Training & Curriculum
Program Overview
The one-year program provides didactic and clinical teaching sessions covering musculoskeletal concepts relating to anatomy, physiology, orthopedic surgery, pathology and rheumatology. It offers a closely supervised experience in the application and interpretation of all imaging examinations and procedures as they relate to the analysis of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints and soft tissues. The imaging methods and procedures include routine radiography, computed tomography, ultrasonography, radionuclide scintigraphy/PET, magnetic resonance, arthrography, bone mineral density studies and diagnostic musculoskeletal radiology and therapeutic injections, as well as image-guided percutaneous biopsy techniques.
The volume of cases, faculty-to-fellow ratio and clinical and didactic experience make this program a unique experience that produces well-trained musculoskeletal radiologists who can meet the healthcare needs of the public. Cedars-Sinai's large patient population, advanced imaging procedures, research opportunities and competitive stipend help make this one of the most sought-after fellowship programs in musculoskeletal radiology.
Clinical training includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) radiography
- Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Arthrography
- Joint aspiration
- Soft tissue and image-guided biopsy
- Image-guided interventional procedures; thermal ablations and cryoablations
- Orthopedic pain management procedures (steroid and anesthetic injections); perineural injections
- Positive emission tomography/CT; opportunity to read out with neuromuscular staff
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Schedule
On a typical morning, the fellow performs all the required protocols and signs off on the reports. The fellow checks for any inpatient CT scan and MRI studies that have been done overnight and does the preliminary read. The fellow then performs the preliminary reads for approximately 10 more CT and MRI studies before reading out with the attending physician and dictating. After lunch, the fellow usually reads two to four fluoroscopy procedures. The fellow performs the preliminary reads and then dictates about five more CT and MRI studies.
CT procedures, including soft tissue and bone biopsies and therapeutic injections, typically happen one or two days a week, almost always in the morning. Ultrasound procedures, including aspirations and therapeutic injections, typically happen one to three times per week, usually in the afternoon.
The fellow attends tumor board twice monthly; orthopedic and rheumatology conference monthly; and gives conference to the residents once monthly. There is one resident on the MSK service about four to six months out of the year, and the fellow helps the resident with read-outs and procedures.
Fellow-level dedicated conferences occur at least twice monthly. Academic time is given for research from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesdays. Electives are available during the final quarter of training.
Paid Conference
The department pays for one outside conference or national meeting in which the fellow presents, including conference registration, air travel, hotel and meals.
On-Call Responsibilities
Call provides continuity of patient care experience, and a radiologist is readily available to provide back-up support 24/7. Weekday call is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., one day weekly. Weekend call is 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., one weekend in four. Holiday call is 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on one major holiday. Moonlighting opportunities are available weekly.
Have Questions or Need Help?
Contact us if you have questions or would like to learn more about the Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai.
S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center
8700 Beverly Blvd, Suite M-335
Los Angeles, CA 90048