Program PathwaysThe Clinical Pathway for Vascular and Interventional Radiology TrainingIntroductionThe Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology recognizes the lack of training options for individuals interested in obtaining a broader clinical and research experience in the pursuit of a career in vascular and interventional radiology (VIR). To address this deficiency, a clinical pathway has been proposed for trainees interested in obtaining a more in-depth clinical and research experience in the field of VIR. The primary intent of this pathway is to provide a broader and more in depth experience in the clinical diagnosis and care of patients with diseases commonly treated by VIR. The secondary intent of the pathway is to allow the trainee an opportunity to become more familiar with and/or participate in research to further the field of VIR. RequirementsThe VIR Clinical Pathway is recommended for physicians who are planning a career that focuses primarily on the subspecialty field of VIR. Other physicians whose primary interest is not VIR should pursue the standard five years of training in diagnostic radiology. Entry into the VIR Clinical Pathway implies a commitment to its completion. Applicants match into a combined radiology residency program and interventional radiology fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). The integrated curriculum does not allow for residents to pursue fellowship training at another institution. Although it is preferable for the individual entering the clinical pathway to do all six years of training at the University of Rochester Medical Center, it is acceptable for the individual to complete the PGY-1 year of training at another ACGME-approved institution. Although not required, a surgical internship is recommended. Because of the uniqueness of this program, the trainee must work closely with the radiology residency and the VIR fellowship program directors to design an appropriate training plan that provides adequate clinical radiology experience in order to meet both the ABR and CAQ requirements for diagnostic radiology and VIR, respectively, during a 6 year training period. Planning for this pathway should occur during the PGY-1 year. In special circumstances, exceptions can be made as late as the PGY-2 or the PGY-3 year. TrainingThe total period of training is designed to comply with the normal six-year (combined) requirement for a diagnostic radiology residency and a VIR fellowship training program. Clinical Patient Care Training: A minimum of 12 months of direct patient care in the PGY-1 year is required in an ACGME-approved program in internal medicine or its subspecialty areas (i.e. cardiology, nephrology, pulmonary, critical care, gastroenterology, or hematology/oncology); pediatrics; general, cardiovascular, pediatric, thoracic, or urological surgery; family practice; emergency medicine; OB/GYN; or any combination of these specialty areas. Clinical Radiology Training: Thirty-two months of full-time clinical radiology is required including 3 months of VIR during the PGY-2 and/or PGY-3 year. Because of the attenuation of the traditional clinical radiology training, it will be imperative that the radiology residency and VIR fellowship program directors make annual evaluations regarding the resident’s progress in clinical radiology. This diagnostic clinical radiology training will be obtained during the PGY-2, PGY-3, and PGY-5 years. Vascular and Interventional Radiology Training: Nine months of subspecialty training in VIR will be required during the PGY-4 year. These nine months could include training in the noninvasive peripheral vascular lab, MRA, CTA, neuroangiography, neurointerventions, cardiac MRI or VIR. In addition, the individual will be required to spend the PGY-6 year in an ACGME-approved fellowship training program in VIR. Research/VIR Clinical Training: Seven months will be dedicated to research and clinical training in areas relevant to the practice of VIR (i.e. consult service for cardiology, nephrology, vascular surgery, oncology, gastroenterology). Of these seven months, the trainee shall have a minimum of 3 months dedicated to basic or clinical research activities. Call Service: During the VIR rotations in the PGY-4 year and non-radiology clinical training rotations during the PGY-2 through 5 years, call responsibility for the trainee will be determined by the residency and fellowship program directors. Clinical Pathway for Vascular and Interventional Radiology
* Not to exceed 12 months total during PGY-2-5 years. Trainees who leave this pathway must complete the standard 5 years of training, including four years of clinical radiology. Assessment of Training QualityThe following are criteria that might be used to evaluate performance. Clinical:
Research:
Environment for Clinical Training:An environment suitable for providing the trainee an opportunity to directly participate in inpatient and outpatient clinical care and follow-up of disease processes pertinent to the practice of VIR shall be available. The trainee shall also have a clinical mentor who is either CAQ-certified or eligible in VIR. The mentor shall have experience in the management and care of patients frequently seen by a VIR service. Environment for Research Training:An environment suitable for a positive research experience should exist. This environment should include adequate space, equipment, clinical volume, funding, and a central mass of mentors and support personnel in VIR. The research mentor, who may be the same individual as the clinical mentor, must accept the responsibility for supervision or assignment of supervision of the trainee’s research experience. |