Clinical Fellowship in Abdominal Imaging
The Department of Radiology of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center offers a one-year fellowship that provides training in CT, ultrasonography, MR imaging abdominal procedures, imaging-guided interventional procedures such as biopsies, fluid drainages and radiofrequency ablations, gastrointestinal fluoroscopy, genitourinary radiology, and plain-film radiography of the abdomen. The abdominal imaging fellowship offers one year of training to individuals who have successfully completed an accredited radiology residency. There are four positions available each year. Normally, the fellowship is for one year. However, for those with a desire to spend additional time on research, a two-year fellowship is offered.
Program Information
Program Director: Robert E. Bechtold, M.D.
Section Secretary: Maureen Crumley
Address: Department of Radiology
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1088
Telephone: (336) 716-2471
Fax: (336) 716-0555
E-mail: rbechtol@wfubmc.edu (Dr. Bechtold)
mcrumley@wfubmc.edu (Ms. Crumley)
ACGME Accreditation: Yes
Clinical Training Offered: Radiography
Computed tomography
Ultrasonography
MR imaging
Fluoroscopy
Interventional procedures (tumor ablation, fallopian tube recanalization, CT fluoroscopy, etc.)
Organization of Fellowship
Excluding plain-film radiography, approximately 36,000 procedures are performed each year. After an initial period of familiarization, the abdominal imaging fellows take increasing responsibility for performance and supervision of these procedures. However, all areas are always staffed by abdominal imaging faculty as well. Teaching is active and constant.
Interventional procedure training includes biopsies and drainages as performed under CT and sonographic control. Also, the section performs tumor ablation procedures, recanalization of fallopian tubes, and placement of various catheters and tubes in the gastrointestinal and urinary tract under fluoroscopic control.
The Abdominal Imaging Section has available nine fast reconstructing multi-detector computed tomography scanners, seven state-of-the-art ultrasound units, five MR imaging units, six remote control radiographic/fluoroscopic rooms, and associated other radiography rooms.
The Abdominal Imaging Section has numerous ongoing advanced research programs, and participation in these research programs is encouraged. There is a strong tradition of research by fellows in the Abdominal Imaging Section. Financial support is provided for one medical education meeting per year. Additionally, fellows receive support for travel to any major meeting at which they present a scientific paper.
Faculty
The Abdominal Imaging Section includes ten faculty radiologists with interest in CT scanning, ultrasonography, and MR imaging of the abdomen, gastrointestinal fluoroscopy, genitourinary procedures, and plain-film radiology of the abdomen. Associated interventional procedures are also performed in large numbers.
Ronald J. Zagoria, M.D., Section Head
Robert E. Bechtold, M.D., Fellowship Director
David Childs, M.D.
David J. DiSantis, M.D.
Raymond B. Dyer, M.D.
Johanna R. Jorizzo, M.D.
John R. Leyendecker, M.D.
Michael Oliphant, M.D.
David J. Ott, M.D.
James J. Perumpillichira, M.D
Hisham A. Tchelepi, M.D.
Application Procedure
We are currently accepting applications for four fellowship positions to begin July 1, 2009. Radiology residents who desire to begin a fellowship immediately following the completion of their residency should apply starting in the fall of their third year of radiology residency. Minimum qualifications for the fellowship include successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency and ability to obtain a license to practice medicine in North Carolina. A personal interview is required unless there are exceptional circumstances.
A completed application consists of the following:
1. Completed Fellowship Application
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Personal statement or letter of interest explaining career choices and goals
4. Three letters of recommendation from radiology residency program director and faculty
5. Photograph (optional, for identification)
Completed applications, letters of recommendation, and supporting documents should be addressed to Dr. Bechtold. Requests for application materials and inquiries concerning interview arrangements, the receipt of materials, and administrative details of the application process should be addressed to Ms. Crumley.