
Alan Alper Sag, M.D., associate professor of interventional radiology at the Miller School, served as a session co-moderator for the pain management track and delivered an invited presentation on the ablation of painful bone metastases, focusing on patient selection, procedural technique and post-treatment care.
During the session, Dr. Sag also presented the Adult Cancer Pain and Bone Metastasis Tumor Board, from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the Miller School. He positioned it as a model for multidisciplinary collaboration. The program drew significant interest from peer institutions and was discussed as a framework others may replicate.
Beyond his speaking role, Dr. Sag contributed to trainee education through hands-on simulator sessions and focused teaching stations, engaging with aspiring interventional radiologists and sharing expertise in embolization techniques.
“Presenting our multidisciplinary tumor board and engaging in discussion with international colleagues reinforces how collaborative care models can elevate outcomes for patients with complex pain and metastatic disease,” Dr. Sag said.
Dr. Rohit Reddy Showcases Research Across Key IR Domains
Rohit Reddy, M.D., a Miller School interventional radiology resident, presented multiple research projects during abstract sessions, reflecting the breadth of the Miller School’s contributions across interventional radiology subspecialties.
His presentations addressed transcatheter arterial embolization for pediatric pelvic fractures, age-related risks of hepatic encephalopathy following TIPS procedures and population-level eligibility for breast tumor cryoablation, under the guidance of Muhammad Usman Shahid, M.D., assistant professor of interventional radiology at the Miller School.
GEST’s smaller, highly interactive setting allowed for direct dialogue with leaders in the field, providing valuable feedback and helping refine ongoing research efforts.
“GEST is a uniquely intimate gathering of the leaders in interventional radiology, which makes it one of the more valuable meetings to attend as a trainee,” said Dr. Reddy. “Rather than a large, anonymous conference, it brings the field’s key voices into close conversation. That format made it possible to get direct feedback on our work and to discuss where IR is heading.”
Trainee Research Highlights Depth of Program
The Miller School’s presence at GEST 2026 also reflected its strong commitment to training and mentorship, with contributions from students and research scholars.
• Anusha Gupta, a second-year medical student at the Miller School, presented “Cryoneurolysis for Peri-Procedural, Chronic Non-Cancer and Cancer-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.”
• Ho Kit Kennis, M.D., a University of Miami research scholar, presented “Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Pediatric Pelvic Fracture Hemorrhage: Outcomes by Injury Severity (2013–2023),” contributing to ongoing efforts to refine treatment strategies for complex trauma patients, under the guidance of Felipe Matsunaga M.D., assistant professor of interventional radiology at the Miller School of Medicine.
From faculty leadership roles to trainee research and hands-on education, the Miller School’s participation at GEST 2026 underscores its growing influence in advancing minimally invasive, patient-centered care.
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Tags: Department of Interventional Radiology, Dr. Alan Sag, Dr. Bedros Taslakian, Dr. Muhammad Usman Shahid, Dr. Rohit Reddy, genicular artery embolization (GAE), interventional radiology, pain management, Society of Interventional Radiology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center