The European Board of Interventional Radiology Examination: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Introduction

The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe established the European Board of Interventional Radiology (EBIR) as an international examination in Interventional Radiology (IR), in 2010. The main objective of this study was to examine candidates’ variables which could influence examination success. The secondary objective was to evaluate candidate feedback.

Materials and Methods

This study was a cross-sectional web-based survey incorporating 30 questions which reviewed candidates’ demographics; use of English language; education; and radiology training. Free-text responses provided perspective on the examination process and any potential career implications. This survey was distributed via Surveygizmo^TM and emailed to 227 candidates, and the results were then anonymised and analysed.

Results

A total of 115 candidates responded to the survey. 4.4% (N = 5/115) of candidates were women, and 38.3% (N = 44/115) of candidates were fluent in English. Over 45.2% (N = 52/115) of the respondents achieved a distinction, or >70% equivalent in their medical degree, and 60.8% (N = 70/115) achieved some form of higher degree after medical school. 54.8% (N = 63/115) spent time in other medical specialties, of which the majority (33.8%, N = 39/115) was in surgery. 67.5% (N = 77/114) completed a dedicated fellowship in IR. 61.9% (70/113) felt the EBIR qualification helped their career, for example with academic promotion or increased clinical privileges.

Conclusion

EBIR applicants were predominantly male (>95%). Clinical training, prior to radiology training, was very common in this cohort. Overall, most candidates expressed satisfaction with the examination process, and many felt this qualification helped their career. The recent recognition by national accreditation bodies should hopefully improve the profile of the examination greatly.