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.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction04:34 - Rapid Fire Reflections07:20 - Complications and Confidence12:01 - Applicant Misconceptions16:54 - Defining a Great Program26:38 - Lessons Learned Over Time29:12 - Pearls and Hard-Won Lessons33:09 - Valuing Bread-and-Butter Cases35:24 - Complications and Empathy41:03 - Memorable Attending Phrases 43:06 - Habits for the Future47:34 - Mentorship and Craftsmanship52:42 - IR Culture and Professional Pride57:44 - The Future of IR Training01:08:34 - Closing Thoughts

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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.

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Resources

Perspective on the New IR Residency Selection Process: 4-year Experience at a Large, Collaborative Training Programhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1076633221000568