Interventional Radiology Symposium for Medical Students: Raising Awareness, Understanding, and Interest

Abstract

CLINICAL PRACTICE CONCERN: BACKGROUND Interventional radiology (IR) is a dynamic medical specialty that utilizes nearly all forms of radiological imaging to diagnose and treat a myriad of disease processes with minimally invasive procedures. IR has been recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology since 1994. Over the years, the specialty has undergone a rapid evolution, with less stress on image interpretation skills, and an increasing emphasis on the larger role that the interventional radiologist should have in longitudinal patient care. This progression culminated in ABMS approval of IR as a primary medical specialty, in 2012. In late 2014, the ACGME approved the residency training program requirements for an IR residency. Although some medical schools offer a dedicated IR clerkship, as few as 5.5% of medical students participate in the elective rotation [1]. Over the past decade, interest has been growing in the specialty of IR, with a resultant significant increase in the number of individuals applying for training [2]. However, the levels of exposure of medical students to IR and understanding of the specialty remain low [3]. Additionally, other medical