Abdominal Radiology Fellowship

Clinical Training

Participants will gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in advanced imaging techniques with a strong emphasis on abdominal and pelvic pathology. Our program provides mentorship from experienced faculty, opportunities for research, and exposure to diverse clinical cases. Fellows will receive training in the interpretation of other imaging modalities of the body including: 

• CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
• CT Colonography
• PET-CT
• Ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures
• Fluoroscopy
• Plain film interpretation

At the end of the one-year fellowship, the fellow should be able to demonstrate the following skills and competencies: 

• Interpreting cross-sectional US, CT, and MR imaging of the body
• Performing and interpreting fluoroscopic procedures
• Performing ultrasound-guided procedures including thoracentesis, paracentesis, and biopsies
• Comprehensive knowledge of the physics of ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging and an ability to apply this knowledge for image optimization and for quality assurance issues
• Patient care in the areas of consultation particularly in multidisciplinary conferences, patient safety, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
• Proficiency in protocoling exams

Teaching and Mentorship

Fellows actively participate in a wide range of interdisciplinary conferences and tumor boards, providing a critical learning opportunity for managing complex cases. Our department is engaged in the following multidisciplinary collaborations:

• Hepatobiliary
• Colorectal
• Urology
• Gynecology
• Nephrology

Academic and Research Opportunities

Abdominal Radiology Fellows are given the opportunity to participate in research and technology development with at least one academic day per week. All trainees are required to participate in at least one scholarly project. Fellows can participate in one or several of the following project types: laboratory research, clinical research, image interpretation, imaging techniques, or practice management issues. Within the department, the fellows will be offered opportunities to participate in on-going basic and translational research. 

Within the field of MR imaging of the body, the Abdominal Division is actively engaged in several translational research projects. Such examples include quantitative measuring of hepatic fibrosis, spectroscopic measurement of iron and fat composition within the liver, dynamic pelvic imaging to assess for pelvic floor instability, and dynamic MR imaging of the lungs. 

Clinical research meetings for fellows and attendings are held monthly. Fellows are encouraged to author publications and to present at meetings. All publications and presentations will be written with faculty guidance. Additionally, when presentations are accepted at national meetings, departmental funding is often available to support travel and related expenses.

Learn more about research opportunities in the Department of Medical Imaging.

Program Resources

Fellows and residents have access to a wide range of health sciences information resources through the Health Sciences Library. Access to countless full-text journals is available the University of Arizona Health Sciences campus library catalog. This comprehensive resource also provides comfortable space for small group collaborations and quiet studying in a collegial atmosphere. 

The program also incorporates evidence-based medicine tools including EBM search, a search engine that provides access to evidence-based medicine, the Cochrane Library, ACP Pier, BMJ Clinical Evidence, and Clinical Practice Guidelines. Additionally, fellows have access to STATRef, the premier healthcare e-resource.