University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Program

The Neuroradiology Fellowship Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics offers a rigorous one-year ACGME-accredited training that exposes fellows to a wide variety of clinical problems. This fellowship is designed to provide practical experience in diagnostic neuroradiology while being part of a diverse team composed of faculty, fellows, and residents from across the United States and abroad, creating a rich educational and cultural environment 1.

As a fellow, you will train at a modern, 734-bed tertiary care center that is closely affiliated with a 200-bed Veterans Affairs Hospital on the same campus. This collaborative setting serves as a significant referral center for the Midwest 2. The Department of Radiology is supported by a robust team that includes 60 staff physicians and researchers, 14 fellows, and 34 residents, providing a rich learning environment.

Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The curriculum for the Neuroradiology Fellowship covers all essential areas of diagnostic neuroradiology. Fellows will engage in a variety of clinical experiences including:

• Plain radiographs
• Computed Tomography (CT) and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), spectroscopy, and CSF flow studies
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• CT/MR perfusion studies
• Myelography and catheter angiography
• Percutaneous diagnostic procedures such as epidural steroid injections (ESI), facet injections, biopsies, and sialography

Last year, the fellowship site reported nearly 322,000 examinations, of which approximately 37,925 were neuroradiology-specific, highlighting the extensive hands-on experience fellows can expect 2.

Research and Academic Involvement

Fellows are also encouraged to engage in research projects and are provided with one academic day per week for educational activities. Participation in national meetings for presenting research is highly encouraged 2. The program focuses on fostering scholarly activity in a supportive academic setting, benefiting from interactions with many nationally recognized departments.

Training Sites and Facilities

Training occurs in well-equipped facilities featuring fully integrated voice-recognition and PACS systems. Fellows work in collaborative environments with nuclear medicine colleagues and joint interpretation of PET/CT studies is also common. The reading rooms in the MR center are equipped with advanced workstations that enhance the fellows' training experience 2.

Application Process and Special Requirements

Fellows are selected through the NRMP Fellowship Match process. Candidates must submit a completed ERAS application, which includes a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, copies of USMLE transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Special requirements dictate that all applications must be submitted through ERAS, ensuring a streamlined selection process 3.

Visas and Competitiveness

The program is inclusive and can support various visa types for international medical graduates, making it friendly to DO and IMG applicants. The competitiveness of the program reflects its high standards and the quality of training available, preparing graduates for distinguished careers in both academic and private practice settings 1.

Living in Iowa City

Iowa City offers a vibrant community with cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, and a strong public school system. The cost of living is reasonable, and many housing opportunities are conveniently located within five minutes of the medical center. Fellowship offers a supportive environment both academically and personally, facilitating a comprehensive learning and living experience 2.