Assessing interventional radiology specialty knowledge and perception amongst Tanzanian medical students before and after exposure to an immersive curriculum.

AIMS: This study aims to assess the impact that delivering an introductory interventional radiology (IR) lecture series has on the knowledge and perception of the specialty among medical students in a resource-limited setting with, until recently, no IR presence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An introductory four-hour lecture series in IR was delivered to third-year medical students in Tanzania. Prior to and following the lecture series, participants completed a 27-item paper-based survey assessing their knowledge and perception of the specialty. RESULTS: Out of a class of 213, the pre- and post-lecture survey was returned by 148 (69.5%) and 151 (70.9%) respondents, respectively. 94.5% of respondents indicated that they were aware of IR as a specialty. Among respondents, 97.3% expressed interest in having IR lectures integrated into their curriculum, compared to 29.0% that reported having any prior IR training. 27.3% believed their knowledge in IR compared to other specialties was either "good" or "excellent", which improved to 43.3% (p<0.001). Identification that IR physicians consult patients directly, have outpatient clinics, have inpatient beds, and do rounds improved from 55.4% to 81.1% (p<0.001), 49.7% to 60.3% (p=0.066), 48.3% to 66.7% (p=0.001), and 52.0% to 66.2% (p=0.013), respectively. CONCLUSION: By introducing short lectures on IR-relevant topics, knowledge and perception of IR improved among Tanzanian medical students. Early education and exposure to IR should be prioritized to promote the continued growth of the specialty in this setting.

Expanding global health opportunities for UK-based interventional radiology trainees.

AIMS: As the future workload of interventional radiologists in the UK continues to expand, it is imperative that current IR trainees are given maximal opportunities to expand their skill sets. This paper argues that opportunities for involvement in international collaborative fieldwork should be expanded for interventional radiology trainees in the UK, as a means of maximising their future competency and positive contribution to the advancement of global healthcare. The study builds upon first-hand experience of the authors in the field and a review of the relevant literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This scoping review aimed to ascertain the current global health opportunities for interventional radiology trainees primarily in Resource Limited Countries (RLCs). This review further contrasted these opportunities with ones provided to trainees within North America and European countries. RESULTS: This review found that the opportunities for international collaborative fieldwork for UK interventional radiology trainees are sparse. The availability of such opportunities in the US is significantly greater as is the awareness and appreciation of the benefits of such international collaborations for trainees. Benefits include greater experience with a variety of pathologies, a potentially larger volume of workload, improved cultural competency and proficiency and greater cost-conscious and more sustainable practices. It is also pertinent that any future global partnership opportunities for UK clinicians are crafted with care to benefit both UK and international healthcare professionals, institutions and patients within RLCs. CONCLUSION: Significant work is needed to expand opportunities for global health for interventional radiology trainees in the UK. It is incumbent upon the major radiology societies and educational bodies within the UK to expand upon such opportunities to develop a robust, world-leading workforce, which would subsequently enhance our global health positionality and reflexivity.

Medical student challenges in the wake of integrated interventional radiology residency: A review.

Interventional radiology is a new medical specialty that recently created an integrated residency. This study serves a comprehensive review of literature discussing the challenges that medical students encounter in light of this new pathway, with a specific emphasis on the virtual application process. An analysis of 24 articles revealed that exposure to interventional radiology in medical school is lacking, with a limited pool of diverse mentors in the field. Moreover, medical school advising to students applying to interventional radiology may be inadequate. Although initiatives have been successful in increasing exposure, and there is encouraging data on diversity in the field at the trainee level since the start of the integrated residency, addressing the needs of medical students and focusing on the gaps in mentorship, advising, and curriculum is crucial for the success of applicants and overall specialty recruitment. The virtual process has provided on average $6008 of savings for applicants.

An Introductory Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Interventional Radiology: Part 1 Foundational Knowledge.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and has transformative potential for interventional radiology (IR) clinical practice. However, formal training in AI may be limited for many clinicians and therefore presents a challenge for initial implementation and trust in AI. An understanding of the foundational concepts in AI may help familiarize the interventional radiologist with the field of AI, thus facilitating understanding and participation in the development and deployment of AI. A pragmatic classification system of AI based on the complexity of the model may guide clinicians in the assessment of AI. Finally, the current state of AI in IR and the patterns of implementation are explored (pre-procedural, intra-procedural, and post-procedural).

