Society of Interventional Radiology 2025: A Student's Perspective
Author: Alivia Jachimiak, OMS-III, Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine
Attending the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) 2025 Annual Meeting as a medical student scholar was an incredibly formative and inspiring experience—one that has reaffirmed my passion for interventional radiology (IR) and broadened my understanding of what the field truly encompasses. The opportunity to participate in this conference, made possible by the generous student scholar stipend, allowed me to access invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that I otherwise would not have been able to experience.
One of the most impactful aspects of the meeting was the chance to connect with IR programs from across the country—many of which I had not previously considered or even known about. By engaging in conversations with residents, program directors, and faculty at the residency fair and various sessions, I gained firsthand insight into the unique strengths and cultures of different institutions. These encounters prompted me to add new programs to my away rotation applications and significantly influenced how I will approach my upcoming residency application cycle.
Beyond professional networking, the meeting fostered a strong sense of community. I met fellow medical students from across the country who share the same drive and enthusiasm for IR, and even formed new friendships with students from my own institution whom I had not previously connected with. Being surrounded by such a passionate and supportive group of future and current interventional radiologists was incredibly motivating—I truly felt like a member of the IR community for the first time.
SIR 2025 also gave me the opportunity to reunite with several mentors who have supported my journey from afar. Seeing them present, lead discussions, and advocate for students reminded me of how collaborative and mentorship-driven the field of IR is. It was both grounding and energizing to be reminded that these relationships don’t end with a single research project or clinical encounter—they evolve and grow, much like our careers.
Perhaps most eye-opening was the exposure to facets of IR that are not commonly highlighted in traditional medical school curricula. From cutting-edge procedural advancements to discussions on health equity, global outreach, and practice innovation, I was introduced to dimensions of the specialty that expanded my view of what is possible within a career in IR. Sessions on women in IR, disparities in access to image-guided care, and interdisciplinary collaboration underscored the field’s potential to drive change beyond the procedural suite.
For students exploring IR, SIR offers more than just an introduction—it offers a roadmap. Educational sessions covered everything from foundational knowledge (like vascular anatomy and embolization techniques) to nuanced topics such as radiation safety, device innovation, and the logistics of running an outpatient-based lab. Workshops on image-guided biopsies, venous interventions, and tumor ablation allowed students to interact directly with simulators and practicing IRs, providing hands-on experience that reinforced clinical knowledge.
A major takeaway I’d offer to other students is to lean into curiosity. Whether you're early in your IR journey or already committed, there’s immense value in asking questions, attending diverse sessions, and stepping into spaces that challenge your current understanding of what IR can be. The Student and Resident section (SIRs) also hosted events specifically designed for medical students, including match panels and CV/residency prep sessions—resources I found incredibly helpful as I navigate the transition from student to applicant.
Being selected as a medical student scholar made all of this possible. The support provided through the program not only alleviated financial barriers but also signaled a commitment from SIR to invest in students’ growth and inclusion in the field. I left the meeting feeling inspired, informed, and more confident in my decision to pursue IR. I truly cannot wait to return next year—this time with even more perspective, questions, and excitement to continue growing within this dynamic and welcoming community.
About the Author:
Alivia Jachimiak is a medical student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), originally from South Bend, Indiana. She graduated from Purdue University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science and spent her first two years of medical school living in East Lansing, Michigan. She developed a strong interest in interventional radiology early in her training, drawn to its blend of innovation, precision, and impactful patient care. She is passionate about creating a stronger pipeline for first-generation medical students and women to pursue IR and actively works toward this goal through mentorship and education. As the first-ever president of the Radiology Interest Group at MSUCOM, she has helped foster early exposure to the field and build a sense of community among future radiologists. She is excited to carry this passion forward and implement it throughout a career in interventional radiology.