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The introduction of the integrated interventional radiology (IR) residency in 2017 marked a change in the way IRs are trained. However, pathways to IR are still offered after completing diagnostic radiology (DR) residency. This study aims to analyze trends in the integrated IR match alongside changes in the DR match following the introduction of the integrated pathway and assess the implications for aspiring IRs. The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data reports for the integrated IR and DR matches were compared, focusing on the 2018 dataset with the first integrated IR inclusion and the most recent dataset from 2022. The number of residency slots and candidates were trended, and candidate competitiveness via USMLE scores, extra-curriculars, additional degrees, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor society membership, and medical school ranking were evaluated. Chi-squared and paired t-tests were utilized for statistical analysis. Since 2018, applying to integrated IR has become significantly less popular than DR, with 35.8% (n=72) fewer integrated IR applicants in 2022 relative to the 2.9% (n=20) decrease seen for DR (χ2 test, p=.0009). In 2022, an applicant's chance for a successful match was 82.2% (n=106/129) for integrated IR and 95.0% (n=638/672) for DR. While more selective at baseline, integrated IR has seen a 23.4% (n=12) increase in matched applicants since 2018 relative to the 4.7% (n=17) increase seen for DR. Regarding applicant competitiveness, mean USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores for integrated IR and DR matched applicants have remained around the 70th percentile among all medical students. Matching in 2022 required a mean of 12 research items for integrated IR applicants and 8 for DR; a mean increase of 4 and 2 items respectively (p >.05). Integrated IR and DR programs continue to draw around 30% of their matches from medical schools with the top 40 National Institutes of Health funding, although the integrated IR match has seen a 9.7% (n=19) decrease in AOA honors society membership relative to the 3.5% (n=25) increase for DR since 2018. There was no significant change for matched IR applicants relative to DR regarding the mean number of volunteer and work experiences or percentage of those with graduate degrees. Applicant demand for the integrated IR has decreased since its introduction relative to DR. Both specialties maintain their commitment to academic excellence and demonstrate an increased emphasis on research. For students interested in IR, the integrated pathway is becoming more competitive but represents an increasingly viable option.
Cyphers et al. (Wed,) studied this question.