Rush University Medical Center Program

The Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR) program at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) provides an extensive and thorough education in interventional radiology. This independent program is designed to equip residents with the skills and knowledge required to excel in diverse clinical and procedural aspects of interventional radiology, combining rigorous training with comprehensive clinical exposure.

Program Overview

The VIR department at RUMC is staffed with seven full-time interventional radiologists, who provide services across multiple facilities including the main downtown RUMC campus and Rush Oak Park Hospital (ROPH). The program emphasizes an integrated approach to care, offering services such as clinic management of various conditions, and actively engages in scholarly and research activities. Trainees are encouraged to participate in industry-sponsored multicenter trials and are provided opportunities to present research at national conferences such as SIR, GEST, WCIO, and RSNA 1.

Curriculum

The program consists of a comprehensive training curriculum that spans a total of six years for categorical residents, beginning with a one-year surgical internship (PGY-1) before transitioning to three years of diagnostic radiology training (PGY-2 to PGY-4) and finishing with two years of dedicated interventional radiology training (PGY-5 and PGY-6). The independent two-year program also mirrors the clinical concentration seen during the PGY-5 and PGY-6 years. During this time, residents are offered rotations through vascular surgery and other procedural electives, facilitating a rich learning experience.

Focused Training Areas

Residents engage in clinically relevant training across various domains, including:

• Oncology: Procedures like biopsy, ablation techniques (microwave, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation), and radioembolization.
• Arterial Disease: Management of complications like endoleak, treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), and handling aneurysms.
• Venous Disease: Addressing venous thromboembolic disease, including management of deep venous thrombosis and placement/retrieval of IVC filters.
• Pain Management: Offering vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and nerve blocks.
• Transplant Care: Involvement in management strategies surrounding organ transplants.

Furthermore, residents have opportunities to explore advanced IR topics through a one-year non-ACGME accredited Advanced Interventional Radiology Fellowship 2.

Training Sites

Residents are given diverse clinical exposure across several training sites:

• Rush University Medical Center: A tertiary care hospital ranked among the top in the nation, where residents will spend most of their training time.
• Rush Oak Park Hospital: Provides additional clinical experience approximately 8 miles from the main campus.
• Rubschlager Oncology and Neurosciences Center: Offers cutting-edge radiology technology.
• Rush Copley Medical Center: While not a direct rotation site, it serves as a receiving hospital for patient transfers, enriching the resident's exposure to diverse clinical scenarios.
• Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center: Collaborates to enhance cancer treatment protocols within the community.

Research Opportunities

The program fosters a robust research culture, with faculty actively sponsoring and supporting research endeavors from residents. Research experiences include navigation through the IRB process and involvement in industry and NIH-sponsored trials 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, primarily sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring a pathway for qualified candidates from around the globe to participate in its training.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Rush's VIR program is considered competitive, welcoming both Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) and International Medical Graduates (IMG). Applicants must have completed a residency in diagnostic radiology and be board-certified or board-eligible. An emphasis exists for candidates to register with the Society of Interventional Radiology's National Residency Matching Program. Applications require specific documentation, including letters of recommendation from mentors and directors of training programs 2.

Salary and Benefits

The program provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical and dental coverage.
• A meal allowance of $1200 annually.
• A technology stipend of $600 per year.
• Four weeks of vacation and additional wellness days.
• Parking at no cost and issuance of lab coats.

Such a package ensures that residents can focus on their education and training while managing personal needs comfortably 3.

Alumni Network

Alumni of the program have gone on to various successful careers in interventional radiology, with strong support and connections maintained through the alumni network, enhancing opportunities for mentorship and collaboration following graduation 2.