Creating a Sustainable Foundation for IR Services and Training in Sub-Saharan Africa: 5-Year Update on the Road2IR Initiative.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the growth and quality of an interventional radiology (IR) training model designed for resource-constrained settings and implemented in Tanzania as well as its overall potential to increase access to minimally invasive procedures across the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IR training in Tanzania began in October 2018 through monthly deployment of visiting teaching teams for hands-on training combined with in-person and remote lectures. A competency-based 2-year Master of Science in IR curriculum was inaugurated at the nation's main teaching hospital in October 2019, with the first 2 classes graduating in 2021 and 2022. Procedural data, demographics, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed throughout the duration of this program. RESULTS: From October 2018 to July 2022, 1,595 procedures were performed in Tanzania: 1,236 nonvascular and 359 vascular, all with local fellows as primary interventional radiologists. Of these, 97.2% were technically successful, 95.2% were without adverse events, and 28.9% were performed independently by Tanzanian fellows and faculty with no difference in adverse event and technical success rates (P = .63 and P = .90, respectively), irrespective of procedural class. Ten IR physicians graduated from this program during the study period, followed by another 3 per year going forward. Partner training programs in Uganda and Rwanda mirroring this model commenced in 2023 and 2024, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The reported training model offers a practical and effective solution to meet many of the challenges associated with the lack of access to IR in sub-Saharan Africa.

Diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology training in the UK: a national trainee survey.

AIM: Training structure in neuroradiology can be variable, nationally and internationally. Globally, there is a trend towards standardised training pathways, curricula and targeted competencies. Currently, there is limited understanding of the structure of neuroradiology training in the UK. This survey aims to: [1] identify different contemporary models of neuroradiology training in the UK, [2] compare UK trainees' commitments against national and international standards, and [3] understand whether career expectations match the predicted future demands of neuroradiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was developed after consultation with BSNR and UKNG representatives. The eligibility criteria included current neuroradiology trainees in the UK with at least 3 months of experience or had recently completed neuroradiology training, but less than 18 months had elapsed since achieving a certificate of completion of training. RESULTS: A total of 50 trainees responded to the survey; 26 (52%) diagnostic neuroradiologists (DNRs) and 24 (48%) interventional neuroradiologists (INRs) with an overall mean age of 33 years. The mean duration of training at the time of survey was 18 months. The survey details trainee demographics, experience at work, research and teaching commitments and future goals. CONCLUSION: Most respondents are satisfied with their training and 90% want to remain in the UK after completion of training. There is room for improvement but the future of training and working in neuroradiology seems promising internationally, with ever-evolving techniques and developments. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Advances in knowledge: This study evaluates neuroradiology training in the UK to enhance the training of future neuroradiologists, and safeguard the future of the speciality.

What Do Program and Geographic Preference Signals Signal? A Survey of Diagnostic Radiology and Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Applicants.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: As part of the 2022-2023 Diagnostic/Interventional Radiology residency application process, applicants could participate in the ERAS supplemental application, including sending up to six preference signals and three geographic signals. Our goal was to survey Diagnostic Radiology and Integrated Interventional Radiology applicants at two large academic institutions in different geographic locations regarding their perceived impact of program and geographic preference signaling on the application process. METHODS: An anonymous survey was sent to 282 applicants between two academic medical centers asking about their participation in program and geographic preference signaling as well as their perception on its impact on the application process. RESULTS: 105 applicants responded to the survey (37.2% [105/282]). Most applicants (26% [27/102]) received four interviews from signaled programs. When prompted to best describe their sentiments with respect to program signaling (one being most negative and five being most positive), the plurality of applicants reported a positive sentiment of four (36% [37/103]). Applicants that received four to six interviews from signaled programs were significantly more likely to feel positively towards program signaling than those that received one to three interviews (p = 0.01). Geography was the most important deciding factor on which programs to signal for applicants (57% [58/101]). DISCUSSION: Our survey results demonstrate that most applicants felt positively towards program signaling and it increased their odds of receiving interviews from preferred programs, which is consistent with the current literature. CONCLUSION: Program and geographic signaling are relatively new features of the ERAS residency application process and therefore, their effects on the match outcome are still in question. However, our study results indicate that they are perceived positively by most applicants and that they boost their chances in finding their ideal match.

