Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Interventional Radiology (IR) Residency program at the Indiana University School of Medicine offers a robust and comprehensive training experience in a multi-hospital tertiary care academic setting. The program focuses on developing clinical excellence in diagnostic, vascular, and interventional radiology, supported by 18 dedicated interventional radiologists and adjunct faculty from the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. This residency is characterized by a commitment to innovative educational initiatives and the opportunity to engage with world-class faculty researchers, providing a solid foundation for future clinicians.

Training through the program emphasizes a blend of outpatient clinic rotations and inpatient consults, ensuring residents gain extensive clinical exposure from the beginning of their training. A wide variety of interventional procedures are included in the curriculum such as interventional oncology, trauma care, vascular disease management, and pediatric interventions. This prepares residents to handle complex patient cases comprehensively throughout their training.

Program Structure

The IR residency program consists of two pathways: the Integrated program, which spans five years (PGY 2-6) and accepts 10 integrated residents, and the Independent program, a two-year (PGY 6-7) ACGME-accredited residency that accepts between two and four residents each year. Notably, up to two independent residents accepted can enter directly into year two with Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) certification.

Curriculum and Rotations

In the Integrated program, residents begin with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates diagnostic radiology with clinical interventional training. Typically, four rotations happen before the CORE exam. The early years focus on fundamental diagnostic imaging, providing a strong groundwork for advanced procedural proficiency. During the Independent IR residency, residents undergo a series of IR rotations, garnering exposure to a diverse array of outpatient settings, and must complete at least one quality improvement project.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical focus of the program, facilitated by dedicated mentorship. Residents are paired with faculty research mentors from the start of their training, ensuring they have the opportunity to engage actively in developing research projects, participating in national conferences, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. This aspect emphasizes the program’s commitment to academic progress and innovation in the field of interventional radiology.

Clinical Experience

The program ensures that residents receive an immersive clinical experience within its various affiliated training sites, including major hospitals like Riley Hospital for Children, IU Health Methodist Hospital, and others. Residents participate actively in outpatient interventional radiology clinics throughout all years of training; they rotate every other week, which helps them understand the breadth of conditions seen within this specialty. The clinical experience is designed to accommodate diverse patient populations, offering residents the chance to develop their expertise amidst various clinical scenarios.

Competitiveness and Applicant Requirements

This program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international medical graduates who meet the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) requirements. Applicants for the Integrated residency must have undertaken a dedicated interventional radiology clerkship during their medical education. For the Independent residency, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited clinical internship and are encouraged to pursue transitional or surgery internships to prepare for the demands of the IR training.

Visa Support

The institution provides visa support, permitting applicants who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible for a J-1 visa. Notably, the program does not sponsor H-1 visas. This factor may be crucial for international applicants considering training in the U.S.

Certification and Training Outcomes

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for either academic positions or private practice in interventional radiology, obtaining eligibility for dual certification in diagnostic and interventional radiology through the American Board of Radiology. The solid training structure is designed to equip future leaders in the field with comprehensive knowledge in imaging, procedural techniques, and patient-centered care.