University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The University of Louisville Neuroradiology Fellowship offers an extensive training program designed to cultivate well-rounded neuroradiologists. As of July 2025, the program will expand its capacity from two to four fellows per year, allowing for more comprehensive exposure to various facets of neuroradiology.

This fellowship aims to blend robust clinical training with a supportive and diverse learning environment, prioritizing excellent patient care delivery. The training occurs across several prestigious facilities, including the University of Louisville Hospital, which is a Level 1 trauma center, stroke center, and cancer center, along with Jewish Hospital, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Norton Children's Hospital, providing a rich and varied patient population.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously designed and is influenced by the faculty's diverse clinical background and referral services from accredited specialty centers. The core rotations cover all significant aspects of neuroradiology including head, neck, and vascular imaging, complemented by additional training in neuropathology and radiation oncology.

Advanced training includes neuroimaging techniques such as MR spectroscopy, functional MRI, tractography, and both MR and CT perfusion. A pivotal part of the fellowship involves a dedicated Clinical and Translational Research building featuring state-of-the-art imaging technology including a 3T MRI scanner and a 9-Tesla MRI unit.

Procedural Training

Fellows will also gain procedural experience involving catheter angiography, spinal procedures, and biopsies through collaboration with interventional radiology. Pediatric neuroradiology training is conducted at the Norton Children's Hospital, reinforcing the breadth of experience.

Research Opportunities

Research is heavily encouraged within the program, providing numerous opportunities for fellows to engage in scholarly activities. The program supports fellows who present at national conferences with funding to cover associated costs, fostering an environment of academic growth.

Call Responsibilities

In-house call typically consists of weekend daytime shifts, with fellows responsible for 13 weekends per year; overnight call is not part of the current program structure.

Application Process

The fellowship utilizes the ERAS system for applications and encourages all eligible candidates to apply, maintaining a diverse candidate pool. Prospective fellows are advised to inform the program of any interest in pursuing an Endovascular Neurosurgery Fellowship pathway early in the application process, as the diagnostic neuroradiology fellowship is a prerequisite.

Stipend and Living Arrangements

The cost of living in Louisville is attractive, being 5.9% below the national average, with home prices averaging around $240,000. The fellowship offers a competitive stipend along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, free parking, and access to fitness facilities.

Visa Sponsorship

The program only sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates, facilitating residency applications from qualified foreign candidates.

Competitiveness and Requirements

The program is known for being competitive and is friendly towards both DO and IMG applicants. Special application requirements include holding an ECFMG certificate by the application deadline. There is no strict minimum score for USMLE Step exams, as the selection process is holistic, although strong performance in Step 2 is encouraged.