Abdominal/Body Imaging Fellowship

Program Information

Program Director: Fred T. Lee Jr., MD
Division Chief: Myron Pozniak, MD
Program Coordinator: Pamela Adams

The goal of our fellowship program is to educate fellows in abdominal radiology with the intent of training future leaders in the private and academic worlds. We aim to accomplish this in a collegial, fun, and team-oriented atmosphere. Invariably, the fellows become our colleagues and friends throughout the course of the year.

Program Highlights

• Practice encompasses the full scope of academic abdominal imaging.
• An attending staff of national and international reputation, with diverse interests.
• A stable faculty that is fully staffed.
• Fellows are never used as "pack animals" to simply grind out work because of vacancies in attending coverage.
• A commitment to fellow education: there is a twice weekly educational program designed exclusively for the fellows, which includes didactic lecture, journal club, "hands-on" practical workshops.
• Dedicated academic time, averaging one day each week, which is protected.
• No "screamers" on the staff. A premium is placed on respectful interaction at all levels. We might have our idiosyncrasies, but we are at least pleasant!
• Access to a state-of-the-art animal laboratory which can be used for fellow research programs.
• An interventional and therapeutic ablation program virtually without parallel in this country. If you want to learn these techniques, come here.
• An elective month that is truly elective: previous fellows have chosen to obtain additional training in: cardiac MRI/CT, PET imaging, musculoskeletal MRI, vascular interventional, MR angiography, obstetrical ultrasound, echocardiography, mammography, Breast MRI (including MR compatible vacuum-assisted core biopsy), etc.
• A Virtual Colonography (VC) program at the vanguard of an exploding field. In fact, we are the first community in the United States with insurance coverage for VC. We average ~ 1000 VC cases per year.
• A team spirit and esprit de corps that is actively cultivated, cherished, and infectious (see past fellow comments).
• State-of-the art equipment.
• Madison. This is one of the best places to live on this earth. Vibrant, energized, and unbelievably beautiful. The most common story in town is that of the skeptical visitors who came and never left. The next most common story is of the children who leave, come back and stay forever.
• The winters? Just buy a good coat and get your skis waxed.

The year is divided into one month rotations in MRI, ultrasound, and CT. A month of elective work enables fellows to custom tailor a program to fit their interests. Dedicated academic time is built into the clinical schedule, and a fully funded meeting benefit exists. Fellows are expected to participate in at least one research project during the year, and meeting presenting is strongly encouraged.

We have several internal “moonlighting” opportunities that allow the fellows to supplement their income without sacrificing valuable vacation time.

 

Rotations

• The ultrasound rotation includes:
  • Abdominal, pelvis, extremity US
  • US guided biopsies
  • Intraoperative ultrasound
  • Percutaneous RF and cryoablation
  • Extensive Doppler US
  • Transplant imaging
  • Obstetrical ultrasound
• The CT rotation includes:
  • Abdominal, pelvis, and chest CT
  • CT fluoroscopy procedures
  • CT angiography of all types
  • CT-PET
  • CT urography
  • Virtual Colonography (VC)
• The MRI rotation includes:
  • Chest, abdominal, and pelvis MRI
  • Musculoskeletal MRI
  • MR angiography
  • Cardiac CT and MRI
  • Breast MRI

Conferences

• Active participation at RSNA
• Presentation of research papers by fellows at national and international conferences.
• Participation in the UW Annual CT conference with 250 participants in attendance
• Weekly hepatobiliary, transplant, and liver tumor interdisciplinary conferences
• Monday morning fellow teaching conference (didactic, journal club, meeting proceedings, field trips to practice scan on CT, MRI, US equipment).
• Wednesday case of didactic conference
• Thursday "classic paper" conference with the program director

Application Procedures

A completed application, curriculum vitae, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation are required prior to issuing invitations for an interview. The application form is available for download as an Adobe PDF document. Please e-mail this completed application form with all other required documents to Pamela Adams, padams@uwhealth.org , (Abdominal Imaging Fellowship Coordinator).

Match Deadlines - to be announced

Current Fellows

Nick Cantrell, MD

Robert Garrett, MD

Meghan Lubner, MD

Jody Riherd, MD

Jessica Robbins, MD

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact:

Pam Adams

Abdominal Imaging Fellowship Coordinator

UW Department of Radiology - E3/311 CSC

600 Highland Avenue

Madison, WI 53792-3252

608-263-9028 (office)

608-263-0140 (fax)

padams@uwhealth.org

Division Faculty and Section members

Division Chief
Myron Pozniak, MD
Professor
Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography

 

J. Louis Hinshaw, MD
Assistant Professor, Body Intervention Chief

 

Frederick Kelcz, MD PhD
Associate Professor, MRI Chief
Breast MRI, Abdominal/Pelvic MRI

 

David Kim, MD
Assistant Professor, Residency Program Director
CT colonography

 

Mark Kliewer, MD MHSc
Professor, Ultrasound Chief
Vascular Doppler US, Obstetrical US

 

Fred T Lee, Jr, MD
Professor, Senior Vice Chair
Abdominal Imaging Fellowship Director
Tumor ablation, Liver imaging, GU Radiology, Image guided intervention

 

Perry Pickhardt, MD
Associate Professor
CT colonography, CT of the GI system

 

Elizabeth Sadowski, MD
Assistant Professor
MRI perfusion of transplants, MRI spectroscopy

 

Andrew Taylor, MD
Professor, GI/GU Chief

 

Jamey Weichert, PhD
Associate Professor, Director, Contrast Agent Laboratory
development of cell-selective imaging and contrast agents, microimaging

 

 

