Duke University Health System is a tertiary care center. We see a diverse array of pathology including sports medicine, orthopedic oncology, rheumatology, spine, and trauma. Diagnostic experience is provided in radiography, US, CT, and MR imaging. Procedural experience includes arthrography with fluoroscopic assistance (both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes), CT guided spinal injections, and image-guided biopsies using US or CT fluoroscopy.

We enjoy a friendly work environment and a collegial relationship with the clinicians of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as the other clinical departments and divisions in the Health System including Sports Medicine, Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, and Rheumatology. There are six full-time and 2 part-time faculty in the Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, and all are dedicated to resident and fellow education.

Research opportunities abound, and fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects during their fellowship year. When participating in such a project, fellows will be provided with dedicated academic time during the workweek, with the expectation of presenting their research findings at a national meeting and submitting a manuscript detailing their work.

As the Department of Radiology supports a large residency program and runs a medical student core curriculum in medical imaging, each musculoskeletal fellow is given opportunities in teaching at both the medical student and resident levels.

One of the highlights of the fellowship program is our conference schedule. Most conferences are weekly. This includes three fellow-oriented conferences: the Requisites Book review, interesting cases/rollout, and faculty lectures as well as the multidisciplinary Orthopedic Oncologic conference and Orthopedic Grand Rounds/ MM. Additional conferences occur less frequently as listed below. Although quite early or late in the day, opportunities to attend additional orthopedic conferences exist as well.

Starting with the academic year 7/1/2023, Duke University has been participating in the Society of Skeletal Radiology-sponsored MSK Fellowship Match.

Candidates applying for the 2027-2028 academic year may begin submitting applications on Sept. 1, 2026.

CONFERENCES

Monday: Book Club

Tuesday: Orthopedic Oncology tumor board

Wednesday: Orthopedic surgery grand rounds

Thursday: Radiology grand rounds

Friday morning: MSK Fellows conference

Journal Club: monthly

Rheumatology: monthly on Tuesdays

MSK MATCH TIMELINE:

September 1, 2026 – Applicant submissions begin

November 1, 2026 – Interview slots can be offered

January 11, 2027 – Interviews can begin

March 31, 2027 – Interviews completed

May 5, 2027 – Match day

For full details, review the SCARD Policies and Guidelines.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FELLOWSHIP:

1. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is required for entrance into the Duke Musculoskeletal Imaging fellowship program.
2. A North Carolina Medical Board license to practice medicine and credentialing from the Duke University Medical Center is also required prior to beginning training. A FULL NC Medical License is required – a training license WILL NOT suffice.
3. For applicants who are not U.S. citizens (an H1-B visa is required) a student visa is unacceptable.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the appropriate requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Step One: Complete the MSK Fellowship Application (applications open Sept. 1, 2026)

Step Two: After completing your application, you will receive an email with details and instructions or submitting your application supplemental documents. See the list of required documents below.

• Completed application form
• CV
• Personal statement
• USMLE Transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation (one must be from your Program Director or Chairperson)