University of Chicago Program

The Abdominal Radiology Fellowship at the University of Chicago is a one-year comprehensive, structured, ACGME-approved program that covers clinical, teaching, and research activities in all aspects of abdominal imaging using various modalities. This fellowship encompasses extensive participation in several areas such as abdominal MRI, CT, ultrasound, and incorporates flexible blocks that include elective time.

Fellows primarily work within a high-volume patient population situated in both outpatient settings and as an inpatient tertiary referral center, particularly in fields like oncology, surgery, gastroenterology, transplantation, and emergency medicine. The program is designed to ensure that fellows attain competency in performing and interpreting advanced imaging studies like 3D CT angiography, virtual colonoscopy, and prostate MRI. The recently opened Level One adult trauma center has significantly enhanced the fellow’s exposure to trauma imaging, thereby enriching their experience in high-pressure clinical situations.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship consists of structured rotations, including:

• MRI: 5 blocks
• CT: 2 blocks
• Ultrasound: 2 blocks
• Flexible Blocks: 4 blocks covering elective time, musculoskeletal imaging, and PET-CT

Each rotation is designed to foster a deep understanding of the methodologies involved in abdominal imaging, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are highly encouraged to engage in research activities, and recent topics have included prostate MR with whole-mount correlation, MR lymphography, and CT colonography. The program supports initiatives in continuous quality improvement, enabling fellows to participate actively in the design and evaluation of integrated PACS tools for better clinical outcomes in cancer patient care.

Facilities and Resources

The University of Chicago boasts state-of-the-art equipment for imaging. This includes nine MRI scanners (five 1.5T and four 3T), seven CT scanners (including three 256-slice and three 64-slice scanners), and eight high-end ultrasound units, ensuring that fellows have access to cutting-edge imaging technology. The facilities also include dedicated research MR scanners and specialized imaging tools for various diagnostics.

Application Process

The fellowship program has two positions available starting from the academic year 2026. Applications for July 2026 - June 2027 will begin being accepted from November 1, 2024. A medical license in Illinois is mandatory for all applicants, who must also have completed a residency in diagnostic radiology. Board certification or eligibility in diagnostic radiology is a prerequisite.

International medical graduates are welcomed, provided they meet the licensing requirements in Illinois and hold valid radiology board certification from their home country. It is crucial that applicants possess a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification and have successfully completed USMLE steps 1, 2, and 3.

All application materials and letters of recommendation must be submitted according to the guidelines stipulated by the program to be considered for a fellowship position.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program also offers visa sponsorship for international candidates, supporting types of visas necessary for training purposes. The competitiveness of the program is notable; it is regarded as being highly competitive, making it imperative for applicants to fulfill all requirements meticulously to ensure their chance of selection.