IR/DR (ABR) - ABR-Certified Diplomat in Interventional Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology

Board Certification in Interventional Radiology is a professional credential for physicians specializing in interventional radiology, a subspecialty of radiology that involves performing minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance. In the United States, this certification is offered by organizations like the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The certification demonstrates a radiologist's expertise in performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, embolization, and biopsy under imaging guidance.

Completion Time: The certification process involves several years of medical school, a residency program in diagnostic radiology, followed by a fellowship or additional training in interventional radiology, and then passing the board examinations.

Cost: 

• Application fee (due with application submission): $640

• IR/DR Certifying computer-based exam fee (due before registration): $1280

• IR/DR Certifying oral exam fee (due before registration): $1280

• If you do not fully pass an exam, a one-time $640 re-exam fee will be assessed to retake each exam.

• Training and Residency Requirements

• Completion of medical school.

• A residency program in diagnostic radiology, typically lasting 4-5 years.

• Additional fellowship training in interventional radiology or completion of an integrated interventional radiology residency program.

Board Examinations

After completing residency and fellowship training, physicians must pass the board examinations in both diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology.

Exams include written and oral components, covering diagnostic radiology, interventional procedures, radiation safety, and other relevant topics.

Application to the relevant radiology board for eligibility assessment.

Successful completion of all required examinations.

Board-certified interventional radiologists are required to participate in maintenance of certification (MOC) programs.

MOC programs often include continuing medical education (CME), self-assessment activities, and periodic re-examination or assessment.

Ongoing education is critical for maintaining board certification and staying up-to-date with advancements in interventional radiology.

CME activities may include attending specialized courses, participating in workshops, and engaging in research activities.

For detailed information regarding Board Certification in Interventional Radiology, including specific training programs, examination details, and maintenance of certification requirements, it is recommended to consult with the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or the equivalent certifying body in other countries. Additionally, professional societies in radiology and interventional radiology can provide resources and guidance for those pursuing this specialty.

Career Opportunities

Interventional radiologists work in hospitals and clinics, performing a range of procedures for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

They collaborate closely with other healthcare providers to deliver patient-centered care in various clinical situations.

The ABR also offers the following certifications:

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Diagnostic Radiology (DR)

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Medical Physics (Medical Physics)

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Radiation Oncology (Radiation Oncology)