EBIR study plan

EBIR · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Interventional Radiology (per the European Curriculum and Syllabus for IR, third edition)

Map the EBIR syllabus into a personal checklist of every IR topic area, marking each as confident, partial, or unknown
Explain the basic physics of X-ray production, fluoroscopy, and dose metrics (DAP, air kerma, effective dose) in your own words
State the occupational and patient dose limits and the core principles of ALARA and radiation protection relevant to IR
List the standard pre-procedure workup elements: consent, coagulation, renal function, allergy and metformin considerations, and antibiotic prophylaxis

A completed syllabus checklist with a confidence rating for every topic and a one-page radiation-protection summary sheet

Week 2

Describe the equipment, access technique, catheter and wire selection, and closure options for common arterial and venous accesses
Compare contrast agents by osmolality and ionicity, and outline the management of contrast reactions and contrast-induced nephropathy
Explain the principles and interpretation of diagnostic angiography and CO2 angiography
Summarize the indications, technique, and complications of central venous access and port implantation

A 20-item self-written flashcard set covering access, contrast, and angiography fundamentals, reviewed to 90% recall

Week 3

Outline the indications, technique, and outcomes of uterine fibroid embolization and prostate artery embolization
Explain embolic agents (particles, coils, glue, plugs, balloons) and match each to a clinical scenario
Describe the workup and management of peripheral arterial disease, including angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy
Summarize the role of IR in trauma hemorrhage control, including REBOA and embolization strategies

A written case-based answer for three embolization scenarios, each with agent choice, technique, and complication plan

Week 4

Explain the indications, technique, and complications of TIPS and portal vein interventions
Describe biliary interventions: PTC, biliary stenting, and management of malignant and benign obstruction
Outline genitourinary interventions including nephrostomy, ureteral stenting, and embolization for bleeding
Summarize GI interventions: gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy, and enteral feeding access

A timed 40-question mock block on vascular and non-vascular interventions, scored and reviewed with error notes

Week 5

Describe ablation modalities (RFA, microwave, cryoablation, IRE) and their tissue effects and selection criteria
Outline chemoembolization and radioembolization: patient selection, technique, and post-procedure management
Explain percutaneous biopsy and drainage techniques, including image guidance and complication avoidance
Summarize vertebral augmentation and musculoskeletal IR interventions

A comparison table of ablation and embolization modalities with indications, contraindications, and expected outcomes

Week 6

Explain the management of major IR complications: hemorrhage, dissection, pseudoaneurysm, and contrast extravasation
Outline sedation and analgesia principles, including monitoring and reversal agents
Describe the role of IR in oncologic emergencies and palliative care
Summarize quality and safety frameworks, including audit, morbidity and mortality review, and reporting standards

A written complication-management algorithm for three emergencies with decision points and escalation criteria

Week 7

Review and consolidate all previously weak checklist items into a prioritized revision list
Practice image-free case reasoning by describing findings and next steps aloud for 15 clinical vignettes
Explain the evidence base behind key IR trials and guidelines relevant to common procedures
Rehearse structured reporting and multidisciplinary communication for complex cases

A revised checklist with all items upgraded to confident or partial, plus a log of 15 rehearsed vignettes

Week 8

Complete two full-length timed mock examinations under exam conditions
Analyze incorrect answers by topic and close remaining knowledge gaps with targeted reading
Rehearse the highest-yield facts for radiation safety, contrast, and emergency management
Finalize a one-page pre-exam summary of formulas, dose limits, and complication protocols

Two scored mock exams with a documented error analysis and a final one-page summary sheet

Week 2: Syllabus checklist complete and fundamentals flashcards at 90% recall

Week 4: Timed mock block scored with written error notes and a plan for weak areas

Week 6: All major topic areas covered at least once, with complication algorithms written

Week 8: Two full-length mocks completed with consistent scores and a finalized summary sheet