Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program at Washington University, in collaboration with the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR), consists of a five-year training structure commencing at the PGY-2 level, following a one-year accredited clinical internship. The program is specifically designed to produce highly competent interventional radiologists capable of obtaining board certification in both diagnostic and interventional radiology.

During the first three years, residents will engage intensively in diagnostic radiology training. In years four and five, the focus will transition to interventional radiology, encompassing rigorous hands-on experience and advanced procedural training in various vascular and non-vascular interventions. The program is designed to fortify the residents’ abilities to perform sophisticated procedures and to provide holistic patient care.

Clinical Rotations

Residents rotate through three primary hospitals: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. This diverse clinical exposure ensures a comprehensive understanding of the full scope of diagnostic and interventional radiology practices. In addition, during the PGY-5 year, residents are expected to participate in rotations within the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), enriching their critical care experience.

Curriculum and Conferences

The curriculum includes a structured series of conferences to augment learning. Integrated IR residents will attend various conferences, particularly during their last two years when focusing on interventional radiology. These include:

• Quality and safety conferences held biweekly
• Weekly interventional radiology didactic sessions
• Hepatobiliary interdisciplinary conferences
• Journals clubs and case discussions every Friday

This organized educational approach promotes a deep understanding of clinical practice alongside a robust foundational knowledge base.

Research Opportunities

MIR places a strong emphasis on research, providing residents with numerous opportunities to engage in mentored research activities that frequently lead to presentations at national meetings and publications in reputable medical journals. First and second-year residents are financially supported to attend one conference each academic year, while third and fourth-year residents can seek reimbursement for more than one meeting annually, capped at $2,500.3

Support for International Medical Graduates

For applicants who are international medical graduates, the program requires holding an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate and some clinical experience prior to the commencement of training. A maximum of five years may elapse since graduating from medical school at the time of application.7

Visa Sponsorship

The Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program provides visa sponsorship opportunities for international medical graduates. The types of visas typically supported include J-1 and H-1B visas, which allow international learners to pursue medical education in the United States.10

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive, attracting top candidates from medical schools across the country. It is important for applicants to present a strong application, which includes passing USMLE Step 1 scores before the residency starts and preferably having four letters of recommendation from qualified individuals in relevant fields, specifically in surgery. All applicants are required to use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for submission of their application materials.5

University and Training Culture

The training program fosters an environment of collaboration and support among residents and faculty, encouraging professional relationships that are vital for clinical and personal development. Residents typically report high levels of satisfaction with their mentors and the training provided, which is structured to cultivate competent, independent surgeons in the field of interventional radiology.