Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best way to learn about neurointerventions?
  • Here’s the YNC’s top 4 ways to learn about neurointerventions!
    • Attending conferences, webinars and educational videos
    • Clinical rotations / shadowing
    • Peer-reviewed publications
    • SNIS Mentor Match Program

 

• Do I have to do research to be a competitive applicant?
  • Research is an important way to get more in-depth knowledge of the procedures, current practices, and innovations within the field. To be able to present this knowledge in conferences or publications is a great way to network and to drive conversations with like-minded colleagues.
  • Most applicants will seek out a Neurointerventional mentor with whom they may collaborate with for research. This may include even case reports or series.
  • Having research experience on your CV would be helpful, particularly to apply to competitive programs.
  • We encourage trainees interested in the field to hop on board and be engaged with the SNIS through the Young Neurointerventionalists Committee!

 

• When in my residency training do I apply?
  • This is a complex question, and depends on your training pathway.
  • Please refer to the “Applying for Fellowship” section! The Neurointerventional Fellowship Task Force has prepared a helpful graph to guide the timing in preparation for application, and the upcoming Fellowship Match.

 

• What is the future of Neurointervention? (specialty breakdown and procedure hot topics)
  • Here are some examples of innovations, current as of 2021!
    • Expanding the disease entities that can be treated endovascularly (e.g. transvenous CSF diversion for IIH, MMA embolization for chronic subdural hematoma)
    • Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and brain-machine interface
    • Intrasaccular aneurysm embolization devices
    • Growing number of devices designed for radial access

 

• Are you on call every day?
  • Most training programs will have 1-2 neurointerventional fellows per year, and jointly with the preliminary year fellow(s), most trainees will be on call every 2-4 days.
  • As an attending neurointerventionalist, call frequency will depend on the number of partners within the practice. Unless a neurointerventionalist is founding the program solo, there is usually at least 2 partners to allow for a 1-in-2 primary call schedule.
  • When considering the number of partners versus call frequency, keep in mind that there is usually need for a back-up call schedule as well, particularly for comprehensive or thrombectomy-capable stroke centers, in the event of an emergency during which the neurointerventionalist on primary call is already in a case.
  • Both during fellowship and in practice, call coverage can include more than one hospital. Therefore, depending on the number and geographical location of the centers covered, there may also be traveling involved to provide coverage.