Please Note:  The class to start July 1, 2013 is filled. We are currently accepting applications for 2014 and will be accepting applications for 2015 mid to late July.

Abdominal Imaging Fellowship (1 year)

The Division of ThoracoAbdominal Imaging offers a redesigned one-year Abdominal Imaging Fellowship covering the whole spectrum of abdominal imaging, but with a strong emphasis on abdominal MRI as well as image-guided procedures.

Our Division

The division of ThoracoAbdominal Radiology includes a group of 14 faculty physicians (10 of which are focused mainly on abdominal imaging) and is currently fully staffed. The abdominal group within the division provides the full range of diagnostic imaging and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the abdomen, pelvis, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts.

The Goal

The program is designed to enable the Abdominal Imaging Fellow to accumulate a broad base of medical knowledge, to develop progressively independent interpretive and technical skills under supervision, and to become proficient at accurate clinical decision making and consulting. The fellowship aims to provide teaching and research opportunities for fellows, adjusted to special interests and talents.

Upon completion of the fellowship, the graduate will have the foundation to build an academic career in radiology or enter subspecialized or general private practice. Specifically, the fellowship focuses on providing advanced training in cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen and pelvis with a strong emphasis on abdominal and pelvic MRI. Extensive experience will also be gained in interventional procedures, such as CT- and ultrasound-guided biopsies, abscess drainages and if desired image-guided ablations and fluoroscopically-guided GI tract interventions.

The faculty of the Abdominal Division emphasize to our house-staff that referring clinicians are our valued customers and that patient care is our primary mission as physicians. We also believe that the time spent on every service should be pleasurable and educationally challenging.

The Curriculum

The experience of recent years showed that most applicants for Abdominal Imaging fellowships are primarily looking for expert level training in abdominal and pelvic MRI and image-guided procedures. We used this as a starting point for creating the curriculum of our new Abdominal Imaging fellowship.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (12 weeks in 4 week blocks):

Our MRI service has an emphasis on hepatobiliary imaging, including pre and postoperative imaging of liver transplant patients. We use state-of-the-art equipment including several 3 Tesla scanners and a variety of MR contrast agents including Gadoxetic Acid based materials. Beyond MR studies of the liver, pancreas and biliary tree we offer training in female pelvic MR, 3T prostate MR (without endorectal coil), rectal cancer staging MR and a variety of urological MR examinations. Fellows on MRI will be responsible for protocoling MR studies, as well as interpreting them. A great emphasis will be placed on building an advanced understanding of MRI physics as far as it is relevant for image interpretation and possibly even beyond that. Our world-class research/physics faculty helps us to achieve these goals.

Image-guided procedures (12 weeks in 2 week blocks):

Our very busy procedure service performs CT- and US-guided biopsies and drain placements as well a image-guided ablation procedures of renal tumors. Extension of the ablation service is planned in the near future to include liver and possibly lung lesions. Fellow involvement is strongly encouraged.

Computed Tomography (6-10 weeks in 1 week blocks):

We run a very busy CT service, with scanners being located within the University Hospital, two outpatient imaging centers and the newly opened Emily Couric Cancer Center. The department operates a total of 9 CT scanners including a 128-slice dual-source scanner, averaging about 50-75 CT exams per day. We use modern CT techniques such as Dual Energy, iterative reconstruction and other dose reduction strategies. CT colonoscopies are performed and fellow involvement is encouraged. The main educational goal for fellows on the CT service is twofold: During the first 6-9 month emphasis should be placed on reading higher volume CT with high accuracy, a skill that is very valuable in particular for individuals considering spending their career in private practice. During the last few month of the year, the faculty will assist the fellow in transitioning into reading CTs completely independent.

Ultrasonography (4 weeks in 1 week blocks):

The Ultrasound service covers all areas of abdominal, vascular and pelvic ultrasound examinations. Fellows will typically spend 4 weeks on US, however this time can be extended if desired.

Fluoroscopy:

Our division offers the full spectrum of fluoroscopic examinations and procedures. Fellows typically are not scheduled on this rotation. However, given our very large number of fluoroscopically-guided esophageal balloon dilations individuals who are interested in this particular procedure or fluoroscopy in general have the opportunity to spend time on this service.

