UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
Musculoskeletal radiologyACGME Code:
4262442001UMass Chan Medical School offers a comprehensive Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship program designed to provide an in-depth training experience in the rapidly evolving field of musculoskeletal radiology. With a strong emphasis on education and hands-on clinical experience, the program is an integral part of the UMass radiology department, which handles a wide range of musculoskeletal imaging cases annually.
Program Overview
The fellowship offers two positions per year and spans 12 months. The program is accredited by ACGME, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of education in medical training. The fellowship's goal is to cultivate proficient radiologists skilled in multi-modality imaging techniques, including conventional radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and interventional procedures. A focus is placed on training fellows to become adept imaging consultants and image-guided proceduralists.
1Curriculum and Rotations
Fellows participate in a varied curriculum that encompasses numerous components essential to musculoskeletal imaging:
- Clinical Responsibilities: The fellow is involved in daily patient care, including the performance and interpretation of musculoskeletal imaging studies. Active participation in image-guided procedures—including joint injections and biopsies—is a core responsibility.
- Rotations: Fellows rotate through various subspecialties and are exposed to diverse clinical populations attending to pathologies such as orthopedic, rheumatologic, and oncologic conditions. Rotations involve practical experience in emergency radiology, sports medicine, and podiatry.
- Education: The fellowship encourages teaching involvement, allowing fellows to assist in training medical students and radiology residents. Regular resident teaching conferences and MSK-specific conferences are integral to the educational framework of the program.
- Research and Scholarly Activity: Fellow academic time is allocated for research projects. The program promotes participation in scholarly activities, including presentations at national conferences and the submission of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Training Sites and Facilities
The main training site for the fellowship is the UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC), a 682-bed tertiary care hospital that serves as Worcester County's sole Level I Trauma Center. The medical center is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging facilities, including:
- Eight CT scanners, including advanced dual-energy systems.
- Ten MR systems, featuring high-field 3T systems offering advanced imaging capabilities.
- Dedicated ultrasound and fluoroscopy units capable of conducting a wide range of diagnostic and interventional procedures.
This robust infrastructure allows fellows to engage with a high volume of musculoskeletal studies, ensuring comprehensive training in the latest imaging technology and techniques. The fellowship will also extend to outpatient imaging locations for additional clinical exposure.
3Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship program is competitive, attracting candidates with strong backgrounds in radiology. Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited radiology residency and meet specific eligibility requirements, such as passing all USMLE steps, including Step 3. International medical graduates (IMGs) are welcomed, provided they have the necessary documentation and clinical experience.
Visa Sponsorship
The program supports visa sponsorship for international candidates, typically providing assistance with applying for J-1 or H-1B visas. It's essential for applicants requiring visa sponsorship to ensure compliance with specific program policies and federal guidelines.
Unique Aspects of the Program
UMass Chan Medical School offers additional advantages for fellows, such as a structured mentorship program, opportunities for collaboration with other specialties, and integrated research initiatives. The program's commitment to fostering professional development extends beyond clinical skills, emphasizing the importance of improved teaching skills and leadership roles within the medical community.
4Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$87,113First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Worcester, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:
Crime Rate and Safety:
Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.
Fun Activities:
Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.
Climate:
Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.
Races and Population:
Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.
Education:
Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.
Proximity to Bigger Cities:
Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.
Pros and Cons:
One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.
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