Interventional Radiology Training
Specialist training for interventional radiology (IR) is currently combined with clinical radiology training,
however if you declare an interest and your deanery offers a sixth year of training, after obtaining FRCR and
completing 3 years of general radiology training, IR trainees then subspecialise in IR for their final three years
to gain a certificate of completion of training (CCT) in Clinical Radiology with Interventional Radiology as a
subspecialist interest. Thus IR training is 6 years rather than 5 years for clinical radiology. IR gained
subspecialty status in 2012 and since then trainees should be on the IR subspecialty curriculum which is written
with this fact in mind.
If a 6th year is not available within the deanery that you train, a sixth year or fellowship can be undertaken either
abroad or in this country. Also, if you still feel you want further training after a 6 th year in the UK, then a
subsequent fellowship is also feasible. The BSIR (British Society of Interventional Radiologists) has some
information regarding fellowships. Otherwise your consultants often have contacts either at home or abroad who
may be able to put you in contact with thecorrect person to organise such fellowships.
Interventional Radiology Subspecialty Training
After completing basic radiology training in years 1,2 and 3 and obtaining FRCR
Year 4/5/6: Subspecialty training in IR
The last three years of training as an interventional radiologist concentrate on developing advanced IR
competencies at the same time as maintaining core competencies in general radiology.
Depending upon the capacity of your deanery and fellow trainees in your year interested in IR, entrance into this
training may be competitive. Trainees will need to declare their interest during their core training and attend an
interview for selection.
Trainees should keep a logbook of the cases they have been involved in through the electronic portfolio:
www.nhseportfolios.org this site also enables their progress to be tracked in line with the syllabus and appraised
through regular work placed based assessments to ensure adequate progression.
Depending upon the trainees’ future desire regarding consultant appointments in either a DGH or tertiary centre,
IR skills must be achieved to either level 1 or level 2.
Level 1 Training: An IR radiologist would probably hold level 1 in areas of both non-vascular and vascular
radiology. They would be able to practice as an IR consultant with an ability to practice across a wide range of
IR. Radiolosists with other specialist interests would be expected to consult them for IR advice within their
disciplines.
Level 2 Training: An IR radiologist with level 2 competence would be likely to be an expert in a specific field of
IR-either vascular, non-vascular or potentially systems-based (ie oncology) He/she is likely to be consulted by
other interventional radiologists.
BSIR (British society of interventional radiologists) has a trainee section and IR trainees should attend the AGM
CIRSE (Cardiovascular and interventional radiology society of Europe) is the European equivalent of BSIR.
EBIR (European Board of Interventional radiology) is a European qualification in Interventional Radiology and
aims to standardise training and expertise in Interventional Radiology across Europe. The examination consists
of a written and an oral component and is based on the CIRSE syllabus. There are two sittings per year at ECR
(European Congress of Radiology) held in Vienna in March and at CIRSE AGM held in various locations in
September. This exam is open to 25 candidates at each sitting. The exam is not mandatory but would be
beneficial to hold.
Publications are not a prerequisite for consultant posts but an IR based publication in a peer reviewed journal
would be advantageous. Trainees applying for IR consultant posts are expected to have a broad and in-depth
knowledge about clinical audit and demonstrate evidence of previous audit experience such as publications of
previous audits or posters displayed at meetings.
Fellowships in Canada are often appointed up to two years prior to commencement so it is best to get organised.
Other fellowships can often be organised a year or so before starting.
The best way to investigate potential fellowships is by word of mouth from senior trainees and a subsequent
search on Google for contacts. Alternatively the following websites will have some helpful links: www.bsir.org
www.cirse.org http://www.ranzcr.edu.au/ http://www.ciraweb.org/