The Interventional Radiology Interest Group: An Integral Tool for Medical Student Recruitment

Abstract

Education is evolving in the field of interventional radiology. Technical skills are no longer the primary focus of training, while a stronger emphasis is placed on longitudinal patient care. Interventional radiologists are now expected to perform rounds on their patients in the hospital and promote continuity of care in the outpatient setting (Murphy et al. Semin Intervent Radiol 2005;22:6-9). The recent establishment of residency programs in interventional radiology (RPIR) aims to foster this transition by integrating clinical rotations such as the intensive care unit and expanding resident time in the clinic (Siragusa et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2013;24:1609-12). With the new training model comes a greater need for early exposure of medical students to the field, as trainees now apply for RPIR during their 4^th year of medical school. To address this issue, interventional radiology interest groups (IRIGs) have been developed by passionate students with a desire to educate their colleagues and further their own knowledge of IR. IRIGs inform medical students about the specialty through unique activities such as hands-on device workshops and information sessions. In coordination with supportive advisors, IRIGs play a vital role in recruiting talented trainees, many of whom may well become the next leaders of our field. This article will discuss the process of starting an IRIG and how to maximize available resources to foster its success.