University of Kentucky College of Medicine Program

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine offers a distinguished Abdominal Radiology Fellowship program that stands out as one of the few ACGME-accredited fellowship programs in this specialty within the United States. This one-year fellowship is designed for candidates who have completed an ACGME-accredited diagnostic radiology residency program and are board-eligible or certified by the American Board of Radiology. A key requirement for all fellows is eligibility for medical licensure in Kentucky 1.

Fellowship Structure and Curriculum

The Abdominal Radiology Fellowship at the University of Kentucky provides comprehensive training in all aspects of abdominal radiology encompassing major imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy. In addition to diagnostic imaging, this fellowship includes opportunities to engage in light interventional procedures and various scholarly or research activities aimed at developing fellows into proficient abdominal imaging specialists capable of thriving in diverse environments, whether academic or private practice 1.

Core Missions and Resources

The program is closely aligned with UK HealthCare's three core missions: clinical care, education, and research. The fellowship leverages the resources of a medical center recognized for quality, having been awarded the 2018 Vizient Rising Star Award. The gastric radiology faculty comprise highly experienced professionals who are active in national conferences and are integral to multidisciplinary care conferences, fostering collaborative relationships vital for comprehensive patient management 1.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The Division of Abdominal Radiology is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technologies, and the department is accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence (DICOE). The use of advanced methodologies such as MR and ultrasound elastography and multiparametric MRI highlights the high standard of care and diagnostic accuracy maintained by the program. The collaborative efforts among radiologists, physicists, and technologists are aimed at ensuring that imaging protocols meet the highest possible standards for patient safety and quality 1.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows are offered a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits, which include health insurance, life, and disability insurance, an annual education fund, and funding for attending national meetings to present research findings. Additional financial support for board preparation is also provided 1.

Living in Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky, presents an appealing environment for fellows, combining the amenities of a larger city with the charm of a small town. The city is known for its horse farms, parks, and vibrant downtown with a rich cultural scene that includes theaters and fine dining. Moreover, attractions such as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Keeneland enhance the recreational offerings, making it a pleasant place to live and work during the fellowship year 1.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit a set of comprehensive materials including a current Curriculum Vitae, a completed Universal Application for Fellowship, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation from their residency program director, and a personal statement. They also need to provide USMLE (and/or COMLEX) transcripts and, if applicable, an ECFMG certificate. Application inquiries should be directed to designated personnel involved in the fellowship 1.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Abdominal Radiology Fellowship program is considered competitive, particularly for candidates that have strong academic backgrounds and relevant experience. While there isn't a specific cut-off score for USMLE, candidates are assessed holistically, factoring in their entire application, which includes letters of recommendation, research involvement, and overall performance during residency. Particular attention is given to candidates expressing interest in the ABR alternate pathway, suitable for international medical graduates seeking to align their training with ABR credentialing 1.

Visa Support

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine provides visa support for international candidates. The program may sponsor J-1 visas, which are common among fellowships, allowing foreign physicians to pursue training in the United States 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are expected to engage in scholarly activities, with ample opportunities to contribute to ongoing research projects within the abdominal radiology division. The supportive environment promotes mentoring and guidance from faculty involved in various cutting-edge research programs 1.