MISSION

Our goal is to train outstanding cardiothoracic radiologists. Our fellowship is designed to accomplish that objective and provides the environment for acquiring the knowledge, interpretive skills, procedural skills, clinical judgment, and professionalism essential to the practice of cardiothoracic imaging. The program emphasizes the role of the cardiopulmonary imager as a consultant and the need to communicate effectively with referring physicians. Additionally, fellows will increase their skills in scholarly academic pursuits, such as teaching and research.

OVERVIEW

The Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging offers a one-year fellowship in thoracic and cardiovascular imaging. Up to 4 qualified applicants may be accepted each year. The fellowship is structured to train candidates for a successful career in either academic radiology or in the private sector. The fellowship provides comprehensive training in pulmonary, cardiac, and vascular imaging with services in conventional radiography, CT, MRI, and thoracic interventions. Ample volumes and diverse pathology enrich the fellowship experience and facilitate comprehensive training.

Although the fellowship is designed to provide balanced training in both thoracic and cardiovascular radiology, the amount of time on each
service can be altered to accommodate individual interests.

CLINICAL SERVICES

PULMONARY IMAGING

Fellows receive excellent training in chest radiograph and CT interpretation. Duke is a regional and national referral center for lung transplantation, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, thromboembolic disease, and cancer treatment, which is reflected in the volume and diversity of pulmonary imaging.

CARDIAC IMAGING

Cardiac CT and MR imaging services are provided through a joint collaboration between the Divisions of Cardiothoracic Radiology and Cardiology. Fellows participate in the performance and interpretation of coronary CTA on an ongoing basis throughout the fellowship. The division also supports imaging-intensive and active transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and pulmonary vein/myocardial ablation services. Training in Cardiac MRI occurs as a dedicated block of approximately 10 weeks. A strong emphasis is placed on learning how to perform exams, as this facilitates troubleshooting sequences and final study interpretation.

VASCULAR IMAGING

Vascular CT and MR imaging is an important component of fellowship training and encompasses a broad spectrum of vascular diseases not limited to the chest. The division provides a comprehensive vascular imaging service with CT and MR of the thoracoabdominal aorta, visceral arteries, and extremities. Routine studies include pre- and postoperative assessment of patients with acute aortic syndromes, trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), renal transplantation, venous thromboembolic disease, and peripheral vascular disease, among others.

THORACIC INTERVENTION

The Division maintains an active interventional service performing several CT- guided lung biopsies each week. Fellows receive additional training in pleural procedures including thoracentesis and thoracostomy tube placement. The Division also offers ablation therapies for the treatment of both primary and metastatic disease to the chest.

RESEARCH

Fellows are encouraged to participate in research during training and are allocated academic time to do so. Participation in national scientific meetings is encouraged. Division faculty welcome fellow engagement. Research mentorship is a hallmark of our fellowship experience.

TEACHING

Faculty within the Cardiothoracic Division are recognized nationally as exceptional educators, lecturing at key national society meetings. Our division and faculty have also been awarded several teaching awards within the department for our commitment to education. Cardiothoracic fellows are expected to engage in daily teaching activities through interactions with residents, medical students, and clinical faculty. In addition to teaching at the workstation, fellows will have the opportunity to present formal case conferences and didactic lectures.

CONFERENCES

The division directs and participates in many different multidisciplinary conferences. These include, but are not limited to, Cardiac MRI, Pulmonary Medicine Rad-Path, Thoracic Oncology, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and Lung Cancer Screening. Cardiothoracic fellows have the primary responsibility of reviewing and presenting studies for multidisciplinary conferences under faculty guidance.

CALL

Fellows participate in supervised weekend shifts during the first 5 months of the fellowship, rotating with the residents on service. Thereafter, fellows take independent call on par with faculty. Call is scheduled in weeklong blocks with in-house coverage on the weekends and home pager call in the evenings. Weekend call primarily constitutes reading inpatient and ER cardiothoracic studies and includes supervision of radiology residents on service.

VACATION

The Department of Radiology provides fellows with fifteen paid days of vacation per academic year, and one week over the winter Holiday break. Scheduling of vacation is subject to approval by the fellowship director.

MOONLIGHTING

In-house moonlighting opportunities are available within the Department.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging reviews applications and extends interviews on a rolling basis. Per SCARD recommendations, we will begin to accept applications on November 1, 2024. The interview season will begin on January 13, 2025. As we anticipate high demand for early January interview slots, interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is required for the Duke Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Program; this applies to both US and foreign medical graduates. Candidates should be ABR-eligible and must qualify for a DEA number and North Carolina medical license. Candidates who are graduates of a non-US or non-Canadian medical school must have completed 3 consecutive years of medical training at a US or Canadian-accredited medical center to obtain a North Carolina medical license. This requirement applies to all non-ACGME fellowship applicants. Faculty-limited licensure is not available for a training position.

FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Application
• C.V.
• Personal Statement
• USMLE transcript
• 3 letters of recommendation - one from your current Program Director and two of your choosing. Signed letters should be emailed as a PDF on original letterhead from the recommender to the fellowship director. Letters of recommendation should not come from the applicant.