How to Crush Your Interventional Radiology (IR) Rotation

In this episode, interventional radiology resident Dr. Daryl Goldman and our host Dr. Aaron Fritts launch our BackTable Trainee Series by talking about how medical students can perform well on IR rotations, and more broadly, how they can best position themselves to apply for an integrated IR residency. They also discuss actions that program directors can take to ensure that their rotation is effective at teaching and recruiting trainees.

Dr. Goldman outlines her path to IR and offers advice to medical students for getting involved in research, networking, and away rotations. For students at sites without IR residency/fellowship programs, she suggests that they reach out to external programs for research opportunities and away rotations. Overall, she encourages interested students to learn how to be good mentees, attend conferences, and get involved with IR interest groups.

Dr. Goldman says that a major goal of an IR rotation should be showing students a broad view of the specialty: workups, procedures, inpatient management, clinic time, and follow-up care. She suggests that programs provide students with graduated responsibility, didactic time, and opportunities to give presentations.

The doctors advise students to use social media to get connected with their specialty networks. Specifically, they emphasize the collaborative and educational environment of the endovascular community on Twitter.