Thank you for your interest in the Wake Forest Integrated IR/DR Residency Training Program. As the Chief Integrated IR resident, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our program and the Winston-Salem area.
Our six-year program is fully integrated beginning with a surgical intern year in the Wake Forest General Surgery program. This year includes relevant surgical rotations as well as an opportunity to rotate early with the Wake Forest Interventional Radiology section for two months. During PGY 2-4, you will be fully integrated with the Diagnostic Radiology program and participate in the same tiered, independent call system while incorporating IR and IR-related rotations each year. The PGY 5-6 years are dedicated to polishing your interventional skills. In the end, you’ll be a phenomenal interventionalist with strong diagnostic skills, who is fully confident and able to excel in whatever practice setting you desire.
Wake prides itself on strong clinical training with an emphasis on graduated autonomy, from both an IR and DR perspective. From your first day on IR as a PGY 1, you will be learning the ins- and outs- of procedures through hands-on experience. The emphasis on hands-on training is carried forward throughout the training, culminating in your PGY 6 year. Our diagnostic training is second to none, with the thoughtful and purposeful structure of the program allowing residents to begin the first tier of independent call in the January of their PGY 2 year. Our IR residents are truly integrated within their DR cohort and are expected to have the same level of competence as any diagnostic radiology resident. This is possible thanks to a deep connection and comradery with our diagnostic colleagues, who take pride in training strong IR/DR residents.
Additionally, the smaller size of the program affords the opportunity to tailor training to match individual resident interests and future job requirements, while providing a strong foundation upon which to build interventional skills. There is genuine camaraderie among residents and faculty, and the collegial atmosphere at Wake makes this a truly enjoyable place to work and train.
You will become familiar with an expansive range of pathology being at a tertiary care center with a level 1 trauma center, a nationally recognized comprehensive cancer center, renal transplant service and a dedicated on-site pediatric hospital. Through strategic partnerships, we have developed unique rotations at our out-patient vein center, a nearby private practice OBL and the local Veteran’s Affairs hospital which broaden experience and practice platform exposure.
Winston-Salem has much to offer young professionals while also being a great city to raise a family. Former tobacco and textile manufacturing plants have been revitalized into many new apartment complexes, restaurants, bars, breweries, and centers for performing arts. The Parks & Recreation department is excellent with numerous public parks, trails, and greenways. If you love outdoor activities, you’ll love Winston-Salem. I also love Winton’s location within the state. The surrounding area is beautiful with many wineries, state parks, and hiking trails. Winston-Salem is approximately 1.5 hours from the Appalachian Mountains and 3 hours from the beaches of North Carolina. Within 90 miles you have three international airports (GSO, CLT, RDU) to facilitate weekend and vacation travel. Winston-Salem is a great place to train and enjoy life, as you build a solid foundation of fundamental skills and knowledge to succeed in your future career.
Overall, I am incredibly satisfied with my decision to train at Wake Forest. The program truly values my education over anything else, and living in Winston-Salem makes life easy and enjoyable during training. Thanks again for your interest in our program and becoming a part of the Wake family. Please feel free to reach out if you want to hear more about the experience or have any specific questions.
Best Regards,
Achintya Patel