Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

Overview

The Loma Linda University Medical Center's Interventional Radiology (IR) Program offers three accredited training pathways designed to foster the development of leaders in interventional radiology. The pathways include: 1) Integrated IR/DR Residency, 2) Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR)/DR Training Pathway, and 3) Independent IR Residency.

Curriculum

Integrated IR/DR Residency

This 5-year residency integrates diagnostic radiology (DR) and interventional radiology (IR) training. After a preliminary year, preferably in surgery, medicine, or a transitional year, residents spend the first three years focusing primarily on DR, with additional IR and clinical rotations. The final two years emphasize IR, preparing graduates for both academic and private practice roles.

Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR)

The ESIR pathway is created for DR residents interested in specializing in IR. Successful completion of this pathway allows residents to gain credit for one of the two years required in an independent IR residency post-graduation. The ESIR criteria demand completion of 11 IR-related rotations and an ICU rotation, ensuring thorough preparation for future roles.

Independent IR Residency

This ACGME-accredited independent IR residency lasts for 1 to 2 years, depending on whether the resident has completed the ESIR pathway. The program mirrors the later years of the Integrated IR/DR Residency, emphasizing the independence and work of trainees in both clinical engagements and procedures.

Clinical Work

Loma Linda University Medical Center provides extensive exposure to a diverse range of clinical conditions and procedures in IR. Residents receive exceptional training in treating peripheral arterial disease, managing complex venous pathology, and performing interventional oncology procedures, among others.

The program benefits from close collaboration with the vascular surgery department, facilitating shared responsibilities in managing the peripheral arterial disease caseload. The active interventional oncology program includes advanced techniques such as chemoembolization, radioembolization, and various ablation methods.

Well-rounded training extends beyond vascular procedures to non-vascular interventions such as tube placements, biopsies, and pediatric interventional coverage at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, the area's only major pediatric center.

Training Sites

Most training occurs at the Loma Linda University Medical Center, characterized as an academic hospital. Trainees also rotate through community-based settings at Redlands Community Hospital and Loma Linda University Surgical Hospital, in addition to the experience gained from caring for military veterans at Loma Linda VA hospital.

Interventional Call

Residents take IR calls depending on their rotations. For junior residents, calls are typically shared with senior IR colleagues to ensure adequate support. Such a structure allows residents to progressively gain decision-making autonomy while learning critical skills in emergency and trauma scenarios.

Educational Conferences

The program hosts weekly conferences, including liver tumor discussions and multidisciplinary conferences that enhance collaborative learning and case presentation skills. Trainees actively participate in monthly Journal Club meetings, promoting critical review of the literature.

Facilities

The facilities at Loma Linda University Medical Center are equipped with seven interventional suites, each designed for complex cases, inclusive of those requiring pediatric care. The state-of-the-art imaging capabilities ensure residents gain practical, hands-on experience with diverse technologies and procedures.

Application Requirements

Applications for both the Integrated IR/DR and Independent IR residency must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A complete application necessitates three letters of recommendation, including at least one from an interventional radiologist. Interview opportunities occur virtually and slots will be available at predetermined intervals.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is recognized for its competitiveness and welcomes applications from both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates. It provides visa support for candidates, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types as needed.

Special Application Requirements

While the program is generally open to a diverse applicant pool, certain specific requirements may include a preference for recent graduates. There may also be stipulations related to the number of failed STEP exams acceptable for applicants. Prospective residents are encouraged to review detailed requirements during the application process.