Interest in Interventional Radiology at Different Stages of Training: Possible Implications for the New Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency

Abstract

Integrated interventional radiology (IR) residencies recently underwent their second year in the match, the first year of which involved only a limited number of programs. Now that students can choose to enter IR directly, student perceptions of IR vs diagnostic radiology (DR) are of paramount importance. We surveyed first- through fourth-year medical students and radiology residents regarding interest in IR vs DR. Students considering a radiological career expressed more interest in IR than DR. Conversely, residents expressed more interest in DR. Medical student advisors and IR programs should continue to anticipate a high number of applications for integrated IR positions.