IR Update:
After a successful initial NRMP match this past March for the Integrated IR Residency, and a successful final NRMP match this past week for the last year of IR fellowships (2019 – 2020), the department continues to transition into the new training paradigm for Interventional Radiology. With all three components of the new training pathways in place, UNC Radiology has the flexibility required to maintain its position as a leader in IR. On June 30, 2020, VIR fellowships will sunset, and the new IR Independent Residency will open.
As the overall vision is somewhat challenging to understand, remember that there are essentially three pathways: Integrated, Independent and the Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) path, which allows entry into the Independent residency at an advanced level. For easy reference, the chart below gives a working overview of the options in place.
Global Health
Dr. Brian Baigorri (UNC VIR Fellow 2016) and I recently returned from a visit to the Department of Radiology at the University of Nairobi. We had the pleasure to meet the Chair of the department, Dr. Gladys Mwango and the Chief of Interventional Radiology, Dr. Chacha Magabe. The purpose of the trip was to assess the program for the potential of creating a subspecialty training program in Interventional Radiology.
We had the opportunity to teach the Radiology Residents, exploring a wide range of topics, from basic drainages and biopsies to treatment of pulmonary emboli. Perhaps the most well received component of the lecture series was the case review session, where the residents were given unknown cases to review, analyze and discuss. We went on rounds in the Kenyatta National Hospital, worked in the IR clinic where we helped see 38 patients in one morning, and also went to multiple interdisciplinary tumor boards. Dr. Baigorri gave a brief overview of microwave ablation at the morning GI tumor board at nearby Nairobi Hospital.
Using the RadAid IR Readiness Tool, we gathered information to assess the potential of the department to develop an IR fellowship. While additional evaluation and discussion will be required to make a final determination, the basics are in place to build an IR training program.
What was striking to us was the incredibly gracious hospitality that we were exposed to. They welcomed us with open arms, and made us feel a part of the family, reminiscent of southern hospitality and the “UNC way.” It is hoped that this initial visit will serve as a foundation for an ongoing relationship with the University of Nairobi.
