Ep. 666 Dear IR Residency - Residency Reflection with Dr. Gregg Khodorov and Dr. Aesha Patel

What do new interventional radiologists wish they had known before starting residency? On this reflective episode of BackTable, Dr. Neil Jain is joined by chief residents Dr. Aesha Patel and Dr. Gregg Khodorov as they look back on six years of IR/DR training. They share what they wish they’d known as applicants, from the growing emotional weight of complications near graduation to the essential role of co-residents, support networks, and the evolving balance between confidence and competence. --- Get the BackTable app https://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 04:34 - Rapid Fire Reflections 07:20 - Complications and Confidence 12:01 - Applicant Misconceptions 16:54 - Defining a Great Program 26:38 - Lessons Learned Over Time 29:12 - Pearls and Hard-Won Lessons 33:09 - Valuing Bread-and-Butter Cases 35:24 - Complications and Empathy 41:03 - Memorable Attending Phrases 43:06 - Habits for the Future 47:34 - Mentorship and Craftsmanship 52:42 - IR Culture and Professional Pride 57:44 - The Future of IR Training 01:08:34 - Closing Thoughts --- More about this episode They discuss how their definition of a “good case” has evolved, the importance of mastering bread-and-butter procedures, and the impact of habits like detailed note-taking, patient-centered communication, and taking ownership of complications. The episode highlights ideas for future training improvements and offers advice on valuing patient interactions, embracing growth, and developing sound clinical judgment under pressure. Throughout, the conversation underscores the personal and professional growth that comes from these challenges and the lasting value of camaraderie and mentorship in interventional radiology. --- Resources Perspective on the New IR Residency Selection Process: 4-year Experience at a Large, Collaborative Training Program https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1076633221000568 Diversity in Interventional Radiology Residency Programs https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1546144025002765 Implementation and Evaluation of a Comprehensive Simulation Curriculum for the IR/DR Integrated Residency https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S107663322300051X --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app