In many cases, patients don’t miss out on interventional radiology (IR) treatments because they’re unavailable – they miss out because no one told them the option existed.
At ECCO Medical, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools in healthcare and extends beyond our patients. It’s why we host quarterly education dinners for referring providers across Colorado, creating space for meaningful connection, collaboration, and learning.
These events are more than just a presentation – they’re part of a larger mission to make minimally invasive care more accessible and more widely understood across the medical community.
What Are ECCO’s Education Dinners?
Every few months, ECCO brings together a group of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals for a private evening of food, conversation, and IR education.
Hosted at local venues or at ECCO’s Lone Tree office, these invite-only events offer providers the chance to:
- Learn about minimally invasive procedures like embolization for fibroid treatment, prostate symptoms, knee pain, and pelvic pain
- Discuss real cases and outcomes with ECCO’s clinical team
- Explore how non-surgical treatment options can fit into their patient care plans
- Connect with colleagues in a casual, collaborative environment
Each dinner is led by Dr. Aaron Kovaleski, a board-certified interventional radiologist and ECCO’s medical director. With experience in patient care, provider education, and media engagement, Dr. Kovaleski brings clarity and accessibility to even the most complex IR topics.
Why These Events Matter
Despite how effective and life-changing IR can be, many providers never receive formal training in interventional radiology during medical school or residency. As a result, patients often go through traditional care channels – surgery, medication, or watchful waiting – without knowing they have non-surgical options.
At ECCO, we want to change that.
We believe that when primary care providers, OB-GYNs, urologists, and orthopedic specialists are equipped with a broader understanding of IR, their patients benefit. These dinners are our way of building that bridge – offering providers the information, tools, and referral pathways they need to make more informed recommendations.
When providers understand the full scope of IR, their patients benefit in measurable ways:
- Access to treatment plans with shorter recovery times and fewer risks
- Referrals that align with patient values (especially when surgery isn’t a preferred option)
- More trust between patients and providers
- Expanded awareness of IR in both metro Denver and underserved areas of Colorado
These aren’t just educational events – they’re shaping a more connected, collaborative care network. And that leads to better outcomes.
A Look Inside The Experience
Each ECCO education dinner is designed to be warm, relaxed, and engaging. Here’s what attendees can expect:
- A welcoming atmosphere with catered dinner and drinks
- A focused presentation on a current IR topic – from uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) to prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and genicular artery embolization (GAE)
- Real patient case reviews and treatment outcomes
- Open Q&A where providers can ask about candidacy, risks, and post-procedure care
- Space to connect and learn from other local providers
Past events have covered topics like minimally invasive vein treatment, non-surgical knee pain relief, and how embolization is changing the standard of care for many patients across Colorado.
At ECCO, Education Is the Standard
Every provider deserves to understand what’s possible. Every patient deserves to know their options.
Through our blog posts, videos, one-on-one conversations, and quarterly dinners, ECCO Medical is proud to lead the charge in provider and patient education. Because more knowledge means more options – and better care for everyone.
Want to Attend or Refer a Colleague?
If you’re a provider curious about the latest in IR or you know someone who would benefit from learning more, we’d love to connect. Space is limited, but the invitation is open.
Use our Provider Contact Form or reach out via our Contact Page to request an invitation to the next ECCO education dinner. We welcome providers from all specialties and levels of familiarity with IR.
