Duke University Hospital Program

The Duke University Division of Pediatric Radiology is highly regarded for offering advanced imaging services specifically designed for patients under the age of 18. The program is dedicated to enhancing children's health through a high-quality, state-of-the-art imaging program that ensures care is administered in a safe and child-friendly environment.

Fellowships within the division are structured as 12-month programs tailored for competitive applicants, focusing on delivering comprehensive and technologically advanced imaging techniques that prioritize the lowest possible radiation exposure while obtaining accurate diagnostic results. Duke pediatric radiology stands out as a world leader in low radiation dose techniques and is an active member of the Image Gently Alliance, which underscores its commitment to patient safety and innovation in pediatric imaging practices 1.

Clinical Services

The fellowship provides extensive exposure to a wide spectrum of clinical practices, ensuring fellows receive hands-on experience across several imaging modalities:

• Radiographs: Fellows encounter a diversity of pediatric diseases from routine outpatient imaging to managing cases involving extremely preterm infants. Active participation in daily radiology rounds with neonatal and pediatric intensive care teams is included.
• Fluoroscopy: There will be significant training in pediatric fluoroscopy, particularly concerning the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Additionally, fellows can participate in fluoroscopic interventions, including intussusception reductions and managing enteric feeding tubes.
• Ultrasound: This modality plays a crucial role in pediatric radiology, and fellows will gain experience in numerous applications, including abdominal, vascular, neonatal intracranial, and spinal ultrasound.
• CT: Fellows will learn to protocol, interpret, and staff both traditional and specialized CT scans, including CT angiographies, with a focus on maintaining high diagnostic quality while reducing radiation exposure.
• MRI: Opportunities will be provided for fellows to conduct protocols, interpret, and staff out pediatric MRIs for evaluating musculoskeletal, abdominal, thoracic, and cardiovascular conditions.
• Interventional Service: Fellows participate in image-guided biopsies and percutaneous drainages, while also engaging in procedures such as hip joint aspirations and joint injections.
• Neuroradiology: Participation in neonatal intracranial and spinal ultrasound along with involvement in pediatric neuroradiology conferences allows fellows to engage actively with expert discussions.

Fellowship Benefits and Requirements

The fellowship emphasizes academic involvement alongside clinical responsibilities. Fellows are allocated one afternoon each week for protected academic time, which is expected to be utilized for teaching preparation or scientific exploration. There’s considerable encouragement for participation in ongoing research projects, and fellows are financially supported to present findings at significant meetings such as the Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 4.

As part of the fellowship structure, fellows share an office space, receive comprehensive IT support, and can rely on administrative assistance for their academic projects. Call commitments require fellows to serve approximately one week per month, where they act as the primary resource for in-house radiology residents, interpreting pediatric imaging examinations and assisting in after-hours interventions 5.

Fellows receive generous leave benefits, including 20 vacation days per academic year, and provisions for maternity leave as well. Additionally, fellows benefit from subsidized health care, free parking, and access to recreational facilities.

Teaching Responsibilities

Fellows take active roles in the education of residents through various teaching responsibilities, including conducting morning conferences and providing case presentations. There are also opportunities to participate in multiple pediatric conferences that occur regularly, enhancing collaborative learning and interdisciplinary interaction 6.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Duke pediatric radiology fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, attracting applicants from diverse backgrounds. The program is open to graduates of both MD and DO programs, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), promoting inclusivity among potential candidates. The application process may require specific credentials, including a maximum number of failed STEP exams, which the program evaluates on a case-by-case basis.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international applicants, specifically sponsoring H-1B and J-1 visa types, allowing qualified international medical graduates to engage effectively in the fellowship while adhering to regulatory compliance in the U.S.