Significant advances in interventional radiology (IR)and image-guided therapies during
the recent years have resulted in the need of specialized and advanced training for
medical graduates interested in the practice of this specialty. While the formal training
in IR is still part of the 3-year postgraduate course in diagnostic radiology, it
is, at best, heterogeneous and limited to a few centers. The increasing breadth of
diagnostic radiology and lack of formal advanced training courses in radiologic subspecialties
following the postgraduate course have reduced the focus on IR training during the
postgraduate course. At best, most trainees are left with limited experience in ultrasound
and computed tomography (CT)–guided biopsies and drainage procedures and rarely have
mastered the art of practicing clinical interventional radiology.
The practice of IR requires adequate training in the interpretation of imaging studies,
including ultrasound, CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); procedural skills to
perform both vascular and nonvascular interventions; and medical management of patients
prior to, during, and after interventional radiologic procedures. Noninterpretive
skills in professionalism, ethics, and cost-effectiveness; training in research methodology;
clinical collaboration across various medical and surgical specialties; and knowledge
of judicial aspects related to IR would improve the chances of success during practice
of IR. In addition, facilities that encourage and provide opportunities for teaching
junior residents and medical students and active participation in national and international
conferences would provide a more rewarding experience during IR training.
While a standardized curriculum is of paramount importance for training in IR, not
less important are the standardized evaluation of trainees and accreditation of centers
of training for adequate equipment and facilities required for such training. The
efforts of the Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR) in
this endeavor are commendable. The leaders and volunteers of ISVIR have worked effortlessly
to bring training courses into fruition. The IR training is considered a super-specialty
course with an award of “Doctor in Medicine (DM) in Interventional Radiology” after
successful completion of training and posttraining examinations. The course is for
3 years and students are selected after successful completion of a 3-year postgraduate
course in diagnostic radiology through an entrance examination. The National Board
(NB) provides opportunities to start training a 3-year FNB (Fellowship in National
board) course in IR that would still be accredited and supported through an independent
posttraining certifying examination.
These changes to the training of IR in India are still at starting level but are timely
and would ensure adequately trained interventional radiologists in the workforce.
In addition, IR would prosper as a designated super-specialty and allow improved collaboration
across the different clinical specialties.