Electives:

Fellows get 4 weeks of elective time throughout the year that can be spent within the division (thoracic imaging, fluoroscopy) or outside the division (cardiovascular imaging, interventional radiology, pediatric imaging, breast imaging, MSK imaging, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine).

Conferences and Tumor Boards:

The fellow on MRI will prepare cases and discuss them with the Radiology attending assigned to the conference. Degree of involvement during presentation and responsibility will gradually increase throughout the year. The following clinical conferences and tumor boards are covered:

• GI Tumor Board, Thursday 7 - 8am
• GYN Tumor Board, Wednesdays 4pm
• GU Conference, Wednesday 9am (bi weekly)

In addition, there are two Abdominal Imaging conferences:

• Body Club, Thursday 2pm: Informal presentation of interesting cases
• Drainage Conference, last Friday at 12pm each month. Fellows and attendings present informative Interventional cases

Call Responsibilities:

Fellows are on call every 5 weekends. Responsibilities include providing interpretation of urgent inpatient MRI, and performing all image-guided procedures with the attending. There is no additional pager call, no call during the week and no overnight call.

Teaching and Formal Learning:

The fellows are expected to teach the radiology residents and medical students who rotate through their areas on a daily informal basis. Fellows can attend the 1:00 p.m. residents' conference if related to Abdominal imaging. Each fellow usually gives 1-2 residents' conferences per year.

Salary and Benefits:

Our fellows receive an annual salary that is competitive with what is offered by other institutions. They receive medical and dental care benefits for themselves and their immediate family. Additionally, malpractice insurance is provided at no charge.

Our fellows receive an annual stipend. This stipend is to cover expenses related to attending meetings or buying books. Each fellow is encouraged to attend one educational meeting of his/her choice.

Vacation and Leave Policy:

Fellows have 22 days of vacation time (plus additional time off during Christmas or New Year's), and up to 5 days of meeting time to be spent at national Radiology meetings.

Office Space:

Fellows have combined office space with computers, telephones, and PACS.

Application Process

The class to start July 1, 2013 is filled.

We are currently accepting applications for 5 positions to begin July 1, 2014. We will be accepting applications for 2015 mid to late July.

Minimum entry requirements include successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency and the ability to obtain a medical license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

To apply for a position for 2014, visit Jobs@UVA and search on posting number 609602:

• Complete your candidate profile online
• Attach your curriculum vitae (CV)
• Attach a cover letter. The cover letter will serve as your personal statement or letter of interest, summarizing your training background, areas of particular strength and interest, and describing how you plan to use the skills acquired during the fellowship in your future career.
• Attach a copy of your USMLE scores in writing sample 1 and your ECFMG certification in writing sample 2, if applicable.
• Provide three letters of recommendation, including one from radiology residency program director. Letters should come from those persons who are familiar with your recent training and current professional activities. Please have your references sent directly to our program coordinator, Basia Nowakowski, at the address shown below.

Applications from graduates of non-US radiology programs are considered on a case-by-case basis if the duration of the completed training is at least five years including one year of clinical training. Please note however that for international graduates at least one of the recommendation letters has to be from a US radiologist or US institution.

A personal interview is required for all applicants, acceptance into the program will be on a rolling basis. In the case of exceptional circumstances, interviews can be scheduled at national meetings (RSNA, ARRS, SAR).

Our Commitment

Recognizing the personal commitment required to extend your training and improve your skills, we are firmly committed to providing leading-edge instruction and helping you achieve success in diagnosing and treating disease. Finally, it is our responsibility to help provide guidance in your job search and do our utmost to help you secure the position that’s right for you.

Contacts

Basia Nowakowski
Medical Education Manager/Residency Program Coordinator
P 434-982-0428
Fx 434-924-8698
bun4n@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu

Sebastian Feuerlein, M.D.
Program Director, Abdominal Imaging Fellowship
Assistant Professor of Radiology
(434) 982-6030
sebastian.feuerlein@virginia.edu

Afshan Ornan, M.D.
Associate Program Director, Abdominal Imaging Fellowship
Assistant Professor of Radiology
(434) 982-6030
afshan.ornan@virginia.edu

Address

[For US Postal service delivery]

University of Virginia
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging
Box 800170
Charlottesville, VA  22908

[Physical address (for all other forms of delivery)]

University of Virginia
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging
1215 Lee Street
Charlottesville, VA  22908

The University of Virginia School of Medicine is accredited by The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer; women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.