The acquisition of skills in interventional radiology by supervised training on animal models: A three-year multicenter experience

Conclusions These training courses, which have been going on for 3 years, have shown us that using an animal model for such training is an efficient way to teach the techniques. All radiology departments with animal research facilities can make use of this approach to train their own interventional radiologists and to assist in training those from institutions without such facilities.By refining our techniques we hope to reduce the high complication rate that inevitably accompanies the initial performance of new procedures. Moreover, clinicians will gain confidence in the ability of radiologists.Our courses have provided young radiologists with the opportunity to learn new techniques and improve their skills in interventional techniques. Once resistance to the use of animals for training is overcome, these physicians can be more actively involved in starting projects on their own and will feel encouraged to do so.