Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

The Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic is a comprehensive one-year training program designed to provide advanced education and experience in musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging. Starting on July 1st and concluding on June 30th of the following year, the program offers six fellowship positions annually, which comprises two ACGME-accredited positions and four non-accredited clinical positions. This institution’s Imaging Institute processes over 3 million exams per year, contributing significantly to the fellows’ learning experience through exposure to high-volume services in sports medicine, orthopedic oncology, and rheumatology.

Fellows in the program receive training across all modalities of MSK imaging, including MRI, ultrasound, radiography, and nuclear medicine. A significant feature of the curriculum is the hands-on experience fellows gain through diagnostic and interventional procedures, which total more than 200,000 procedures per year. The fellowship also emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach with participation in clinical conferences, including a year-long lecture series that covers essential topics in MSK imaging.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide in-depth clinical training and research experience. The fellows will spend time at both the Cleveland Clinic's main campus and the Sports Health Center, a satellite facility. Clinical responsibilities include the interpretation of various imaging studies like radiographs, MRIs, CTs, and ultrasounds. Procedural responsibilities encompass performing fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided therapeutic injections and biopsies.

A significant aspect of the curriculum is the requirement for fellows to participate in a hands-on MSK ultrasound curriculum that lasts the entire fellowship duration. Moreover, fellows are encouraged to engage in research and quality improvement projects under the guidance of faculty mentors.

Clinical Responsibilities

Fellows are expected to interpret radiographic images, CT, MRI, and ultrasound studies, as well as perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, including guided injections. They are also responsible for supervising residents and medical students, ensuring a rich teaching environment where collaboration is paramount.

Research Opportunities

The program provides fellows with the opportunity to participate in research projects aimed at contributing to the field of MSK imaging. There is dedicated time allocated for research, and fellows can access the resources available at the MSK Imaging Research Lab, enhancing their academic pursuits while at the institution.

Benefits

Fellows receive competitive compensation, aligned with the PGY-6 salary level for clinical work and also have opportunities for licensed independent practice (LIP) moonlighting. Benefits include up to five days of academic funding for conferences, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, maternity and parental leave, and access to wellness programs like gym memberships.

Application Process

Applicants for this fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in the United States or Canadian equivalence, or an exceptional international candidate may also qualify. Importantly, the program sponsors J and H visas, accommodating international medical graduates. The application process involves submitting the SSR common application, along with a CV, personal statement, medical school transcripts, USMLE/COMLEX transcripts, three letters of recommendation (one from the current program director), and the relevant certificates.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is regarded as highly competitive due to its established reputation and comprehensive training, making it attractive to domestic and international medical graduates. The program is open to exceptional international candidates, thereby maintaining an inclusive approach.