Specialty: Radiology (Interventional) 

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MD2B Connect Physician ID # TBD

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Where will the rotation take place: This outpatient US clinical experience will take place approximately 15 miles west of downtown Houston.

  

Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM 

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Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor’s discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same. 

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What you will do: This is an outpatient experience during which you will be under the supervision of two board-certified interventional radiologists. They hold hospital privileges at multiple hospitals, including Memorial Hermann Hospital and HCA Houston Healthcare. The physicians specialize in vascular disorders of the lower extremities.

 

Vascular disease of the lower extremities involving the veins and arteries are common. Over the past few decades, there has been tremendous growth in the availability and use of endovascular procedures for treatment. In the past, most procedures were performed by cardiologists and vascular surgeons. However, over the past decade, an increasingly larger percentage of endovascular procedures are being performed by interventional radiologists.

 

Rotators will learn how to evaluate and manage patients presenting with a variety of complaints, including leg pain, swelling, and burning. The following articles will help you prepare for this clinical experience:

 

Role of Interventional Radiologists in the Management of Lower Extremity Venous Insufficiency

 

Ultrasonography of the Lower Extremity Veins: Anatomy and Basic Approach

 

Position Statement on Noninvasive Imaging of Peripheral Arterial Disease by the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association

 

​Endovascular Intervention for Peripheral Arterial Disease

 

After a few days of observation, you will take on an increasing role in patient encounters and learn the following under the preceptor’s supervision: 

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• Taking patient histories. 

• Performing physical exams under the physician's supervision. 

• Presenting patients. 

• Entering progress notes 

• Have opportunities to research the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care. 

• Being involved in patient education. 

• Spending time with other healthcare professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities. 
  
  
  ​Who should consider this rotation: International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking US clinical experience in Radiology.  
  
  How to obtain a letter of recommendation: The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft.  
  
  ​During the rotation: Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation. 
  
  Read Dr. Desai's Interview with Dr. Vicki Marx (Program Director of the Radiology Residency Program at USC Keck School of Medicine) about How to Match Successfully in Radiology 
  
  Wondering how to do well during your radiology rotation? Read Dr. Desai's article - How to Succeed in Your Radiology Rotation