UMass Chan Medical School Program

UMass 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.

Curriculum 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.

Competitiveness 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.