University of Colorado School of Medicine Program

The Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is renowned for its emphasis on exceptional patient care and educational excellence, focusing on developing future leaders in the field of Interventional Radiology (IR). The program offers residents the opportunity to engage in a broad range of medical and surgical subspecialties, which includes hands-on experience in diverse cases such as vascular, oncologic, hepatobiliary, dialysis, pain/palliative, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, the training encompasses unique opportunities in pediatric and neurointerventional procedures, supplemented by a robust curriculum of multidisciplinary conferences and outpatient clinics, along with noninvasive vascular imaging practices

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Integrated IR Residency program is structured to provide comprehensive training preparing residents for board certification in both Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology. The program integrates a variety of clinical experiences, with residents gaining extensive exposure through medical rotations at leading training sites including the University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health Medical Center, and the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Each site offers specialized experiences that enhance resident education through the performance of a significant volume of imaging studies and interventional procedures, which totals over 440,000 examinations annually. This includes not just diagnostic imaging but also the opportunity to participate in a wide array of interventional cases, further reinforcing the hands-on experience necessary for proficient practice in the field.

Research Opportunities

Residents in the program are encouraged to engage with the central research interests within the Interventional Radiology Division, which spans clinical, translational, and basic sciences. This approach cultivates the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and significant contributions to the medical literature. The program actively fosters a research environment where residents can undertake investigations that align with their interests while being supported by faculty members who are both nationally and internationally recognized in their subspecialties.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency program is committed to inclusivity and supports various visa types for international medical graduates. Residents must be U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. For international medical graduates, ECFMG certification is a prerequisite for application consideration. Additionally, applicants typically should have graduated from medical school within the last five years and must possess valid USMLE examination results.

Application Process

Application to the Integrated IR Residency Program is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The required documents include a general application form (CV), personal statement, Medical Student Performance Evaluation, three letters of recommendation, USMLE and other relevant examination results, and a medical school transcript. The selection process is based on an applicant's academic background, achievements, and performance in the personal interview.

Competitiveness and Demographics

The program is recognized as highly competitive. It welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds, including those of DO and IMG candidates. The program fills its positions through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), thereby requiring prospective applicants to demonstrate strong academic credentials and readiness to excel in a dynamic learning environment.

Teaching Hospitals and Training Experience

The University of Colorado Hospital, which serves as the primary training site, emerges as one of the nation’s top academic hospitals, enhancing the residency experience with its advanced facilities and significant patient volume. Residents train in a state-of-the-art environment, allowing them to perform approximately 10,000 interventional procedures yearly. Additionally, residents rotate through several academic and safety-net hospitals which contribute to their comprehensive clinical education.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The diversity of cases and the collaborative culture within the program stand out as key strengths, fostering an environment of mutual learning and professional growth. Regular interactions with faculty and attending physicians across various specialties enhance the educational experience, while numerous opportunities for recreation and exploration in the vibrant Denver area facilitate a well-rounded residency life.