overview
The University of Washington has a proud and longstanding tradition in training future leaders in interventional radiology (IR). As one of the nation’s premier academic institutions, our Interventional Radiology Section is an active and comprehensive clinical service that includes several outpatient clinics, an inpatient consult service, and robust engagement from residents, medical students, advanced practice providers, and nurse coordinators.
Our overarching mission is to train compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled interventional radiologists by merging advanced imaging expertise with technical excellence and high-quality clinical care. Residents are deeply involved in all phases of patient care – from image interpretation and initial consultations to performing procedures, managing inpatient and outpatient care, conducting follow-up, and participating in multidisciplinary conferences such as tumor boards.
We offer training pathways for both integrated and independent IR residents, with ACGME approval for up to four integrated residents per PGY level and two independent residents. Additionally, the Diagnostic Radiology Program at UW supports up to two ESIR residents per PGY.
More detailed information about Interventional Radiology Residency Programs can be found on the SIR website.
from program leadership
Our mission is to provide superb training for residents to become compassionate physicians, valuable consultants, innovative experts, and visionary leaders in the practice of interventional radiology. This foundation is built on comprehensive procedural experience, excellent periprocedural care, and a commitment to equity and respect in all aspects of our educational environment.
IR is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields in medicine. At UW, we support your growth through a rigorous didactic curriculum, a wide spectrum of IR procedures, diverse clinical settings, exceptional mentoring, and world-class research opportunities. We prepare our residents to become:
- Experts in diagnostic medical imaging
- Experts in performing the full range of IR procedures
- Compassionate providers who uphold professionalism in all interactions
- Patient advocates attuned to the social and economic impact of medical decisions
- Leaders in research, education, and health system innovation
We seek well-rounded applicants with strong academic and clinical performance, as well as demonstrated interests in research, quality improvement, teaching, leadership, and service. We place a high value on diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment that reflects the broad demographic makeup of our five-state catchment area. Exposure to a richly diverse patient population helps prepare our residents to provide culturally responsive care.
Seattle was one of the first U.S. cities impacted by COVID-19, which tested the resilience and responsiveness of our health system. UW Medicine responded quickly—offering early diagnostic testing, pioneering epidemiologic modeling, and serving as a national leader in safely restoring care delivery.
Thank you for your interest in the University of Washington IR Residency Program. We look forward to welcoming and training the next generation of vascular and interventional radiologists.
Sincerely,
Program Leadership, Interventional Radiology Residency
University of Washington
Program Director
Associate Program Director
Administrative IR Chief Resident
Academic IR Chief Resident
clinical work
Arterial Disease – thrombolysis, AVM interventions, PAD/CLI, aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm treatment (EVAR)
Oncology – chemo and radioembolization, irreversible electroporation (IRE)/nanoknife, percutaneous ablation (radiofrequency, microwave, cryo, ethanol)
Trauma – hemorrhage, solid organ injury management
GI Tract – TIPS, BATO/BRTO, endoscopic assisted biliary stone management, cholecystectomy tube, biliary dilation and stenting, portal vein recanalization, GI hemorrhage
GU Tract – nephrostomy, ureteral stents
Transplant interventions – UWMC transplant programs include liver, kidney, pancreas, heart and lung
Hemodialysis access – fistula and graft interventions and slavage
Lymphatic – lymphangiography, thoracic duct embolization
Venous – venous reconstruction, reconstruction, and stenting; IVC filter placement and retrieval, including advanced retrieval
Women’s Health – uterine artery embolization, fibroid treatment, pelvic congestion syndrome
Men’s Health – varicocele treatment, prostate artery embolization
Neurologic – acute stroke interventions, diagnostic cerebral angiography
Pain management – kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, sacroplasty, bone ablation, and percutaneous sympathectomy
Clinical/Multidisciplinary – inpatient and outpatient consults, continuity of care, tumor boards, ICU, Vascular Ultrasound, GI/Hepatology
Please see here for an example case procedure log by a recent IR fellow.
other features
- Sites participate in a morning conference via video to discuss interesting and/or difficult cases
- Participation in Mortality and Morbidity Conference
- Journal Club
- Dedicated outpatient clinic experience for general IR, oncology, and peripheral vascular disease
- Opportunities to participate in clinical and/or laboratory research
hospitals
The IR service at the University of Washington and associated hospitals perform a full spectrum of vascular and nonvascular procedures in both adult and pediatric populations. IR rotation sites include University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake, University of Washington Medical Center - Northwest, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Care Center.
early specialization in IR - ESIR
The purpose of the ESIR program is to provide an alternative path for DR residents who identify an early desire to enter into IR. ESIR is a modification of the curriculum of the DR residency and is another option for IR training for some residents.
ESIR training requires a total of 11 interventional radiology or interventional radiology-related rotations (minimum of 44 weeks), and an intensive care unit (ICU) rotation of at least four continuous weeks within the four-year diagnostic radiology residency, with documentation of 500 IR or IR-related procedures. This will allow DR resident to enter the second year of an IR Independent Residency as a PGY-6 and complete the final year of training.
The University of Washington Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program offers Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) in conjunction with the Interventional Radiology Residency Program. One position is available for the PGY-4 class each year. The PGY-5 ESIR resident will join the group of seven senior IR residents in their PGY-5 and higher years (Integrated and Independent). The selection committee includes the Diagnostic Radiology Residency and Interventional Radiology Residency Program Directors and Associate Program Directors. Interested residents will submit an updated CV and a letter of interest by December 31 of their PGY-4 year. The committee will make its decision by February 1.
ESIR residents will apply for Independent IR Residency programs through the ERAS/NRMP match, and can apply to their home institution as well as other programs.