Simulation-based Training for Interventional Radiology and Opportunities for Improving the Educational Paradigm

The current model for medical education is based on the Master-Apprentice model which was adopted into practice over a century ago. Since then, there have been many changes in healthcare and the environment in which trainees learn, practice and become proficient in procedural and critical thinking skills. The current model for medical education has however, not changed considerably in this time frame, resulting in significant limitations to trainee education. Simulator-based training is a technique which can minimize the limitations of the apprenticeship model by mitigating the effect of time constraints, increased emphasis on patient safety and satisfaction and nonstandardization of Interventional Radiology (IR) curricula. Currently, simulators are utilized in some IR programs, however robust research into simulators must be performed to prove the educational validity of simulators and support formalization and widespread integration of simulation based training into a new, improved and standardized IR curriculum.