Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Interventional Radiology Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a highly structured five-year, ACGME-accredited program designed for those completing an internship year. This program prepares residents for independent clinical practice in a variety of professional environments including private, academic, or military settings, thereby accommodating a broad spectrum of career ambitions.

Program Overview

The residency encompasses initial training in diagnostic radiology followed by dedicated interventional radiology training in the final two years. Residents undergo comprehensive education in all subspecialties, focusing extensively on practical experience through clinical and procedural trainings. A unique aspect of this residency is the maintenance of a close relationship between the Department of Radiology and other clinical services, enriching the interdisciplinary approach to patient care and resident training.

Curriculum and Rotations

The first three years of the residency provide essential exposure to all subspecialties of diagnostic radiology in addition to three months dedicated to interventional radiology. During the last two years, residents receive focused training within the interventional radiology suite. Specific procedures residents are trained in include:

• Vascular interventions, including diagnostic and interventional arteriography and venography.
• Oncologic interventions and transplant interventions.
• Embolotherapy and vascular access management.
• IVC filter placement and complex IVC filter retrieval.
• Percutaneous biliary interventions and genitourinary interventions.
• Complex drainage and non-invasive vascular imaging techniques.

Residents also participate in multidisciplinary conferences, which support their understanding of the diverse clinical scenarios encountered in daily practice. This rotational structure enables residents to engage actively with varied clinical services across the medical spectrum.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the residency, allowing residents to delve into specific areas of interventional radiology. Participation in quality assurance projects is mandated, promoting a culture of continuous improvement in patient care. Residents are encouraged to partake in scholarly activities, providing opportunities for enhancing their research publication profiles.

Facilities and Training Sites

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive academic health system with extensive resources. This facility has been designated as both an adult and pediatric Level I trauma center, ensuring high exposure to complex clinical cases. Residents also benefit from access to the Harrell Health Sciences Library, which provides a vast array of academic resources essential for medical training.

Benefits and Stipend

Residents are provided a competitive salary aligned with PGY-2 level, regardless of prior experience, along with additional stipends for educational materials, conferences, and research support. Comprehensive wellness resources are also available to support residents in maintaining a balanced training experience.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is competitive, attracting talented candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds along with international medical graduates (IMGs). The residency requires that applicants complete a clinical year in an ACGME-approved program, with no more than a total of three months in radiology or similar specialties. Although the program encourages intensive care training, it is not mandated.

Visa Information

The Interventional Radiology Residency program supports visa sponsorship for international applicants, particularly for J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring a pathway for eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious training program.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The program fosters a diverse and inclusive environment through dedicated initiatives aimed at promoting equality among residents, faculty, and patients. These efforts reflect the institution's commitment to providing a respectful learning and working atmosphere for all individuals regardless of background.