NATHANIEL DORO: PGY6 - INTEGRATED IR CHIEF RESIDENT
Why IR?
It was late in my training when I discovered IR. I did an elective combined DR/IR rotation between General Surgery and Urology-Sub Internships. The diversity of patient populations and procedures, combined with the novelty and innovativeness of the field, captivated me from the very beginning.
Why Albany Medical Center?
I am a western NY native and staying close to home was a priority for me. Albany is also the perfect place for an outdoor enthusiast, with multiple mountain ranges, lakes and rives in close proximity. After interviewing at Albany Medical Center, I knew I would be exposed to ample and diverse pathology. What solidified my decision were the welcoming and supportive people.
SUNIL NARAYAN: PGY6 - INDEPENDENT IR RESIDENT YEAR 1
RAMKRISHNA (RK) PATEL: PGY4 - INTEGRATED IR RESIDENT
Why IR?
During my first two years of medical school, I developed a genuine interest in anatomy and knew that it would need to be an essential part of my career. While most of my classmates celebrated the end of our anatomy block, I was disappointed. It wasn't long into medical school before I developed an interest in radiology, a field heavily reliant upon knowledge of anatomy. At first, I was not sure if radiology was for me as it can be a subspecialty with less patient contact than others in medicine. However, I then discovered interventional radiology, a subspecialty that combines my love for anatomy with my passion for clinical medicine and procedures.
Why Albany Medical Center?
To be honest, it was a bit serendipitous that I found Albany Medical Center (AMC). I was very committed to staying in the northeast and applied broadly in the region. When I received the invitation to interview here, I did not really know anything about the program except that it was relatively close to home. My AMC interview was late in the season and I had nearly finalized my rank list beforehand. However, after a full day of meeting the AMC interventional radiology attendings, nurse practitioners, fellows, and residents, I knew that this would be a great fit for me and an incredible place to train.
One of the things that attracted me most to this program is the diversity of cases. I wanted to train at a place where I would get an opportunity to see and perform the full spectrum of cases that are encompassed within interventional radiology - this is one of a few places that really does that. What really sealed the deal for me was the people. Everyone here, including the technologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and support staff is exceptionally kind, approachable, and invested in my education. Honestly, I could not imagine feeling more a part of the family in the department, and I haven't even started the interventional radiology portion of my training.
FARAZ KHAN: PGY3 - INTEGRATED IR RESIDENT
Why IR?
I was introduced to Interventional Radiology as a third-year medical student rotating in the surgical ICU. I had the opportunity to accompany one of my patients down to the IR suite, where I was amazed with the Interventional Radiologist's ability to instantaneously view and interpret images and make decisions in order to provide therapy. Interested, I pursued a dedicated elective in IR, where I learned the depth and breadth of what IR can be. Interventional radiology has increasingly become more of a clinical service, including outpatient consultations, follow-up visits and inpatient consultations. IR has the combination of imaging, intervention and clinical patient care; all components of why I want to be a physician.
Why Albany Medical Center?
When speaking to my mentors about selecting a well-rounded IR program, Albany Medical Center was always on the top of the list. I wanted to train at a program that allowed me to come out prepared for any work environment. Albany Medical Center not only has the breadth of cases that allow IR residents to become proficient, but also the guidance and mentorship needed for lifelong learning. Albany Medical Center has a true clinical model to interventional radiology, an essential component to proper IR training. I was amazed with the interview day, meeting residents, faculty and other support staff, all of whom are dedicated to providing excellent education.
PAGAH NAEIMI: PGY2 - INTEGRATED IR RESIDENT
Why IR?
I was introduced to IR during my premed years and found it to be a very rewarding experience at the time. IR interests me because it's a technically challenging and innovative field with a bright future. Today, an increasing number of new IR procedures are emerging in almost all areas of medicine and IR specialists now routinely offer patients alternative treatments with no down time and minimal pain. The patient satisfaction, hands on nature of the job as well as the novelty of IR procedures attracted me to this field. Another reason that IR is appealing to me is that it allows me to use my physics background and interest in research in developing new treatments. Overall, I think that IR is a great field for procedure oriented physicians, who enjoy creative work in a field that spans all organ systems.
Why Albany Medical Center?
In the past few years, IR practices have started to increase their clinical presence. Seeing their patients in clinic and following them in hospital before and after procedures are only a few examples of this change in paradigm. Naturally, I wanted to be trained in a program where this model of IR practice is valued and cherished. My conversations with Dr. Siskin and Dr. Herr along with other members of the IR team during my interview at Albany Med consolidated this fact. I knew that Albany Med is the right program for me. Another reason that I chose Albany Med is the variety of cases and high volume of patients seen by IR specialists at this program. Getting trained at Albany Med would guarantee that I will be prepared for practicing IR in a variety of settings; and that I would feel comfortable performing all common IR procedures by the end of my training.
