4:03 PM Abstract No. 299 Factors influencing selection of an interventional radiology training program

Interventional radiology (IR) was awarded primary specialty status by the American Board of Medical Specialties in 2012. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that were most important for trainees in selecting an IR training program. A thirty-four question IRB-approved survey was administered to the active membership of the Society of Interventional Radiology Residents, Fellows, and Students Section (SIR-RFS) and Association of Program Directors in Radiology (APDR). The survey obtained demographic data and investigated the importance of several factors pertinent to IR training program selection. A 5-point Likert scale was used to grade 22 factors from “not at all important” (1) to “very important.” (5). A total of 181 responses were completed with 142 males (79.8%) and 36 females (20.2%) with an average age of 29.2 years. Respondent composition was 72 (40.45%) medical students, 96 (53.93%) residents, and 10 (5.62%) fellows. 52 respondents (28.9%) are planning on applying to residency and planning on entering the IR residency match for 2018. The top 5 rated out of 22 possible factors were variety of IR cases (4.81 ± 0.47), procedural volume (4.63 ± 0.54), perceived happiness of the trainees at the institution (4.52 ± 0.70), job placement/accomplishments of prior fellows (4.44 ± 0.75), and interpersonal interactions with faculty/fellows/residents during interview (4.39 ± 0.79). The lowest 5 rated factors were diagnostic radiology class size (2.67 ± 1.15), moonlighting opportunities (2.93 ± 1.18), potential for research opportunities (3.19 ± 1.15), salary/benefits/compensation (3.22 ± 1.03), and ICU rotation experience (3.22 ± 1.28). Potential future trainees most value diversified procedural exposure, employment opportunities after training, and interpersonal interactions in choosing an IR program. This information is useful to newly established IR residencies seeking to best structure and market their program.