University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program
Location:
Dallas, TXSpecialty:
Abdominal radiologyACGME Code:
4214842001UT Southwestern Medical Center offers a comprehensive one-year Abdominal Radiology Fellowship that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program is designed to provide fellows with extensive training in a range of abdominal imaging modalities. The fellowship is primarily based at Parkland Memorial Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center that serves a large and diverse patient population, alongside additional clinical sites such as William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Rogers Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, and the Clements Imaging Building (PET Center). Each of these sites contributes to the fellows’ clinical experience through a broad exposure to various cases and imaging techniques.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is structured around vital learning rotations that include:
- 12 weeks of Body CT
- 12 weeks of Body MR
- 8 weeks of Body Procedures
- 8 weeks of Ultrasound
- 4 weeks of GI/GU/Fluoroscopy
- 4 weeks of PET
- 4 weeks of an elective rotation
Fellows also engage in resident and medical student education, assist referring clinicians, and partake in quality improvement projects. The clinical workload is high, with over 21,000 CT scans, 5,000 MR examinations, 25,000 ultrasound procedures, and numerous image-guided interventions performed annually, providing considerable learning opportunities during fellowship training.
Facilities and Equipment
The fellowship utilizes advanced clinical facilities equipped with:
- Four dual-energy CT scanners, including a Philips IQON spectral CT device
- One 320-row CT scanner
- Three 256-row CT scanners
- Twelve 64-row CT scanners
- Seven 3T magnets
- Seven 1.5T magnets
- Multiple ultrasound units
Additionally, fellows have access to cutting-edge research equipment, such as a 7T magnet, further enhancing their training in an innovative environment.
Faculty
The fellowship is backed by 17 full-time Abdominal Imaging faculty members, as well as five Nuclear Medicine faculty. This esteemed team provides mentorship, oversight, and guidance throughout the fellowship year.
Professional Development and Conferences
The program emphasizes academic growth through structured educational opportunities, including:
- 24 lectures provided by faculty over the course of the year
- Participation in interdisciplinary conferences
- Regular Radiology Grand Rounds
Fellows are also guaranteed dedicated research time each week, encouraging scholarly activity that may lead to publication and conference presentations.
Salaries and Benefits
Fellows receive compensation commensurate with their PGY level. They are entitled to competitive salaries that are consistent nationally compared to other teaching programs. The program also grants an annual leave of 25 days, and fellows accrue sick leave monthly, ensuring a work-life balance during their training.
Application Process and Competitiveness
The fellowship accepts five fellows annually. Candidates must have completed an accredited residency program in Diagnostic Radiology. The program is competitive, and international medical graduates (IMGs) are welcomed, with support in securing J-1 visas for training. The program is noted for being friendly to both DO applicants and IMGs.
Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation (one from a current Program Director), medical school transcripts, a CV, a personal statement, and board test scores. There is no specified maximum for failed STEP exams, although candidates should be certified or eligible for board certification in Diagnostic Radiology.
Call Duty and Electives
Fellows participate in a call rotation week approximately nine times in the academic year. This call includes both home contact and faculty backup during evening hours on weekdays and full coverage over weekends, ensuring hands-on experience with direct supervision. Additionally, fellows receive four weeks of elective time to explore interests in various subspecialty areas within radiology.
Visa Support
UT Southwestern offers visa support exclusively for J-1 visas, focusing on fostering opportunities for international medical graduates to train within its facilities.
Website
Director
Julie Champine, MDProgram Director, Abdominal Radiology Fellowship, Professor, Radiology/ Abdominal Imaging Appointed Since July 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
18hrsFirst Year Salary:
$83,617First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Dallas, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Dallas, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Dallas has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. It's essential to research the specific area where you plan to live to ensure safety.
- Fun Activities: Dallas offers a diverse range of activities such as museums, parks, sports events, vibrant nightlife, and delicious dining options.
- Climate: Dallas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity during summer months.
- Races and Population: Dallas is a diverse city with a significant population of Hispanic, African American, and White residents.
- Education: Dallas is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities to residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Dallas is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Dallas is approximately a 4-hour drive from Houston and a 3-hour drive from Austin. Both cities offer unique cultural experiences and amenities.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, affordable cost of living.
- Cons: Traffic congestion, humid summers, safety concerns in some neighborhoods.
Interview Questions
