At the University of Florida, we offer Interventional Radiology Training via the Independent IR Residency. Our program is ACGME accredited. We are approved for four total positions. We will take applicants with and without ESIR designation into consideration.

The strengths of our program are fellow autonomy and procedure volume/variety. We encourage early hands on experience and the fellow can expect to be primary operator and/or independent operator for the majority of their fellow year. Procedural strengths are TIPS, hepatobiliary/transplant procedures, interventional oncology, trauma, vascular access and routine bread and butter IR. We have supplemented areas of procedural deficiency with outside rotations emphasizing the performance of both peripheral arterial/venous interventions and vertebral augmentations.

The work atmosphere is collegial and fun. Emphasis is on learning safety, quality and efficiency. We strive for a healthy work/life balance. The training equally prepares graduates for academia or busy private practice.

Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR)

The purpose of ESIR is to offer an alternative pathway for diagnostic radiology residents who indicate a desire to enter IR training early in their DR training. ESIR training consists of 12 IR or IR-related rotations during their PGY2 – 5 years, with documentation of having performed 500 IR or IR-related procedures. Diagnostic radiology residents who select to complete the ESIR curriculum and meet the IR procedural requirements, may receive credit for year one, in the IR Residency (Independent), and directly enter into year two of the Independent Residency; completing training within six years.

IR – Independent Residency

The 1-2 year IR-Independent residency will provide a broad and more in-depth experience in the clinical diagnosis and care of patients with diseases commonly treated by an interventional radiologist. Furthermore, the residency allows the trainees an opportunity to become more familiar with and participate in research to further the field of vascular and interventional radiology.

The residency curriculum is configured to provide education and competency experiences in IR and IR-related services as surgical ICU, Liver/Kidney Transplant, Hepatology, body IR procedures, and consult services that includes IR clinic. In the first year of the two-year residency, the trainee will spend at least nine months in IR. In the second year, a minimum of eight months.
The program offers up to four Independent Residency positions that will match through the NRMP.

Applicants to the program must have completed a diagnostic radiology residency in an ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited diagnostic radiology program. Applicants must have passed the ABR Core exam at the time of entry into the program.

To be eligible for appointment in the second year of education in an independent program, residents must have completed an Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) curriculum in a diagnostic radiology program that has prior approval from the Review Committee for ESIR participation.

Graduates of the IR-Independent residency qualify to take the IR/DR exam offered by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The dual certification recognizes competency in both diagnostic and interventional radiology.

Curriculum

We offer up to four independent positions per year.

Year 1

• 9-10 IR Rotations

• 1 SICU Rotation

• 1 Body IR Rotation

• 1 Clinic/Consultation/Non-Invasive Imaging Rotation

• 1 Optional/Elective Rotation focusing on Vertebral Augmentation, PAD (would replace one of the general IR Rotations)

Year 2

• 11-12 IR Rotations 
• 1  Clinic / Consultation / Non-Invasive Imaging Rotation
• 1 Optional/Elective Rotation focusing on Vertebral Augmentation, PAD (would replace one of the general IR Rotations)

*Each rotation is 4 weeks – there are 13 rotations per year.

** Residents who meet the ESIR requirements will complete the second year curriculum.** 

Vision

The vision for our program is to improve the health care provided to patients in our community and beyond (local, state, regional/national, including veteran) by training well-rounded and clinically exceptional interventional radiologists. In doing so, we seek to enhance the development and well-being of our trainees and faculty so that they can better serve our patients and become the interventional radiologists they strive to be.

Mission

Our mission is to develop interventional radiology physicians who are compassionate, provide excellent health care, and are ready for any career opportunity and challenge. We hope to accomplish this through mentoring, educational opportunities both within and outside our institution, and in an environment that promotes personal well-being.

Program Aims

1. Graduate outstanding, experienced interventional radiologists ready to serve the unique health care needs of the state of Florida ensuring that 90% of IR fellows are competent in TIPS procedures by April of their final year.
2. Actively educate residents to be excellent interventional radiologists who are well-versed in the growing field of interventional oncology; 90% of IR fellows will participate in 20 interventional oncology cases by graduation.
3. Graduate skilled clinician-educators to enter academic or private practice; 20% of IR fellows will enter academics averaged over 5 years; and;
4. Cultivate and maintain an innovative teaching and learning environment where faculty and residents experience enhanced career development and sustained well-being as measured by our internal and external ACGME surveys.

How to Apply

Applications for entry into our program July 1, 2020 will commence December 1st.  Applications are only accepted via ERAS. Please note that we are only able to sponsor J1 visas.

Applicants to the program must have completed or are completing a diagnostic radiology residency in an ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited diagnostic radiology program.

Documents Required:

• MyERAS application
• Medical school transcript
• Three letters of recommendation
• USMLE Step I, Step II CK, CS, Step III
• Up to date curriculum vitae
• Medical School Performance Evaluation
• ECFMG certified at the time of application (international medical graduates only)
• ESIR applicants will submit an “ESIR Applicant Diagnostic Radiology Program Director Standardized Letter of Recommendation” as part of their ERAS application.

Interview

• The interview is a 20 minute virtual interview via Thalumus. You will meet with both the Program Director and Section Chief/Associate Program Director. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered in an invitation sent via Thalumus. There will be a social hour with the current fellows the night before the interview. You will receive an invitation via email containing a zoom link from one of the fellows.
• Please make sure you have a quiet, well-lit place to conduct your interview, free from distractions and interruptions.
• Please dress and conduct yourself as you would for an in-person interview.
• Please review the Thalmus Instructions for Applicants document on how to access the virtual platform on interview day.

Contact

We appreciate your interest in our program. For questions or additional information, please contact:

Helpful Links

SIR: Independent IR Residency

SIR: Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR)

SIR: Independent IR Residency Match

SIR: IR Residency

American Board of Radiology

National Resident Matching Program 

AAMC Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)