Apr 28, 2016
University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Program
Overview
The Interventional Radiology - Integrated Residency Program at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is a prestigious and rigorously structured five-year program that combines interventional and diagnostic radiology training. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends clinical practice with research opportunities.
Program Structure
The residency comprises a total of six years, starting with a one-year surgical internship. This is followed by three years focused on Diagnostic Radiology and two additional years concentrated on Interventional Radiology.
This integrated training exposes residents to a multitude of procedures and clinical scenarios. The Interventional Radiology service exposes trainees to a wide spectrum of procedures, including interventional oncology, gastrointestinal interventions, vascular treatments, chest interventions, pediatric radiology, and neuro-interventions. The volume and variety of procedures ensure that residents gain extensive experience, performing over 4,000 procedures annually across 34 categories required by the ACGME 1.
Rotations and Curriculum
During the initial three years (R1 to R3), residents rotate through various subspecialty clinics, ensuring comprehensive exposure to all significant areas of radiology. The rotation schedule covers Body CT, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Pediatric Radiology, and Interventional Radiology among others, allowing residents to obtain a diverse skill set. Furthermore, specific rotations include dedicated time in nuclear medicine and mammography, which are critical for board certification requirements 5.
The final two years (R4 and R5) focus exclusively on Interventional Radiology, where residents graduate from assisting procedures to performing complex interventions independently. This gradual increase in responsibility ensures that by the end of their residency, graduates are well-prepared for independent practice 6.
Research Opportunities
Call Responsibilities and Work Hours
The call responsibilities are structured to ensure that junior residents have an adequate work-life balance while still gaining essential clinical experience. The use of a night float system for junior residents minimizes the burden on early-stage trainees, as most call is held in-house 4. Senior residents, however, take on more complex imaging modalities and will have specific on-call responsibilities during their final years, managing procedures and supporting junior residents.
Dedicated supervision is embedded throughout the residency training, ensuring compliance with ACGME regulations regarding work hours, and a commitment to resident wellness 10.
Benefits and Competitive Nature
Benefits for residents in the Interventional Radiology program are competitive with other top programs nationwide, including comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, and housing benefits. A Total of 21 days of annual paid time off are provided, along with support for UCLA tuition and a structured retirement savings plan 3.
This residency is competitive, accepting 1 resident per year from a pool of approximately 30 interviewed candidates. Applications are welcome from U.S. medical school graduates, DO graduates, and internationally trained MDs with the relevant qualifications 12.
Visa Support
The program sponsors both J-1 and H-1B visas for international candidates, demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the resident cohort 11.
Candidacy Requirements
Eligibility for the program includes the completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams for international medical graduates, as well as strong letters of recommendation and an acceptable medical school transcript. Previous experiences in radiology or clinical exposure within the U.S. may enhance application competitiveness 13.
The residency program strives to provide a well-rounded educational experience in an environment that nurtures both personal growth and professional development.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
1, 1, 1, 1, 1 (5 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 29, 2026)
Composition [2]
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $69,700 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 10 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 55 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 235–275 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:H1B, J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
1 Publication (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
1 Publication (5 yr)
Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for Recurrent Meningioma: Rationale and Roadmap for Neurointerventional Translation.
Location
Iowa City, IA [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Iowa City, IA
Crime Rate and Safety
Iowa City is known for being a safe and peaceful city with a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities in the United States.
Fun Activities
Being a college town, Iowa City offers a vibrant cultural scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various parks and trails for activities like hiking and biking.
Climate
Iowa City experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for significant snowfall during the winter months.
Races and Population
Iowa City has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, including a significant student population due to the presence of the University of Iowa.
Education
Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, providing opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Iowa City is relatively affordable compared to larger cities, making it an attractive option for residents.
Nearby Cities
Des Moines is the nearest major city to Iowa City, located approximately 2 hours away by car. Des Moines offers a wider variety of entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
Pros
- Safe environment
- vibrant cultural scene
- diverse population
- affordable cost of living.
Cons
- Cold winters with significant snowfall
- limited shopping options compared to larger cities.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Interventional radiology - integrated Programs Near Iowa City, IA
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4161800001
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/53b0ab88-6528-dffc-e4b9-f7e26498c1fd
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=060XX00US1910392077
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr