Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellowship

Teaching is highly valued by MSK division members, as shown by the Division's top rating in this area by its radiology residents. Fellows are provided a series of weekly didactics taught by the faculty, a daily noon conference, and ample hands-on training in ultrasound. As junior faculty/clinical instructors, fellows are encouraged to develop their own teaching style, and to participate in local, regional, and national conferences. Funding and time off are provided for such participation.

The faculty are actively engaged in clinical research and strongly encourage fellows to become involved in research projects, culminating in presentations at national meetings and publications in major journals. Academic time, mentoring by faculty members, and quality ancillary support are provided to promote a rewarding academic experience.

Fellows work closely with faculty members in clinical work, with progressive independence as their experience grows. Fellows will develop the complete range of technical and consultative skills needed to successfully manage complex imaging cases. The atmosphere is professional, friendly, and promotes the highest quality in clinical services, teaching, and research.

During the one-year fellowship in Musculoskeletal Radiology, each fellow will develop expertise in MSK MRI, CT, US, radiography, and interventional procedures. Through hard work, education, and sharing of responsibilities, our fellows emerge from their training as well-rounded MSK consultants, equipped with the knowledge and experience that will allow them to succeed in any type of practice, clinical, or academic. We emphasize the team approach to our division, with the goal of completing the daily work in an efficient manner, in an atmosphere that is positive, supportive, friendly, and educational.

As junior faculty/clinical instructors at the University of Michigan, fellows have gradually increased clinical responsibilities throughout the year. The faculty and each fellow decide when the time is right for this transition. Limited independent interpretation of radiographs usually begins early in the year, followed by other imaging studies when the fellow is comfortable. At all times, there are several MSK faculty present to assist with difficult cases and consultations. We encourage fellows to strive to continually improve speed and accuracy of interpretation and dictation as they progress through the fellowship.

We have developed a fellowship-level MSK curriculum based on the ACGME core competencies to serve as a guide for independent study. In addition, the faculty teach a series of weekly didactics and seminars geared to the fellowship level, to augment material learned in the daily readout sessions.

• General: Check in with daily assigned bone faculty for details. The day begins at 8 a.m.
• Bone 1: ER and Inpatient MRI, CT, and XR. Then outpatient MRI and CT. This rotation is staffed by 1 faculty, 1 fellow, and 1-2 residents.
• Bone 2: Outpatient MSK Ultrasound from Taubman and Domino’s Farms as well as outpatient MRI and XR. Ample time is offered for hands-on scanning for MSK ultrasound and fellows are encouraged to get as much “hands-on” scanning practice as possible. Additionally, days are provided for the fellow to scan their own patients with the MSK sonographer or faculty present as a backup. Fellow can help with some ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopic-guided procedures. This rotation is staffed by 1 faculty, 1 fellow, and 1 resident.
• Bone 3: Outpatient biopsies (CT-guided, US-guided, & MRI-guided), outpatient and inpatient US-guided procedures, some MRI and XR reading. We average 1-2 CT- or US-guided biopsies and 3-6 US-guided injections per day. MSK faculty supervise all biopsies. We average one osteoid osteoma radiofrequency ablation every 2-3 months. This rotation is staffed by 1 faculty, 1 fellow, and 1 resident.
• Bone 4: Outpatient MRI and XR, MSK ultrasound from Northville and Brighton. This rotation is staffed by 1 faculty and 1 fellow.
• Bone XR: After spending some time on our clinical service early in the year, fellows have the opportunity to function as independent staff interpreting radiographs on this rotation.

The Musculoskeletal Faculty have diverse backgrounds and diverse research interests. Areas of research interest include but are not limited to MRI, ultrasound, cadaveric studies, comparative anatomy, arthritis, sports medicine, pelvic floor imaging, bone mineral density and metabolism, osteoarthritis, and procedures. Collaboration with Orthopaedic Surgery and Rheumatology, among others, is common with most research projects. Please see the individual Musculoskeletal Faculty web pages for specific research interests. Musculoskeletal Fellows and Residents often work with Musculoskeletal Faculty on research projects, which are expected to result in exhibits, presentations, and manuscripts. The Musculoskeletal Faculty will serve as mentors for such projects and provide guidance to achieve such results.

Fellows are expected to participate in at least one type of project listed below. Reviews or QA projects tend to be easier to accomplish in one year.

• Research Projects: Each faculty has several IRBs and projects in various stages of development. Fellows can participate in all areas of literature search, data collection and analysis and manuscript preparation (First authorship is not required if time is limited)
• Education Exhibits: Aim to submit education exhibits, case of the day, scientific posters or abstracts to RSNA, SSR, ISS, ARRS, and other conferences.
• Review Papers: Many of our faculty are invited to submit review papers to various journals every year and they frequently offer first authorship to interested fellows.
• QA Projects