Interventional Radiology – Independent Residency

The Interventional Radiology-Independent Residency Training Program (IR-Independent Residency) is a 2-year ACGME-accredited residency program which begins after successful completion of a 4-year diagnostic radiology residency training. The IR-Independent Residency program is a clinical program accepted by the ABMS, ABR and the ACGME.  It includes expanded procedural and peri-procedural care beyond the traditional experience gained in DR residency.  The IR-Independent Residency requires clinical care rotations, including an outpatient clinic experience and an inpatient rounding and consult service.  The program provides the foundation for careers in Interventional Radiology, resulting in dual certification (IR and DR) and prepares the trainee for success in the Certificate of Added Qualification examination in Interventional Radiology.

Gregory Woodhead, MD, PhD (Program Director) oversees the IR-Independent Residency Program.

The IR-Independent Residency includes mandatory ICU rotations during the first year of residency and IR-related non-invasive vascular imaging experience, including advanced CTA/MRA imaging protocols.  Training includes supervised performance of imaging-guided diagnostic and interventional procedures for the treatment of a variety of disorders, enhancement of trainee’s knowledge of the signs and symptoms of disorders amenable to diagnosis and/or treatment by minimally invasive techniques, review of the fundamentals of radiation physics, radiation biology, and radiation protection, and includes the full clinical spectrum of vascular and interventional radiology (both vascular and non-vascular interventions).  Training is accomplished by a gradual assumption of increasing responsibility under the close supervision of physician faculty members.  Residents are evaluated each quarter and provided with information regarding their educational progress throughout their training, including biannual meetings with the training director.  Resident research projects are required and research time is available as an elective. The Residency Program reflects the goals of the academic and clinical programs by providing the residents with opportunities to learn and participate in diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive image-guided procedures, as well as research. 

The IR-Independent Residency Program provides training for a combination of ESIR-trained and non-ESIR trained residents.  The Program has the option to accept one or both categories of residents.  For admission into the second and final year of the IR-Independent Residency, candidates will have successfully completed an Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) program from an ACGME-accredited program. 

The Residency Training Program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) with applications submitted directly to ERAS. 

Candidates must provide the following documents to ERAS. 

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Evidence of pass results in Diagnostic Radiology Certifying Examination
  • Dean’s Letter. The Dean’s letter must document satisfactory academic and clinical performance, acceptable moral and ethical behavior and humanistic qualities
  • 3 letters of recommendation dated within the last 6 months
  • Medical School Transcripts
  • USMLE transcripts (Steps I, II, IICS, III)
  • Personal Statement
  • Photo
  • Visa Status, if applicable
  • ECFMG Certificate, if applicable

The Selection Committee finalizes the match list after reviewing all applicant records and interview evaluations.  Applicants can withdraw from the Match prior to the ranking deadline if they accept a position outside of the Match. The Program does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, or any other discriminatory factors.

Contact Information: Ina Rios
Email: imrios@arizona.edu

Twitter: @ArizonaVIR