Student internships: Izabella Lazar

Izabella Lazar is a six-year medical student at the “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and a CIRSE Student Ambassador. 

By Izabella Lazar

From the moment I first learned about interventional radiology (IR) during a CIRSE 2023 Student Programme presentation delivered by a former Student Ambassador Alexandru Necula, I was deeply fascinated by the concept of minimally invasive, image-guided treatments. This early introduction sparked a genuine curiosity that soon evolved into a strong professional aspiration.

At my home institution, I had the opportunity to become involved in the activities of the IR centre at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Cluj-Napoca, led by Dr. Dan Duma. The team performs a wide spectrum of procedures, ranging from peripheral vascular interventions to percutaneous cryoablations and embolotherapy. Observing their work helped me understand both the technical complexity and the clinical relevance of IR.

During my International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) exchange in South Korea, I was also able to attend several vascular procedures in the surgery department. Each of these experiences deepened my appreciation for the diversity of IR applications across different healthcare systems.

A couple of photos from the surgical suite while on exchange in South Korea.

Exploring IR beyond borders

After attending CIRSE 2024 in Lisbon, I gained valuable insights into the field, particularly regarding educational opportunities available to undergraduate medical students. Motivated by this exposure, I decided to apply for the CIRSE Student Ambassador position to promote the Student Programme and inspire my fellow colleagues to explore the discipline.

With friends and colleagues at CIRSE 2024.

CIRSE Student Ambassador Programme presentation at my university.

Despite considering various internship options, I deliberately chose to pursue a second clinical placement abroad through the IFMSA professional exchange (SCOPE), this time in Oman. I wanted to experience a different culture and medical system from Europe and South Korea. Even though I was not officially assigned to the IR department, I took the initiative to request permission to attend procedures whenever possible — a decision that proved to be extremely rewarding.

My exchange in Oman offered an invaluable insight into the daily work of interventional radiologists. Over ten days, I observed a wide range of image-guided procedures and interacted closely with dedicated physicians, nurses, and radiographers.

On my first day, I was introduced to the IR team and given an overview of the department’s workflow. I observed how cases were selected and scheduled and how each team member contributed to ensuring procedural efficiency and patient safety. The welcoming atmosphere allowed me to integrate smoothly into their routine, and I was encouraged to participate in pre-procedural planning discussions and post-procedure imaging analyses.

As the week progressed, I attended multiple ultrasound-, fluoroscopy- and CT-guided interventions (e.g., biopsies, drainages, angioplasties, port-a-cath and PICC line insertions, embolization, IVC filter placements and retrievals, ablations, and vertebroplasties). Each case was followed by in-depth explanations from the supervising doctor, who clarified the diagnostic rationale, technical choices, and therapeutic goals.

Whenever they had some free time, the doctors showed me several previously completed cases to help me appreciate the wide therapeutic potential of IR. This experience was particularly enlightening, as it demonstrated how many pathologies can now be managed through image-guided interventions.

As the team became more familiar with my enthusiasm, I was gradually entrusted with small assisting tasks. Towards the end of my exchange, I was deeply honored when I was invited to scrub in and assist during several procedures. Being allowed to participate directly, even in a limited capacity, was a defining moment in my medical journey, and I remain sincerely grateful for the team’s mentorship and trust.

A couple of photos from my IFMSA SCOPE Exchange in Oman.

I am deeply thankful to the entire IR team in Oman for their kindness, patience, and generosity throughout my stay. Their willingness to teach, explain, and include me in their clinical practice made this exchange both educational and inspiring. The experience not only expanded my medical knowledge but also reinforced my conviction that interventional radiology represents the future of modern, patient-centered, and minimally invasive medicine.

CIRSE 2025 experience

After my exchange in Oman and having built a solid foundation in IR techniques, I continued my development through the CIRSE Library and CIRSE Academy, where I found the on-demand educational resources immensely valuable for consolidating my understanding of interventional procedures.

I also attended CIRSE 2025 in Barcelona, where I presented a scientific poster and was deeply honored to co-host the Student Programme Meet & Greet session. It was deeply fulfilling to see that my efforts as a Student Ambassador had inspired many of my fellow colleagues to attend the congress and engage with CIRSE’s educational opportunities. Witnessing their enthusiasm confirmed my belief that the future of IR in Romania is bright and promising.

Throughout the congress, I actively participated in the CIRSE Student Programme – Be inspIRed, which featured lectures tailored for undergraduate students and interactive hands-on workshops. The experience not only enriched my knowledge but also allowed me to connect with students and trainees from around the world who share the same passion for interventional radiology.

My poster at CIRSE 2025.

Presenting at the News on stage.

At the student workshop in the Simulator Gallery.

Looking ahead

Currently, as a sixth-year medical student, I am writing my thesis on the efficiency of thrombectomy in acute stroke, further combining my clinical interests with my growing fascination for image-guided therapies.

CIRSE and its exceptional academic community have played a crucial role in shaping my professional direction. Their continuous support, mentorship, and educational initiatives have guided me towards a deeper commitment to interventional radiology. I am eager to continue this journey, and I hope that by sharing my experience, more students will be inspired to explore IR and become part of this innovative and rapidly evolving field.