Assessing the debt and current state of financial literacy in a cohort of diagnostic & interventional radiology residents.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess diagnostic and interventional radiology resident physicians' knowledge of core facets of financial literacy: loans, real estate, investments and retirement, and insurance, with the goal of determining the need for formal financial literacy education within radiology residency programs. METHODS: From May 2021 to March 2022, surveys were sent to 196 diagnostic and 90 interventional radiology residency programs. Residents were asked 10 knowledge multiple choice questions to assess areas of financial literacy. Custom R programming was used to evaluate responses. RESULTS: A total of 149 diagnostic radiology residents and 49 interventional radiology residents responded to portions of the survey, for a total of 198 respondents. Of the cohort with demographic data collected, 84 out of 141 residents (60 %) had over $100,000 of debt following medical school graduation, with 115 out of 146 DR residents (79 %) and 41 out of 47 (87 %) IR residents reporting no coursework in finance. CONCLUSIONS: Many radiology resident physicians have a significant debt burden, no official financial education, and clear knowledge gaps in areas of financial literacy. A structured financial education curriculum could better prepare residents for the financial realities of post-residency life.

Interventional radiology education: Patient experience with an educational website.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an educational website on patient understanding of Interventional Radiology (IR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An informational website with descriptions and images of 12 common IR procedures was developed with the aim of educating patients. One hundred patients referred to a large, academic institution were randomly selected to participate. Anonymous 11-question, 5-point Likert-scale assessments were administered before and after engaging with the educational website. The survey evaluated patients' understanding of IR procedures and satisfaction with the website as an educational tool. RESULTS: One hundred patients completed the pre-/post-implementation evaluations. Among matched questions, there was an increase in patient understanding of IR with mean score improvement from 2.10 to 4.57 (p < 0.001), their knowledge of common procedures from 1.74 to 4.66 (p < 0.001), and their consideration for their next procedure to be with IR from 2.24 to 4.62 (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients had an overall positive impression of the website (mean 4.80). Over 75% of patients found the descriptions and images "very helpful". CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that website use for patient education has the potential to be effective in increasing overall patient understanding of IR and familiarity with common interventional procedures.

Status Report on the Integrated and Independent IR Residencies: Origins and Projections for the Future.

The field of interventional radiology (IR) has undergone a historic transformation since 2014, marked by the approval of the IR residency program. This paradigm shift has revolutionized the traditional training pathway, which previously comprised a 1-year vascular and IR fellowship after diagnostic radiology residency. The introduction of integrated and independent IR residencies, including the option for Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR), has reshaped the landscape of IR training. The implementation of the IR residency has been exceptionally successful, with the IR residency continuing to be one of the most sought-after residencies for medical students. Additionally, the option for IR training in diagnostic radiology has been retained, accommodating both ESIR and non-ESIR residents. With the continuous growth of accredited programs and rising popularity of IR as a specialty, the future of IR appears limitless.

The IR Trainee Workforce 10 Years after Becoming a Primary Medical Specialty.

The recognition of interventional radiology (IR) as a primary medical specialty and the subsequent development of IR residency programs initiated a new wave of development in the field. The shift from recruiting from the pool of diagnostic radiology residents to the pool of medical students offered a new opportunity to evolve the composition of the IR workforce. After a decade of specialty status, the composition of IR's workforce and pipeline shows progress in its reflection of national demographical changes. Increasing diversification of practitioners in IR is an aggressive growth strategy, which is necessary to serve a diversifying population. Increasing the diversity of the IR workforce offers the potential to promote access to and utilization of IR and improve the quality of care. Cultivating a more diverse workforce utilizes untapped potential critical to the continued growth of IR.

