Robert Joseph Abraham

Dr. Robert Joseph Abraham is a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine and a practicing interventional radiologist at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. His primary expertise encompasses endovascular treatments for liver cancer and vascular diseases, including Y-90 radioembolization, chemoembolization, bland embolization, angioplasty/stenting for peripheral vascular disease, and endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms. He established both the Uterine Fibroid Embolization program and Y-90 Radioembolization program at the QEII Hospital.

His educational background includes:

• BSc. in Chemistry, Dalhousie University
• MD, Dalhousie University
• Medical Internship, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver
• Residency in FRCPC Diagnostic Radiology, Dalhousie University
• Fellowship in Interventional Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Dr. Abraham's research focuses on advancing imageable embolic agents, particularly x-ray imageable Y-90 radioembolization microspheres for liver cancers. His work aims to standardize, optimize, and personalize embolization treatments through CT-based dosimetry, radiation segmentectomy/lobectomy development, and tumor-specific strategies. He investigates particle size optimization, activity administration, and treatment endpoints to improve outcomes across hepatocellular carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and colorectal cancer metastases.

His scientific contributions are recognized through:

• Fellowship of Society of Interventional Radiology (FSIR), 2016
• Presidency of Canadian Interventional Radiology Association (2014-2016)
• Leadership roles at Royal College of Canada (2005-2014)
• CIRA Program Chair for Annual Scientific Meetings (2012-2013)

Dr. Abraham has secured over $$4$$ million in research grants and co-founded ABK Biomedical Inc., where he served as CEO until August 2018. He raised $$12$$+ million in equity investment and $$5$$+ million in non-dilutive grants to develop next-generation imageable Y-90 products. The company operates a $$6000$$ sq.ft. manufacturing/R&D facility employing $$30$$+ personnel. As former CIRA President, he championed interventional radiology's recognition in Canada's healthcare system, advocating for evidence-based adoption of cost-effective procedures that reduce hospital stays and improve patient outcomes through collaborative multidisciplinary teams.