Aurora Health Care Program

The Aurora Interventional Radiology Residency is an integrated, clinically focused program that combines the fields of Diagnostic Radiology and Interventional Radiology. The program is structured to provide comprehensive and broad training, ensuring residents gain extensive experiential learning in patient selection, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical care. The residency is part of Aurora Health Care, one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States, which offers unique training opportunities due to its size and diversity in clinical settings 1.

The residency program consists of a dedicated transitional internship year followed by five years of integrated training. From PGY2 to PGY4, residents will spend their time in the established Diagnostic Radiology Residency curriculum. In PGY5 and PGY6, a robust interventional radiology experience awaits, emphasizing technical procedural training and exposure to the full range of interventional practices 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents engage in a variety of rotations throughout the program, which include specialized IR rotations, opportunities at Children's Wisconsin, ICU rotations, and additional Diagnostic Radiology experiences. The curriculum includes the Residency Essentials program, comprising 78 educational modules designed to cover essential topics in interventional radiology 1.

Research and Training Sites

The program fosters a culture of research and quality improvement, integrating scholarly activity as a core component of the residency experience. Residents will benefit from collaborating with a faculty that comprises highly skilled Interventional Radiologists dedicated to mentoring and supporting their education. Training primarily occurs at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, but residents may also have experiences at other medical centers within the Aurora Health Care system, expanding their training to a variety of clinical settings and patient populations 1.

Application Process and Special Requirements

Applicants are invited to apply through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and must adhere to specific application requirements. These include submission of a personal statement, curriculum vitae (CV), three letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and performance evaluations. Notably, the program prioritizes candidates who have passed USMLE/COMLEX Steps 1 and 2 on their first attempts, recent graduates, and those with strong communication skills 1.

For graduation qualifications, applicants must be graduates of an LCME-accredited medical school or an AOA-accredited osteopathic college. If the applicant is from an international medical school, they must hold a valid ECFMG certificate or possess a full and unrestricted medical license in the U.S. 1.

Visa Support

The Aurora Interventional Radiology Residency offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. It primarily supports J-1 visas but can also consider H-1B visas for qualified applicants, helping to facilitate a diverse pool of residents 1.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The residency program is known to be competitive, drawing applicants from various backgrounds, including U.S. and international medical graduates. Aurora Health Care emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its training programs, aiming to create a supportive environment for all residents to thrive 4.

Salary and Benefits

The Aurora Interventional Radiology Residency provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits for residents and their eligible dependents, and additional perks. The program is designed to ensure residents can focus on their education and training without financial distractions 2.

Support and Resources

Residents have access to a wealth of resources, including expert librarians and extensive medical literature through the Advocate Aurora Library. This robust support system enhances resident learning and encourages ongoing education, research, and professional development during their training 4.