About the Independent Vascular and Interventional Radiology Residency at the University of Cincinnati

The Interventional Radiology section at the University of Cincinnati offers a comprehensive training program that is accredited by ACGME and provides unparalleled expertise in image-guided procedures, patient care, and diagnostic imaging. Aspiring IR professionals can access the clinical and technical tutelage necessary to launch a successful career in this dynamic field. For more information, please watch this https://youtu.be/oGe1LbICTMQ?si=EChwCzlxZi4lsljH video.

The program accepts two residents annually, both Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) applicants and non-ESIR applicants, with Diagnostic Radiology residents who successfully complete a certified ESIR curriculum can join the program as an advanced residents who can finish the program in one year. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for dual certification in IR/DR by the American Board of Radiology.

The program is primarily at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC), a top-tier facility that serves as a Level 1 trauma center, a high-volume center for liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart transplants, and a vital part of the Cincinnati Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center. Notably, the IR section of UCMC handles over 8,000 patient encounters each year.

At the University Cincinnati Interventional Radiology, we believe clinical experience is critical for anyone who wants to become a successful interventional radiologist. At the University of Cincinnati Medical Center IR program, residents are given ample opportunities to gain clinical experience by taking on consults, seeing patients in clinics, and participating in multidisciplinary conferences. Clinical exposure also enables residents to gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate effectively and collaborate with other healthcare professionals, which is crucial in providing patients with holistic care. UCMC IR clinic evaluates over 1000 patient encounters annually, and the residents participate early in their training. Overall, clinical experience at UCMC IR is a vital component to both professional development and providing high-quality patient care.

Residents will have the option of rotating through Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, renowned as one of the best children's hospitals in the nation. Interested residents will have the opportunity to receive advanced training in pediatric interventional radiology. Furthermore, residents will have the opportunity to rotating through the University of Cincinnati West Chester Hospital, a 160-bed community medical facility.

Clinical Experience

The Independent IR residents are well-equipped to meet the high standards of their training, as they routinely perform over 1,000 invasive image-guided procedures. The Interventional Radiology section as a whole performs an impressive 8,000 procedures annually, collaborating

closely with a wide range of medical specialties. In addition to honing their skills in various clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, IR residents also gain valuable experience in clinical evaluation, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. With such comprehensive and diverse training, IR residents are well-prepared to excel in the field of Interventional Radiology.

Interventional Radiology Section Service Line:

• Interventional oncology: chemoembolization, radioembolization, immunoembolization and percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular cancer and renal cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and metastatic ocular melanoma.
• Post-transplant interventions: renal artery stenosis, hepatic artery stenosis, portal vein and hepatic vein interventions, biliary stricture, ureteral strictures.
• Liver and biliary interventions: TIPS, BRTO, portal vein recanalization, percutaneous biliary drainage, portal vein embolization, and hepatic vein embolization.
• Pulmonary artery: PE thrombolysis, AVM embolization, HHT interventions.
• Gender specific health interventions: Uterine fibroid embolization, pelvic congestion syndrome treatment, prostate artery embolization, varicocele embolization.
• Venous disease: acute and chronic DVT thrombolysis and recanalization, complex IVC filter removal, superficial venous ablation, microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy.
• Dialysis intervention: Central vein recanalization/stenting, fistula and graft interventions, Hero graft placements, endovascular arteriovenous fistula creations.
• Non-oncological embolotherapy: vascular malformation, trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Pain management: percutaneous nerve blocks and neurolysis.
• GI tract: Gastric and jejunal feeding tube placements.
• GU tract: nephrostomy, ureteral stent placement/removal, complex access or nephrolithiasis.
• Lymphatic interventions: Lymphangiography, thoracic duct embolization.

Facilities

The University of Cincinnati Medical Center boasts a cutting-edge facility, featuring six well-appointed rooms procedure room. Four of these rooms are modern interventional radiology suites which are capable of cone beam CT, needle guidance, and tumor vessel guidance. Additionally, dedicated procedural CT scanner with CT-fluoroscopy capabilities and a small procedure room with a C-arm suite are also available.

The facility is designed to keep patients comfortable and ensure patient privacy, with six-bed pre-procedural rooms and six-bed post-procedural rooms that ensure patients receive care before and after their procedures in a warm and friendly environment.

Located at the UC West Chester Hospital, the interventional radiology site is a state-of-the-art facility with advanced equipment and technology to provide high-quality diagnostic and interventional imaging services. The location also features a dedicated ultrasound procedural room and a procedural CT scanner with CT-fluoroscopy capabilities.

At the IR vein center, patients have access to a comprehensive range of services, including five clinic rooms and a procedure suite. The center is designed to deliver patient-centered care, with a focus on providing a comfortable and supportive environment to put patients at ease throughout their treatment. Within the dedicated IR Clinic, there are three clinic rooms and a provider workroom, ensuring that patient needs are met with the utmost diligence and attention.

Lulu Zhang, MD

Program Director

Phone 513-558-6098
Fax 513-558-7137
Email zhang3ll@ucmail.uc.edu

Sherri Wolfe

Program Coordinator

Phone 513-558-6180
Fax 513-558-7137
Email RadEducation@ucmail.uc.edu