Question About A DR Versus DR-IR Application Dilemma
Hi! Love reading your blog, you’ve been a great source of information,
I’m a current M3 interested in both DR and IR. I genuinely like both fields, but it seems like there is a growing sentiment in both areas to define themselves as separate. I’m currently working on research in IR with my IR faculty, but I don’t want to lock myself out of DR programs, which is what I’m noticing has happened this cycle for some of my M4 colleagues. Applications IR weighted are not receiving much love from DR programs even if they do quite well for IR programs.
What thoughts do you have about the growing divide between fields, and what advice can you give for a medical student interested in both? Should I also do some DR research? I like the way IR is currently practiced, where IR folks will do a mix of IR and DR, but it seems like most IR leadership and PDs are interested in furthering the distinction.
Thank you!
DR And DR-IR Application Weary
DR Versus DR-IR Answers:
How To Apply
Having gone to the recent APDR/AUR meeting, I can tell you that you are right about some of your reported sentiments in some programs. Some programs/program directors take it in stride that many folks will be applying to both IR/DR and DR programs. But, other DR program directors did not have such favorable opinions about those applicants that are applying to both. I believe that if you are not sure about which program to choose at this point (as is normal!), the best bet would be to apply to a DR program that has IR/DR and ESIR slots. Applying to DR programs that also have both will allow you to hedge your bets a bit and give you the most flexibility. In these programs, they can usually flip a DR spot to DR/IR or ESIR or vice versa. Also, it doesn’t lock you into the IR pathway if you are not sure you want it. DR/IR is a big commitment and works if you are sure about it. If not, you can regret your decision because you will have less diagnostic radiology, and it will be a tough slog.
Also, DR research can never hurt an application and can only serve to enhance your chances of getting into a program. It demonstrates an interest in the field. And, it gives you a bit of radiology research experience. Who doesn’t want that?
The Growing Divide Between DR and IR
More and more practices are indeed allowing or requiring the interventionalists to do only interventional. However, some imaging companies still have the model of doing DR and IR work (that’s the way our practice works). It is hard to tell how difficult it will be to find a job in a practice with DR and IR in the future. But, I would imagine there should still be a role for these folks in more rural and smaller less subspecialized practices. But if corporatization of radiology takes root everywhere, that model could become rare. It remains to be seen.
My 2 cents,
Barry Julius, MD
