University of California (San Francisco) Program

The Pediatric Radiology Fellowship at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital is designed to provide extensive training in pediatric radiology. This program is based at the new Mission Bay Campus in San Francisco, California. In addition to the rotation at the Mission Bay campus, fellows will spend one month at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital – Oakland campus, which enhances exposure to trauma and sports medicine imaging. This comprehensive structure ensures that fellows have the necessary skills and experience to excel in both private practice and academic careers in pediatric radiology.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The core curriculum of the pediatric radiology fellowship comprises several rotations that provide a well-rounded educational experience. During these core rotations, fellows build upon the foundational knowledge gained during residency and develop their expertise in understanding pediatric diseases as assessed through imaging techniques.

The core rotation schedule includes:

• Ultrasound
• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Fluoroscopy
• Body CT/MRI, including interventional procedures
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Radiography

These core rotations last for one month each and are supplemented with elective rotations to expand the fellow's training further.1

Elective and Sub-Rotations

Fellows have the opportunity to enhance their training through elective rotations, allowing them to focus on specialized areas of interest. The elective rotations typically include:

• Children’s Hospital Oakland (4-8 weeks)
• Musculoskeletal Imaging (4 weeks)
• Pediatric Neuroradiology (8-12 weeks)
• Cardiac CT/MRI (4 weeks)
• Nuclear Medicine (4 weeks)
• Interventional Radiology (4 weeks)
• Body/MSK Imaging at UC Davis (4-8 weeks)

Fellows benefit from numerous interdisciplinary learning opportunities and are encouraged to participate in didactic lectures and resident conferences.1

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research mentorship, encouraging fellows to pursue their research interests. Dedicated protected academic time is allocated for project development, data collection, and analysis. Fellows are expected to present their research findings at conferences and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. Leveraging the department's resources, which include over $20 million in grant funding annually, fellows can engage in impactful research initiatives within pediatric radiology.1

Conferences and Teaching

Fellows participate in a structured curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning, including weekly didactic lectures led by pediatric radiology faculty. The program encourages fellows to enhance their teaching skills by presenting cases in specialty conferences encompassing various aspects of pediatric imaging.1

Application Process and Requirements

Interested candidates must submit a curriculum vitae (CV), a universal application form, a personal statement, official USMLE scores, and an ECFMG certificate if applicable, along with three dated and signed letters of recommendation. The program is open to both MD and DO applicants and looks favorably on applications from international medical graduates (IMGs). The fellowship is highly competitive, but certain accommodations may be available for DO and IMG candidates, depending on their qualifications and academic background.1

Visa Support

The Pediatric Radiology Fellowship program is equipped to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, providing critical support for international candidates pursuing this advanced training opportunity. This commitment to visa sponsorship underscores the program's dedication to inclusivity and diversity within the fellowship class.2

Career Outcomes

Upon completion of the fellowship, graduates are highly regarded and well-prepared for clinical practice or academic positions. Alumni of the program have secured positions in notable institutions across the country, including children's hospitals and higher education medical centers. These successful transitions reflect the quality of training and the reputation associated with the UCSF Pediatric Radiology Fellowship.1