Section
Early Career
An active and growing community focused on career advancement and involvement in SIR. With more than 1100 members and growing, this section is a great way to become more active within the society.
Build your career within IR
The Early Career Section (ECS) is composed of interventional radiologists in their first 8 years of practice. However, membership is open to all individuals interested in supporting the mission and objective of the section. ECS provides a platform for SIR members who are new to the practice of interventional radiology and want to develop a knowledge base, network and participate in the decision-making at SIR.
The purpose of the section is to provide:
- An opportunity for physicians new to the practice of IR to exchange ideas and learn how to advance in their career.
- Collegiality and cooperation with your fellow physicians new to the specialty.
- Educational programs on the many facets of IR.
- Interesting, educational and informative content for members of the section.
- A pathway for professional leadership development within the organization.
IR/DR Board Exam preparation
The Early Career Section (ECS) has created a dedicated resource page to support new attendings as they navigate preparing for the American Board of Radiology (ABR) exams. This page serves as a general supplemental guide and is not a substitute for official announcements, updates, or exam details available on the ABR’s website regarding initial certification.
Resources and education tailored to you
Career and educational development
Advanced Techniques in Interventional Radiology Explained (ATIRE Shorts):
The ECS has created an educational initiative designed to deliver clear, concise insights into a wide array of interventional radiology procedures and techniques. Access the course on the SIR Education Center.Podcast episodes: The Early Career Section is hosting a series of episodes on the Kinked Wire Podcast geared towards early career attendings! Hear about topics related to the evolution of interventional radiology (IR), highlighting innovations, contributions, and career progression from early stages to leadership roles.
ECS LENS (Listen, Engage, Network, Share): The Early Career LENS is a virtual, non-recorded meeting designed for early-career IR professionals to connect and learn through conversation. It features an invited physician in an “Ask Me Anything” format, fostering networking and knowledge-sharing in an informal setting. Catch announcements about the next event through SIR marketing emails and posts on SIR Connect.
Early Career RISE Award
The Early Career Section’s Recognizing Inspirational Service & Engagement (RISE) Award is presented annually to recognize an individual who has showcased leadership by consistently supporting early career IRs through mentorship, community-building and advocacy.
The 2026 ECS RISE Award Recipient is AJ Gunn, MD, FSIR. Dr. Gunn will be honored at the ECS Session at the SIR 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting on Saturday, April 11 at 3:00PM.
Funding and awards
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Funding and awards
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Funding and awards
Featured resources
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Featured resources
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Featured resources
Member Highlight
Thomas Tullius, MD
The Early Career section has been an invaluable resource for me as I have grown as an interventional radiologist. Fresh out of training, I practiced in an isolated rural setting at a time where a young attending physician has many doubts. The ECS provided educational resources and mentorship opportunities so that I could provide exceptional care to my patients. ECS is constantly exploring new ways to benefit our membership, making connections both across experience levels and areas of focus. Since taking on a leadership role, I have become more aware of the lengths that SIR has gone to provide lasting benefits for all its members. I encourage everyone to volunteer their time and expertise to make an impact for our community.
Member Highlight
Lei Yu, MD
ECS was the first section I joined after graduating from residency, and it has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my experience with SIR. It’s more than just a source of educational content and leadership opportunities—it’s a community where early career IRs can connect, collaborate, and grow. Through ECS, I’ve built a strong network of peers, found mentorship that supported my transition into practice, and discovered meaningful ways to contribute.
Member Highlight
Merve Ozen, MD
Being part of the Early Career section has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with SIR. ECS offers not only access to high-yield educational content and leadership opportunities, but also a genuine sense of community. It’s where I found mentorship, inspiration, and lasting connections with interventional radiologists across the country. Serving as chair has given me a deeper understanding of how SIR operates and reaffirmed the impact we can have early in our careers. I encourage every early career IR to get involved, you’ll gain more than you expect and contribute to shaping the future of our field.