SIR Today

The Research and Leadership Mixer, hosted by the Underrepresented Minorities in IR (URM) section is returning for SIR 2026!

Join panelists and mentors on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. – noon, for lively, focused discussions on the topics that matter most to future IRs. Students spend approximately 30 minutes with panelists discussing specific areas, before rotating on to the next panelist, ensuring a wide-ranging discussion and multiple opportunities for connection.

“Many students rarely have the chance to interact with interventional radiologists outside the clinical setting. This relaxed, conversational environment encourages students to ask questions freely and explore topics of genuine interest,” said Hirschel D. McGinnis, MD, FSIR, who has participated in the mixer for the last two years. “This forum empowers students to gain first-hand insights that support their professional journey, while also enabling experienced IRs to share valuable knowledge.”

Topics for 2026 will focus on general advice from program directors, practice setting insights, IR advocacy, international research and research leadership opportunities. All are welcome to attend, but medical students and residents may benefit most from the session.

“Participating in the Research and Leadership Mixer has been incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to see so many students genuinely interested in interventional radiology and eager to learn more about research and leadership pathways within our field,” said Mari Tassarotti, MD, a 2025 and 2026 panelist. “The opportunity to connect with them directly, answer questions, and help foster their interest in IR is meaningful and energizing. It is particularly rewarding to connect with those at schools with limited IR exposure and help them learn more about the field and get involved.”

Panelists range from program directors and experienced researchers to recently matched IRs. The SIR 2026 panelists include Kirema Garcia-Reyes, MD; Jason Hoffmann, MD, FSIR; Fabian Laage Guapp, MD; Charles Martin, III, MD, FSIR, MBA; Hirschel D. McGinnis, MD, FSIR; Anna McKenney, MD, PhD, MPH; Stephen Reis, MD, FSIR, MBA; Mari Tassarotti, MD; and Gloria Salazar, MD, FSIR.

“The URM Research and Leadership Mixer at SIR 2026 is an opportunity to bring together trainees, early-career physicians and established leaders who are committed to advancing interventional radiology through mentorship, collaboration and scholarship,” said co-coordinator Juan Carlos Perez Lozada, MD, FSIR. “Our goal is to foster meaningful connections that help cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders in our field.”