IR JUNIORS | The Future of Interventional Radiology
Global IR
Introduction to global IR
Access to interventional radiology services is extremely limited in less developed countries. The classic perception of interventional radiology is one of expensive, high-tech procedures. However, even the basic, inexpensive and life-saving procedures are not available to the majority of the world's population due to lack of training and resources. Post-partum haemorrhage and sepsis from infected organs continue to be a major cause of death in the developing world, and access to emergency drainage and embolisation procedures is one part of a multidisciplinary solution.
IR Juniors is committed to working with national and international collaborators to improve both access to IR globally as well as education & training. We encourage medical students to take on electives abroad. If you have an interest in global health, and would like to be involved in our global IR section, please get in touch with us!
Global Organisations
Road2IR
Website: www.road2ir.org | Twitter: @Road2IR
Road2IR is a consortium of individuals and organizations working together to bring interventional radiology training to East Africa. Through outreach and education, they hope to build self-sustaining programs and bring much-needed treatment options to the developing world. There are opportunities for. current trainees to go out to Africa and teach.
RAD-AID International
Website: www.rad-aid.org | Twitter: @RADAIDIntl
The development of IR requires access to imaging modalities and specialist equipment, which creates a financial barrier for many low-middle income countries. RAD-AID is a voluntary organisation that carries out projects in low-middle income countries. In partnership with interventional radiologists in the US, many IR volunteer projects have been set up to help develop overseas IR programs. Additionally, RAD-AID has established a radiology pathway for medical students to get training and take part in field work in developing countries.
SIR RFS International Outreach Committee
Website: www.rfs.sirweb.org/professional-development/international-outreach | Twitter: @SIRRFS
The RFS International Outreach Committee is designed to help U.S. trainees find opportunities for international service work, develop connections with trainees in other international societies, and provide online resources for international medical graduates interested in pursuing IR training in the U.S.
Further Reading
Articles
Interventional Radiology & Global Health - open letter to the WHO outlining the issues related to global health and interventional radiology: Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42155-020-00195-2
Launching an IR Training Scheme in Tanzania. Link: https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(19)30687-6/fulltext
Postpartum haemorrhage & IR: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00270-019-02339-x
Websites
Road2IR: www.road2ir.org
Rad-AID Medical Student Programme: https://rad-aid.org/programs/medical-students
Rad-AID Interventional Radiology: https://rad-aid.org/programs/interventional-radiology
SIR RFS International Outreach: www.rfs.sirweb.org/professional-development/international-outreach