Student internships: Javier Alfaro

Being involved in the CIRSE Student Internship Programme was an invaluable opportunity. This experience has deeply enriched my understanding of IR, and I’m keen to share my perspective.

As a sixth-year medical student from Spain, my interest in radiology started during my university studies. This curiosity led me to attend the CIRSE 2023 congress in Copenhagen, where I was introduced to the world of interventional radiology and had the chance to participate in numerous hands-on device training sessions. This experience ignited a passion within me to further explore this field.

Javier Alfaro at CIRSE 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Hands on training at CIRSE 2023.

After the congress, I chose to dedicate two weeks to an extracurricular internship in the neurointerventional radiology department at ERASME Hospital in Brussels, Belgium. During this period, I had the privilege of observing various procedures, including those related to cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, and endovascular embolizations.

Subsequently, with the support of the CIRSE Student Programme, I embarked on another internship at the interventional radiology department of Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, Italy, for an additional two weeks. For this internship, I was able to obtain some financial travel support by applying for the ERASMUS+ short traineeship scholarship offered by my university.

My time at Cardarelli Hospital proved to be incredibly enriching and rewarding. Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by the medical team and hospital staff, setting the tone for a welcoming environment. Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of immersing myself fully in the field of interventional radiology, witnessing a wide array of procedures and learning from experienced professionals.

Every doctor I had the opportunity to interact with demonstrated a genuine interest in ensuring my understanding of the procedures they were performing. They took the time to explain each step thoroughly, enabling me to understand the complexities of the procedures. This personalized approach enhanced my learning experience significantly.

With Dr. Giurazza and Dr. Corvino in Naples.

The IR OR at ERASME Hospital in Brussels.

During my stay, I was fortunate to observe a diverse range of procedures, including microwave thermoablation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures, image-guided biopsies and drainages, embolization of gonadal veins, and placements of vascular stents, among others. Dr. Giurazza’s guidance was particularly invaluable, as he familiarized me with various types of catheters and explained how their differences in tips, length, width, and shape are tailored to specific interventions.

Overall, these internships have been irreplaceable opportunities that not only provided me with insights into the intricacies of IR procedures but also offered glimpses into the inner workings of IR departments. Furthermore, the opportunity to undertake these international experiences has equipped me with a diverse set of skills and perspectives, fostering my adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and a global outlook.

As a CIRSE Student Ambassador, I wholeheartedly encourage students who are interested in exploring this fascinating field to seek out these types of opportunities and to consider applying for an internship.