University of California (San Francisco) School of Medicine Program

UCSF Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program

The Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is designed for physicians who wish to specialize in interventional radiology (IR). This five-year program integrates three years of diagnostic imaging training with two years dedicated to IR, significantly enhancing the educational experience in this specialized field.

UCSF is recognized for its robust training in Diagnostic Radiology, ensuring that IR residents receive comprehensive training across both diagnostic and interventional radiology disciplines. The residency program offers substantial clinical exposure through its association with high-volume hospitals such as Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center. Both introductory and advanced IR rotations are included in the curriculum, with experience gained at multiple training sites, including the Moffitt-Long and Mission Bay campuses, as well as the Mount Zion outpatient IR center.

Educational Program

The educational curriculum is structured so that the first three years focus primarily on diagnostic imaging, while the last two years delve deeply into interventional radiology. During the fourth year, residents may spend up to nine months engaged in IR-focused rotations, ensuring that they acquire substantial hands-on experience throughout their training.

Call responsibilities align with the training stages; residents take call for diagnostic radiology in the initial four years and shift to IR call during the final year.

Diversity and Inclusion

The IR section at UCSF is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. The educational practices within the program aim to dismantle systemic barriers in graduate medical education, fostering a safe environment conducive to learning for all residents.

Application Process

Eligibility and Competitive Landscape

UCSF offers one Integrated IR residency position each year, making it a highly competitive program sought by candidates from both U.S. and international medical schools. Applicants must have completed their preliminary year at an ACGME-accredited institution and are evaluated based on criteria including clinical performance, research experience, and letters of recommendation.

Special Requirements

Candidates should submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a deadline set for October 1, 2024, for positions starting in July 2026. Applicants are encouraged to provide three letters of recommendation, ideally from physicians who can attest to their clinical skills, along with a performance evaluation from their medical school.

Visa Support

The residency program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers sponsorship for ECFMG-sponsored J-1 visas. However, H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for graduates from international medical schools.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the residency training at UCSF, and residents are encouraged to engage in academic endeavors throughout their training. Various research opportunities are available, particularly in the field of interventional radiology.

Training and Rotations

Residents benefit from diverse rotation experiences across multiple campuses, gaining a wide array of skills in both vascular and non-vascular interventional procedures. The program emphasizes clinical care, allowing residents to participate actively in patient management and procedural guidance, reinforcing the critical connection between diagnostic radiology and clinical practice.

Conclusion

The Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program at UCSF strives to prepare residents for the evolving landscape of interventional radiology, providing rigorous training, substantial clinical experience, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.