UPMC Medical Education Program

The Pediatric Radiology Fellowship at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC offers a comprehensive training program aimed at molding skilled pediatric radiologists well-prepared for both academic and private practice. This fellowship emphasizes a combination of outstanding clinical training and academic achievements, ensuring that participants gain necessary experience from an accredited institution.

The program features a large, diverse patient population, as Children's Hospital is recognized as a quaternary care center. This environment allows fellows to experience various training opportunities, covering subspecialized teaching with dedicated faculty expertise in pediatric radiology. The fellows are encouraged to engage in quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing patient safety, which is a crucial aspect of pediatric care.1

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship is structured to provide robust training that includes access to an extensive series of lectures and conferences that address all major areas of pediatric radiology. The educational program is designed to refine presentation skills and promote research, thereby providing academic time dedicated to completing research projects that lead to publication.2

Additionally, fellows are trained on the latest imaging equipment, benefiting from state-of-the-art technology available at Children's Hospital. This includes advanced imaging modalities such as MRI and CT scans that are pivotal in pediatric diagnostics.2

Clinical Rotations and Services

As part of the training, fellows in this Pediatric Radiology Fellowship receive hands-on experience with a variety of imaging techniques including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy. Each modality is focused on specific areas of pediatric medicine:

• CT Imaging: Fellows will become proficient in interpreting both traditional and specialized CT scans, such as CT angiography, while prioritizing techniques aimed at radiation dose reduction without compromising diagnostic quality.
• Fluoroscopy: Training includes extensive experience with pediatric fluoroscopy, particularly of gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, as well as participation in various fluoroscopic interventions.
• MRI: The fellowship includes detailed training in pediatric MRI, where fellows plan and interpret imaging for a range of pathologies, including musculoskeletal and neuro assessments.
• Ultrasound: Fellows will master pediatric ultrasound techniques, covering various applications such as abdominal, vascular, and neonatal imaging.

Research Opportunities

The research component of the fellowship is significant, with the Department of Radiology having over 120 peer-reviewed publications in the past two years. The program encourages fellows to contribute to this body of work, fostering an environment where academic excellence goes hand in hand with clinical training.2

Unique Aspects of the Program

Children's Hospital has a longstanding history in pediatric radiology and holds a prestigious status in the US News & World Report's Honor Roll of America's Best Children's Hospitals. This distinction underscores the quality of training provided to fellows as they learn under renowned faculty dedicated to pediatric radiology.1

Moreover, the fellowship is designed to accommodate international medical graduates, with visa support available for various work-related visa types, providing essential guidance throughout the sponsorship process.3

Application Process

The application process involves downloading the Radiology Fellowship Application Form. While specific requirements may vary, candidates should be aware that the program may consider factors such as year of graduation, performance on standardized exams, and prior clinical experience.3

Competitiveness

The Pediatric Radiology Fellowship program is recognized for its competitiveness. It seeks candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance, clinical aptitude, and a commitment to advancing pediatric radiology. The program is considered friendly to both DO and IMG applicants, acknowledging diverse educational backgrounds in its selection process.2