Challenges with Diversity and Residency Attrition Rates in Interventional Radiology

Based on data from the annual Association of American Medical Colleges Report on Residents, the authors of a recent study found that out of 21 medical specialties, interventional radiology (IR) ranked no higher than 19^th for the representation of women, Black and Hispanic residents.¹

In another recent study examining attrition rates with IR programs, researchers found that integrated IR residency programs had an approximate 5 percent attrition rate in comparison to a 1.16 percent attrition rate for diagnostic radiology residency programs. Attrition for integrated IR residency was also higher than residency programs for internal medicine, orthopedic surgery and family medicine, according to the study.²

In a recent interview with Diagnostic Imaging, Mina Makary, M.D., FSVM, FAHA, FCCP, a co-author of both studies, said increased awareness of the specialty and early mentorship are key factors to address.

“A lot of times to improve diversity, to have students or trainees from all backgrounds, (we need) to have role models that can look up to that maybe (have) been through a similar journey or have similar needs or similar challenges in their life, or their goals or whatnot. I think early mentorship is key, and it's probably lacking,” posited Dr. Makary, a vascular and interventional radiologist and associate professor of radiology at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

The study on attrition rates in IR programs noted the highest attrition in the third year of residency.² Dr. Makary said third-year residents have to content with the first part of the board exam, senior resident call duties and an increasing transition into more IR rotations.

“ … To retain residents, I think we also have to address issues like burnout and improving wellness. … If our previous research has shown a third year is the most critical year, we need to make sure that we provide the residents with the proper resources (and) have support systems in place to work on safe and fair call schedules and duties and help them get to the finish line. So those are some of the things that I would do to improve retention,” offered Dr. Makary.

(Editor’s note: For related content, see “Strategies to Reduce Disparities in Interventional Radiology Care,” “Keys to Elevating Awareness of Interventional Radiology Among Referring Physicians and Patients” and “IR Update: FDA Clears Emerging Prostate Tissue Ablation System for Intermediate Risk PCa.”)

For more insights from Dr. Makary, watch the video below.

References

1. Jambhekar SS, Shin DS, Chick JFB, et al. Diversity in interventional radiology residency programs. J Am Coll Radiol. 2025;22(9):1060-1068.

2. Karage AM, Chick JFB, Shin DS, Makary MS, Robbins JB, Monroe EJ. Attrition rates in interventional radiology integrated residency programs. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2025;36(3):532-534.