Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth) Program

Program Overview

The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth offers a Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Radiology, distinguished as a one-year program situated within a renowned military medical center in Portsmouth, VA. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring a high standard of training and education.

This fellowship seeks candidates who have graduated from medical school and completed both an ACGME-accredited PGY1 training program and an ACGME-accredited Diagnostic Radiology Residency program. A categorical year in musculoskeletal specialty is not required. The program accepts a total complement of two fellows, typically admitting one fellow per year.

The fellowship provides opportunities for research, continuous education, and hands-on clinical experiences that are critical for a successful career in radiology focusing on musculoskeletal conditions.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum for the Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellowship is built to deliver comprehensive training aligned with the competencies defined by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). It includes a robust didactic schedule that combines both imaging and non-imaging topics, delivered through various instructional methods:

• Daily Noon Lectures covering core Musculoskeletal Radiology topics.
• Weekly Joint Radiology & Orthopedics Pre-Operative Conferences.
• Monthly Journal Clubs and Command Grand Rounds.
• Optional sessions including Physics Lectures and Interesting Case Conferences.

The academic year consists of 13 four-week block rotations, featuring on-site training at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and an exclusive four-week rotation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), which includes exposure to the WRNMMC Rheumatology Fellowship Program.

Fellows will also have the option to partake in elective rotations, tailored to their educational goals, with on-site and off-site opportunities, allowing them to explore specialties such as Neuroradiology and Pediatric Radiology.

Clinical Practice and Research

During the fellowship, participants gain practical experience across various imaging modalities, including radiography, CT, ultrasound (US), MRI, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine. The exposure to a diverse case mix, particularly in sports orthopedics, spine issues, and rheumatological conditions, equips fellows with a well-rounded skill set essential for their future careers.

Research activity is a critical component of the fellowship, encouraging fellows to engage in quality improvement and scholarly projects. Dedicated academic time is provided for participation in research initiatives, presentations at national and regional conferences, and collaborative education with radiology residents.

Training Sites

Training occurs at premier healthcare facilities, including:

• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, providing a multifaceted clinical environment.
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
• Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia for off-site rotations.

The program's affiliation with various military medical centers facilitates an enriched training experience, ensuring fellows are exposed to comprehensive musculoskeletal disorders.

Competitive Application and Requirements

Application to the fellowship is highly competitive. It is important for candidates to demonstrate both clinical excellence and a keen interest in musculoskeletal radiology. Prospective applicants must submit a current CV, personal statement outlining career goals in musculoskeletal radiology, and clarify any adverse information in their graduate medical education documentation, including any licensing exam failures.

Fellows must also be mindful of visa requirements, as the program supports J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship for international medical graduates seeking to train within the program.

Teaching and Mentorship Opportunities

Fellows engage actively in teaching, preparing and presenting educational material to radiology residents and participating in multidisciplinary settings. Each fellow is paired with a faculty mentor to provide guidance and support throughout their training.

Support and Well-being

The fellowship emphasizes the well-being of its fellows, offering dedicated time during training blocks for education, research, and personal development. The atmosphere fosters professional growth within a supportive community, promoting a balanced residency experience.

Conclusion

The Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellowship at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a comprehensive program designed to educate and train the next generation of radiologists in a military and clinical setting, providing them with the skills to excel in various musculoskeletal conditions.