UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers an Independent Interventional Radiology (IR) Residency program, designed to provide comprehensive training in all facets of interventional radiology. This program, accredited in good standing with the ACGME, offers a one to two-year training track focusing on advanced procedures and patient care methodologies relevant to modern interventional radiology.

Program Overview

The independent IR residency is structured to recruit one to two residents annually. The curriculum includes practical experience across various settings and diseases, enabling residents to gain profound insight into interventional procedures. Residents may expect to engage in critical practice areas, including:

• Interventional oncology (e.g., transarterial chemoembolization, Yttrium-90 treatments, portal vein embolization).
• Pediatric interventional radiology, with dedicated mentorship from specialists affiliated with the largest children's hospital in Los Angeles.
• Peripheral vascular disease management (angioplasty, stenting, and drug-eluting therapies).
• Venous disease care, including deep vein thrombosis treatments and IVC filter placements.
• Treatment planning for fibroid disorders and HHT interventions.

This diversity ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in both academic environments and community practice, emphasizing an excellent balance between clinical ergonomics and procedural finesse.

Curriculum and Rotations

During the residency, trainees participate in a series of rotations that span 8 key areas, each providing exposure to specific techniques and patient care methodologies:

1. IR3 Rotation at Ronald Reagan Medical Center: Focused on complex procedures in the main angiographic suite.
2. Santa Monica Hospital IR: Involves additional training in an advanced angiographic suite for complex conditions.
3. Cross-Sectional Interventions (CSIR): Engaging in biopsies, drainages, and ablations in various anatomical locations.
4. West Los Angeles VA Hospital IR: Offering a broader spectrum of interventions for veterans.
5. Manhattan Beach Imaging Center: Experience in evaluation and treatment of varicose veins.
6. Children's Hospital Los Angeles IR: Pediatric-focused rotations for specialized interventional techniques.
7. Dedicated Outpatient IR Clinic: Allows high volumes of pre- and post-procedure care exposure.
8. Acute Care Imaging Rotations (ACI): Complementing training in emergency medicine contexts.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research throughout their training. The program's association with advanced research initiatives provides access to numerous opportunities for scholarly work, potentially opening avenues for publication and further academic advancement.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The Independent IR Residency program at UCLA is highly competitive. To be eligible, applicants must hold an MD or equivalent and have completed prerequisite training for interventional radiology. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO candidates are considered, provided they meet specific criteria. The program offers visa sponsorship options for eligible candidates, primarily focusing on J-1 visas for international fellows. A detailed review of all application materials is imperative to ensure compliance with internal standards and procedures.

Potential applicants should be aware that any prior failure of the USMLE STEP exams may influence eligibility, and successful applicants typically exhibit strong academic performance, notable research experience, and effective clinical exposure history. Additionally, all candidates must demonstrate significant professional commitment and preparedness for the rigors of this demanding specialty.

Support for Trainees

The residency program emphasizes a supportive learning environment, mentoring opportunities, and access to resources for professional development. Graduates can expect to emerge as proficient clinicians ready for practice in diverse environments.