Worldwide Knowledge About Interventional Radiology Among Medical Students: Findings of a Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE: The objective of this comprehensive review is to investigate the studies assessing the interventional radiology knowledge among medical students worldwide and inspect the feasible solutions for improving their perspective on this specialty. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was accomplished on PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, and Embase databases. The quality of eligible articles was assessed with the QATSDD assessment tool. RESULTS: After screening of articles, 29 studies were included. All the included articles were published between 2009 and 2021, with 20 studies performed in 2017 and thereafter. Interventional radiologists' duties, procedures, and training pathways were the main subjects investigated in surveys. The interest and exposure to interventional radiology were also assessed. All the studies indicated that the knowledge about interventional radiology compared with other specialties is weak. In 14 studies, over 50% of participants reported their interventional radiology knowledge as either poor or none. The most reason for not considering interventional radiology residency was lack of awareness during medical schools. Studies which held a tutorial course reported the students' awareness and interest improved significantly after the course. CONCLUSION: The present evidence indicates that although the current awareness of interventional radiology is low, timely didactic courses in medical schools can improve this condition significantly, lead to graduation of more oriented referring physicians, and also attract more fit applicants to interventional radiology residency programs.

Diversity in interventional radiology: Survey of medical student interest with focus on women and members of underrepresented in medicine racial and ethnic groups.

PURPOSE: To assess: 1) the percentage of female and underrepresented in medicine (URiM) medical students interested in interventional radiology (IR), and 2) the motivations for and deterrents from IR for female and URiM students. METHODS: The study was IRB exempt. Data from a 19-item survey sent to 5 US medical schools were collected from 10/2018-01/2019 using REDCap and analyzed with SAS GLIMMIX. RESULTS: 16% (56/346) of women and 27% (69/258) of men strongly considered IR. 21% (19/89) of URiM versus 21% (105/508) of non-URiM students, p = .88, seriously considered IR. On a 0-to-4 scale (0 = not a motivator, 4 = strong motivator), women rated "Female mentorship" "2.5" versus males' "0.4", p < .0001, independent of IR interest URiM students uninterested in IR rated "Lack of ethnic diversity in training""2.3" versus "1.2" for IR-interested URiM, p < .01. 18% (9/50) of IR-interested women reported adequate gender-specific mentorship in IR in medical school. Of IR-interested URiM students 5% (1/19) reported adequate ethnicity/race-specific mentorship. CONCLUSION: Fewer female medical students considered IR compared to males. Female mentorship was a significant motivator for women. Similar numbers of URiM and non-URiM students consider IR. Few women and URiM students report adequate gender/ethnicity/race-specific mentorship. For students not interested in IR, lack of ethnic diversity in training was a significant deterrent. Increasing numbers and visibility of female and URiM interventional radiologists in mentoring and clinical practice may improve recruitment of medical students from these underrepresented groups.

Interventional radiology training in the UK: a view from within-a national survey.

OBJECTIVE: Interventional radiology (IR) training in the UK has evolved since recognition as a subspecialty in 2010 and introduction of a new curriculum in 2021. The changing landscape, increasing workload and COVID-19 have affected training. The purpose of this study was to review trainees' perspectives on training and develop strategies to further improve training. METHODS: Online survey approved by the British Society of Interventional Radiology Council distributed to British Society of Interventional Radiology Trainee members between 9 March 22 and 25 March 2022. The survey was open to all UK based ST4-6 IR trainees and fellows. Descriptive and thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: 43 responses were received from 17/19 UK training regions. Females represented 10% (4/41) and 5% (2/43) less than full time (LTFT) trainees. 82% (31/38) felt their curriculum was suitable for their training and 28/38 (74%) were satisfied with IR training. Vascular IR, Interventional Oncology, paediatrics and stroke thrombectomy were identified as areas of training desiring improvement. 45% (18/40) stated exposure to IR led clinics and 17.5% (7/40) to IR led ward rounds. Only 6/38 (15.7%) received structured IR teaching at least once a month. Approximately, a third of respondents (13/38) stated training opportunities were significantly compromised secondary to COVID-19. CONCLUSION: This survey shows overall good satisfaction with IR training. However, improved training opportunities in vascular IR, interventional oncology, paediatric IR and stroke thrombectomy are required. In addition, access to clinics, ward rounds and protected time for research is needed to improve training quality. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: New national UK IR training survey.