How competitive is IR nowadays, once in DR?

[Etorphine]

How hard is it to match IR once in DR? As a M3, I have shadowed many IR docs, and have probably 100+ shadowing hours observing IR procedures altogether. I would be interested in pursuing a career in IR, but am worried about going the traditional DR route and getting stuck if I am not competitive down the line.
If I go into DR for the sole purpose of going into IR, how easy would it be for me to end up pursuing my goal? Say I am at a mid-high tier US MD DR program; could just about anyone with decent evaluations/recommendations get in, or is it a very small %?

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[Counterstrain]

55 people last year did not get a spot. I think 30 something didn't get one the year before. Basically more people have been applying every year. I know my seniors who didn't match are doing body with the intention to reapply this year for 2016 fellowship.

 

[Etorphine]

55 people last year did not get a spot. I think 30 something didn't get one the year before. Basically more people have been applying every year. I know my seniors who didn't match are doing body with the intention to reapply this year for 2016 fellowship.

In your opinion, do residents at higher tier university programs fair better when it comes to IR fellowships? Do people from community DR residencies stand a chance? (I have no bias with either, not applying until next year)

 

[Counterstrain]

From what I've been told yes and yes. Obviously people who are at places with IR fellowships are likely to get a spot at their home institution, or elsewhere (if the place cares about research and they have it from their program etc.). Paradoxically some places don't care as much about research, and want someone who they like and can help to get the work done (some fellowships want to see case logs, and will rank people based on what cases they have and the programs needs day-to-day). Simultaneously, I know of several people who got interviews (and great matches) coming from a community program with a busy IR service (my own). Thus, I would say that going to the place with the most robust IR exposure possible is a good move, but a community program will not necessarily exclude you from doing IR or any other fellowship.

 

[Counterstrain]

However, given your class year. You could just apply

1. For DIRECT programs only
2. For a surgical preliminary year with the plan to apply to IR/DR integrated track the next year. You would be qualified for advanced standing and would also be locked into IR from day one.
3. Ask places when you interview if they are going to allow their DR residents to transition into their IR/DR track (and when they will have an IR/DR track); Then rank them accordingly.

Links
1. http://www.sirweb.org/fellows-residents-students/DIRECTpathway.shtml
2. http://www.sirweb.org/clinical/IR_DR_cert.shtml

 

[Etorphine]

However, given your class year. You could just apply

1. For DIRECT programs only
2. For a surgical preliminary year with the plan to apply to IR/DR integrated track the next year. You would be qualified for advanced standing and would also be locked into IR from day one.
3. Ask places when you interview if they are going to allow their DR residents to transition into their IR/DR track (and when they will have an IR/DR track); Then rank them accordingly.

Links
1. http://www.sirweb.org/fellows-residents-students/DIRECTpathway.shtml
2. http://www.sirweb.org/clinical/IR_DR_cert.shtml

Thanks for taking the time to write this. This is great info that will benefit students interested in IR and wanting to learn about the new options available. Really do appreciate it!