University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

Abdominal Radiology Fellowship Overview

The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson offers a 12-month accredited fellowship in Abdominal Radiology. This program aims to equip fellows with comprehensive hands-on training in advanced imaging techniques, emphasizing abdominal and pelvic pathology. The fellowship includes mentorship from experienced faculty, exposure to diverse clinical cases, and research opportunities.

Clinical Training

Fellows will gain an in-depth understanding and practical experience in various imaging modalities, including:

• CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
• CT Colonography
• PET-CT
• Ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures
• Fluoroscopy and plain film interpretation

By the end of the fellowship, fellows should demonstrate proficiency in:

• Interpreting cross-sectional ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging of the body
• Performing and interpreting fluoroscopic procedures
• Executing ultrasound-guided procedures such as thoracentesis and biopsies
• Understanding the physics related to ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging
• Participating in multidisciplinary conferences, patient safety consultations, and diagnostic procedures
• Protocoling imaging exams effectively

Teaching and Mentorship Opportunities

The fellowship encourages active participation in interdisciplinary conferences and tumor boards. This aspect of the program is essential for managing complex cases and fostering a collaborative environment among various medical specialties such as hepatobiliary, colorectal, urology, gynecology, and nephrology.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Fellows are allotted at least one academic day per week to engage in research and technology development. Involvement in scholarly projects is mandatory, and fellows can engage in clinical research, laboratory research, image interpretation, and practice management issues. The department features ongoing basic and translational research projects, including:

• Quantitative measurement of hepatic fibrosis
• Spectroscopic measurement of liver iron and fat composition
• Dynamic pelvic imaging for the assessment of pelvic floor stability

Clinical research meetings held monthly promote the fellows' academic growth, as they are encouraged to author publications and present at conferences; funding is often available for travel-related expenses associated with national meetings.

Resources and Support

Fellows have access to extensive resources through the Health Sciences Library, including numerous full-text journals, evidence-based medicine tools, and a collegial space for academic collaboration. The program integrates various evidence-based medicine resources such as EBM Search and the Cochrane Library.

Application Process

Applicants must possess an MD or DO degree, having satisfactorily completed a diagnostic radiology residency program accredited by the ACGME or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Candidates must also be eligible for an Arizona Medical License before commencing the fellowship. The application requirements include:

• Fellowship application form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcripts
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• Three current letters of recommendation
• USMLE certification for medical graduates

Fellows are required to demonstrate proficiency in USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 exams.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 and H-1B visa types, to ensure international medical graduates can participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is characterized as competitive yet friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs). Special attention is given to applicants’ training backgrounds, particularly for those who have completed non-ACGME accredited programs, requiring supplementary documentation to demonstrate their qualifications.