The Independent IR residency program has replaced the IR fellowship as the option for subspecialized IR training after completion of a diagnostic radiology residency. PGY-4 DR residents may apply to the residency through ERAS with the match taking place the following spring and eventual matriculation occurs after completion of the PGY-5 year. UCSF will accept up to 4 Independent Residents per year.
Educational Program
The Independent Residency is either a one or two-year training program. DR residents that complete a certified Early Specialization in IR (ESIR) curriculum during their DR residency are eligible for a 1-year Independent Residency. An ESIR curriculum includes completion of 500 procedures and 8 months of IR (or IR related) rotations in the PGY-5 year plus an ICU rotation. DR residents that do not complete an ESIR curriculum during their residency are eligible for a 2-year Independent Residency. UCSF’s Independent IR Residency program includes IR rotations at 3 campuses (Moffitt-Long, Mission Bay and Mt. Zion) as well as rotations on the Vascular Surgery service and in the IR clinic.
Application Process
The Independent IR residency is part of the ERAS ACGME Fellowship December cycle. Applicants may begin applying to programs November 1st for the December fellowship application cycle.
UCSF Interventional Radiology participates in Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and all positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program.
UCSF Interventional Radiology will be accepting applications in both the ESIR and Non-ESIR tracks in ERAS. Candidates should only apply through one training track. ESIR candidates that are willing to train for two years as an independent IR resident can indicate this in their personal statement.
ESIR candidates must use the standardized letter template "ESIR Applicant Diagnostic Radiology Program Director Standardized Letter of Recommendation" in their ERAS application to submit ESIR verification. No verification documents will be accepted outside of ERAS. the ESIR letter template is available from the Society of Interventional Radiology.
The following information is required to complete your online application:
- Current CV
- Personal statement
- Digital headshot
- Copies of USMLE scores or equivalent, i.e. LMCC
- Three current letters of recommendations (one must be from your current program director)
Timetable for Residents Entering July 2027
| Date | Schedule |
|---|---|
| December 28, 2025 | Application Deadline |
| Late January - Early February 2026 | Interview Notification |
| March 2026, dates TBD | Virtual Interviews |
| TBD* | Rank Order List Deadline |
| TBD* | Match day |
| July 1, 2027 | Start of Residency |
*In compliance with NRMP
Interviews
We want you to have a pleasant and informative visit to UCSF. We suggest that you look upon the interview day as an opportunity to find out more about our department -- the people, programs, and facilities -- and to help us learn about you. Feel free to ask questions, and please let us know if we can assist you in any way.
For the 2026 Application Cycle - all interviews will be virtual. During recruitment for July 2027 positions, you will have the opportunity to virtually meet the Program Director, learn about the program, interact with current trainees, see a didactic conference, and discover research opportunities. We host our virtual interviews using Zoom and utilize breakout rooms for our one-on-one interviews.
Second Visits
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for second visits or "second looks". After your interview, if you have additional questions about the department, please email or call your interviewers, the program director or the residents.
