Eleven enthusiastic and knowledgeable medical professionals have joined our first interventional radiology/diagnostic radiology initial certification advisory committee. They bring unique perspectives and goals to their new volunteer positions.
Virginia Commonwealth University Assistant Professor Christopher Bailey, DO, has been working as a Society for Interventional Radiology Early Career Section liaison to the ABR in discussions about remote computer-based and oral exams.
“I’m glad to be selected for the position and have ongoing goals to improve delivery of ABR exam-related material to new and prior IR graduates,” said Dr. Bailey, who earned his medical degree at Nova Southeastern University.
A second-year resident at Aventura Hospital & Medical Center in Florida, Brian Covello, MD, is concerned about changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like their colleagues in other specialties, eligible IR/DR candidates had their exams postponed in 2020 and moved to a remote platform this year.
“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of enhancing communication between the ABR and those of us in training,” said Dr. Covello, who finished medical school at the University of Miami. “As a specialty, we have shown great resilience.”
Shamar Young, MD, an assistant professor in the department of radiology at University of Minnesota Medicine, hopes the committee can help candidates feel more comfortable as they prepare to take exams.
“I’m hopeful that the committee can improve communication between the ABR and trainees/test takers,” said Dr. Young, who earned his medical degree at the University of Florida. “This increased communication will hopefully go a long way to reducing the angst, confusion, and apprehension many of the trainees feel.”
Sean Golden, MD, is a resident at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Golden, who earned his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin, wants IR to continue thriving as a radiology specialty. The ABR started issuing IR certificates in 2017.
“I’m honored to represent the resident voice as we transition out of the COVID-19 era and continue our growth as a new independent specialty,” Dr. Golden said. “I’m looking forward to working with an excellent team to continuously improve the ABR exams and strengthen communication with trainees and other stakeholders.”
Allene S. Burdette, MD, an assistant professor of radiology, medicine, and surgery at the Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, hopes the committee can continue reiterating the initial certification differences between DR and IR. Dr. Burdette earned her medical degree at the University of Kentucky.
“I am looking forward to participating in this committee because IR/DR trainees have some professional and educational needs that exactly parallel those of their DR counterparts, but they also have some needs that are unique to the specialty,” she said. “Communication is an important part of making sure all the radiology trainees get what they need.”
