University of Michigan Program
Location:
Ann Arbor, MISpecialty:
Nuclear medicineACGME Code:
2002511039The University of Michigan’s Nuclear Medicine program, an integral part of the Michigan Medicine Radiology Department, is designed to equip residents and fellows with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of nuclear medicine. The program emphasizes clinical training, research opportunities, and educational resources while fostering collaboration among its professionals to advance the field of nuclear medicine.
Program Overview and Mission
The mission of the Nuclear Medicine Division is to cultivate a multidisciplinary and collaborative team environment that prioritizes excellent clinical care for patients, robust research initiatives, and the education of the next generation of nuclear medicine professionals. Since its inception in 1952, the program has been at the forefront of utilizing radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, providing advanced clinical services led by a team of approximately 30 physicians and scientists with extensive training and experience 1.
Curriculum
The Nuclear Medicine Residency curriculum is designed to provide structured training necessary for clinical competence. Trainees engage in various aspects of nuclear medicine, including general nuclear medicine imaging, nuclear cardiology, pediatric nuclear medicine, radiopharmacy, and theranostics for disorders like thyroid disease. The program also includes significant educational components in clinical nuclear medicine, physics, instrumentation, and radiobiology through lectures, conferences, and laboratory rotations 3.
Clinical Rotations
Residents participate in diverse clinical rotations that cover critical areas such as:
- General Nuclear Medicine
- Nuclear Cardiology
- Pediatric Nuclear Medicine
- Therapeutic of Hyperthyroidism
- Clinical PET/CT and SPECT/CT Imaging
These rotations ensure that trainees gain a well-rounded experience crucial for independent practice 4.
Research Opportunities
The program boasts a rich research environment, allowing fellows to engage actively in projects that introduce new radiotracer imaging methods and contribute to the advancement of nuclear medicine. The division allocates substantial funding for research, totaling approximately $6 million annually. Facilities include a cyclotron for radiochemical research, laboratories for image analysis, and animal imaging services 3.
Fellowship Training
The Division of Nuclear Medicine offers two distinct tracks for postdoctoral physician training: a one-year residency for those who have completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency, and a two-year residency for candidates from other clinical disciplines like Internal Medicine or Surgery. Both tracks prepare the fellows for certification by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine. The program accepts applications from those with various residency backgrounds, promoting diversity in specialty training 4.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The University of Michigan Nuclear Medicine program is distinguished by its collaborative approach, providing access to state-of-the-art technology and a wide variety of clinical cases due to its association with a major academic medical center. The program's curriculum is fortified with numerous conferences, including the NM Case Correlation Conference, NM Journal Club, and Radiology Noon Conferences, fostering a rich educational environment 4.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program is recognized as being highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates including US graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). It actively supports visa sponsorship for foreign applicants, including the H-1B visa and J-1 visa types, providing valuable opportunities for qualified candidates seeking to further their education in the United States 4.
Application Requirements
Candidates interested in the Nuclear Medicine residency must meet specific application standards. They are generally expected to have completed a four-year ACGME-accredited Residency in Diagnostic Radiology or another clinical discipline. This ensures that the selected residents have garnered essential foundational knowledge and clinical experience prior to entering the Nuclear Medicine training program. In addition, there may be specific standards regarding the number of attempts in licensure examinations, adding a layer of selectivity to the application 4.
Training Sites
The program operates within various affiliated locations, including University Hospital, the Cardiovascular Center, and several specialty care centers, assuring access to multidisciplinary resources and a wide range of patient demographics 5.
Website
Director
Ka Kit Wong, MBBSAssociate Professor, Radiology Appointed Since July 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$77,915First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
100%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
7.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
189Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Ann Arbor, MI
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Ann Arbor, MI
- Crime Rate and Safety: Ann Arbor is known for being a safe city with a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities of its size.
- Fun Activities: Ann Arbor has a vibrant cultural scene with plenty of art galleries, restaurants, and live music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy parks and nature trails.
- Climate: Ann Arbor experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Residents can enjoy the changing seasons.
- Races and Population: Ann Arbor has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural environment.
- Education: Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, offering educational opportunities and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Ann Arbor is relatively high compared to other cities in Michigan, mainly due to the university's influence on the local economy.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Detroit is approximately 45 minutes away by car from Ann Arbor. Detroit offers a more urban experience with a wide range of activities and cultural attractions.
Interview Questions
