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Breast Imaging Fellowship

Program Overview and Scope of Training

The Breast Imaging Department is based in the Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers with additional smaller breast imaging departments offering screening, diagnostic imaging, and biopsies at South Jordan Health Center (SJHC) and Farmington Health Center (FHC). There are also several peripheral outpatient clinics offering community-based screening mammography as part of the University of Utah Healthcare system.

The fellowship provides specialty training in all areas of breast imaging and intervention including digital mammography, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Biopsies are offered using stereotactic, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, or MR guidance as needed. Preoperative localizations are performed utilizing radioactive seeds, wires, and Savi scout reflectors. A multi-disciplinary conference in breast cancer management is held weekly and the breast imaging fellow is expected to participate. We also have an established breast radiology-pathology monthly conference and plan for journal club a few times per year. 

Academic Pursuits

There is an established breast cancer research group and fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects. A budget is available to sponsor attendance at a meeting if a presentation is accepted. Academic time is provided for active research projects and conference preparation as needed.

Elective Time

Fellows are encouraged to pursue electives with other sections within the department. Time available is dependent on the availability of the accepting service. Elective rotations taken by former fellows include Abdominal and Musculoskeletal Imaging.

Appointment & Benefits

Fellows are typically appointed as Visiting Instructors. Salary, conference and vacation time, and fringe benefits are competitive with other fellowship programs. More detailed information is available when you apply for the fellowship.

In addition to specialist training, fellows may be asked to help with general staffing requirements up to two days per month in areas outside of breast imaging. All fellows also participate in the general (non-neuro, non-IR) call schedule.

Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment at the University of Utah School of Medicine, candidates must meet Utah state medical licensure requirements and one of the following qualifications:

  • Be a graduate of a US or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) OR 
  • Be a graduate of a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOACOCA) OR 
  • Be a graduate of a medical school outside of the United States who currently holds a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) prior to appointment. 

Our selection committee places significant emphasis on key factors when reviewing applications, including USMLE results—such as passing Step 1 on the first attempt and a Step 2 score of 250 or higher—along with research experience, volunteer work, leadership qualities, potential for an academic career, exceptional letters of recommendation, formative life experiences, and personal characteristics that demonstrate determination, a growth mindset, maturity, strong communication skills, and adaptability.

While we believe these characteristics make for an excellent fellowship candidate, none of these criteria are requirements. We believe in reviewing applications holistically as applicants may excel in some particular areas.

International Medical Graduates

Currently, due to regulations surrounding non-accredited ACGME fellowship programs, we are unable to accommodate J-1 visa applicants.

For candidates interested in completing the ABR Alternate Pathway Program, please visit our Alternate Pathway page for more information.

Application Overview & Timeline

We have pledged to follow the fellowship embargo program proposed by the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD). We are committed to a fair fellowship application process that allows residents the time to make an informed decision about their sub-specialty training.  

We also participate in the Breast Imaging Fellowship Match sponsored by the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and managed by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The SBI has implemented an All in Policy for the Match. This means that programs participating in the Match cannot extend any offers to candidates outside of the match. Applicants can withdraw from the Match prior to the ranking deadline if they accept a position outside of the Match. In order to become a fellow at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, you must register with the Radiology Match through the NRMP. 

The application and match timeline can be found on the SBI website. The preferred application deadline for our program is November 10th. Our interviews are virtual, they will be held between January and March.

Summary of Important Dates

  • November 1 – First day to accept applications
  • November 1 – Open house webinars can begin
  • January 13 – First day of interviews
  • March 31 – Last day of interviews
  • April 16 – Ranking opens
  • June 4 – Ranking closes
  • June 18 – Match Day

Sample Interview Day Schedule

8:45 Meet with Program Director
9:30-11:00 Faculty Interviews
11:00-12:00 Fellow Social
12:00 Interview Day Conclusion

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted here beginning November 1.

Your application should include:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • One-page personal statement
  • USMLE scores for steps 1, 2 and 3. COMLEX scores may be substituted for USMLE
  • Dean’s Letter (MSPE)
  • Medical School Transcripts
  • Personal photograph
  • Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from your current program director

Optional documents

  • Medical School diploma
  • Additional personal statement about why you want to train in Utah

International medical graduates must also include the following:

  • Valid ECFMG certificate with Clinical Skills Assessment certification
  • Evidence of previous training in the United States (if applicable)

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Verifications

We use the standardized “Verification of Graduate Medical Education Training” (VGMET) form released in 2018 by the ACGME, AHA, NAMSS, and OPDA. If you have a customized form, require program director signature and/or our institutional seal please select the appropriate option and email us the form.

A charge of $25.00 - $55.00 will be assessed for each comprehensive letter of verification, payable via credit card using our on-line payment portal (or by check, if submitting the request by US mail). This charge is in place to offset the fees we commonly incur while credentialing our own incoming residents and fellows. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Once the request has been submitted via the link below, please e-mail a completed Authorization for Release of Information form to RadiologyResidency@utah.edu   

When we have received the payment and trainee authorization, you will receive the completed verification of training form via e-mail. If you have further questions, please call 801-581-2868.

Verification Payment Portal >

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The University of Utah School of Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, or veteran’s status. In accordance with the requirements of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, (Section 504), the University of Utah provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, so that they may fully participate in its academic programs, employment opportunities, medical services, programs, and events.