Division Staff

Pam J Adams
Administrative Assistant, Fellowship Program Coordinator

 

Mary Sue inc Ametani, RN
Research Program Coordinator

 

Holly Casson, RN, BSN
Virtual Colonoscopy Clinical Program Coordinator

 

Jan Ketzler, RN
Abdominal & Thoracic Clinical Program Coordinator
RF ablation, lung biopsies

 

Kelly T Sexson, RN, BSN
Ultrasound/Abdominal Imaging Clinical Program Coordinator
biopsies, interventional procedures

 

Facilities

The UW Hospital and Clinics has been consistently ranked one of America's top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report magazine. Services at UW Hospital and Clinics are comprehensive and wide-ranging. The 478-bed hospital and 80-bed American Family Children’s Hospital have more than 900 active medical staff who annually care for more than 20,000 inpatients from throughout Wisconsin and around the world. More than 100 primary care and specialty clinics handle more than 400,000 outpatient visits yearly.

With our recent renovation of our facilities, our equipment is state-of-the-art, including:

• CT:
  • 2 - 64 slice GE VCT scanners
  • 2 - GE Ultra 8 slice scanners
  • 2 - GE Lightspeed 16 detector scanners
  • As of 9/2008, GE Lightspeed 16 detector large bore scanner with CT fluoroscopy
  • GE Lightspeed Plus 4 slice scanner with CT fluoroscopy
  • GE Discovery 4-slice PET-CT
  • McKesson PACS
  • Viatronix Virtual Colonography software
• Ultrasound:
  • 2 Acuson Sequoias
  • 2 Philips ALT 5000
  • 3 Philips IU-22 systems
  • 3 GE Logiq 9 systems
  • 1 Siemens Antares
  • Ultrasound cine clip and 3D/4D imaging capabilities
• MRI:
  • 3 1.5 Tesla GE scanners with 10.0 level and 11.0 level software
  • 3.0 Tesla GE scanner
  • Current cardiac MRI software package
  • 2 1.5 and a 3.0 Tesla GE scanners at our Research Park Facility

Of special interest, we have a state-of-the-art McKesson PACS system. The section is completely filmless. Our GI rooms are equipped with the latest Siemens digital filmless fluoroscopy equipment.

The University of Wisconsin has a strategic alliance with GE Medical Systems for early testing of pre-release imaging equipment. We are currently researching flat panel CT detector technology. We have a post-processing lab with the latest GE advantage windows workstations for cutting edge 3D post processing applications including: perfusion imaging, endostent evaluation, pre-transplant evaluation and post-transplant vascular patency study. We continue to develop MRI and CT angiographic extremity runoff examinations. We are actively researching percutaneous, RF ablation, cryoablation, microwave ablation, CT angiography of the coronary arteries, calcium scoring, advanced US physics applications, breast MRI, US contrast agents, tumor perfusion with CT and MRI, and oral CT/MRI contrast agents. We are involved in the refinement of cardiac MRI applications and CCT angiographic coronary studies. We have a very positive working relationship with cardiology specialists.

A major point of emphasis continues to be the development of a virtual colonography screening program. The recent addition of Perry Pickhardt, MD to our faculty has greatly increased the interest in this burgeoning application. In fact, we are the only community in the United States where all the major insurance companies reimburse for screening VC. We now average ~1000 VC cases per year (total experience > 5000 cases). If you wish to learn VC, this is the best place in the world to study. Drs. Kim & Pickhardt recently published two articles in The New England Journal of Medicine: CT Colonography versus Colonoscopy for the Detection of Advanced Neoplasia & Computed Tomographic Virtual Colonoscopy to Screen for Colorectal Neoplasia in Asymptomatic Adults.

 

Social Atmosphere

• "Team First" attitude welcoming a range of opinions and techniques
• Resident-fellow-attending movie nights (blame Dr. Taylor for any poor movie choices)
• Flag Football team (made it to the playoffs this year!)
• Department City League basketball team
• "Most important for me is the collegial atmosphere and the way everybody gets along. It's just a fun, fun place to come to work where all are colleagues and friends. That to me is the best thing about the program." - Tom Winter, MD

About the Madison Area

Madison is truly a wonderful place to spend a year or a lifetime. It has been named one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family in multiple surveys over the past decade. Located between two lakes in south central Wisconsin, it has a population of 200,000 and also serves as the state capital. Madison is also the home of the main campus of the University of Wisconsin and its 40,000 students.

An abundance of fabulous events and activities are arranged throughout the year, including one of the country’s best farmers markets, Big 10 sports, extensive biking, skiing (cross country and alpine), zoo (free!), cultural events of all types, multiple museums, an extensive park system, summer Concerts on the Square, Frank Lloyd Wright designed convention center, sandy beaches, the new Overture Center, Ironman triathlon and marathon, weekly outdoor festivals, and cow chip tossing (no kidding!).

Useful Links

• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
• Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Madison.com, the Capitol Times/Wisconsin State Journal Madison Web Site
• Yahoo - Madison, WI Information
• South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (Area Real Estate Search)
• Madison Area For Sale By Owner

What past and present fellows are saying...

Randy Musack, MD (Class of 2008): 

“I can unequivocally state, that this has been the best training year of my career. The variety of cases and the level of expertise among the staff is one of the best in the country. More importantly, all the residents and follows are treated with the highest level of respect. The working relationship is one of colleague to colleague rather than staff to trainee. Call schedule is equally distributed among the staff and follows, staff is always available for consultation during call when the difficult cases arise.

The relationships I have developed during the year will be lifelong and look forward to continued professional and more importantly social interaction in the future, which is a testament to the quality of the people in the department.”

Nate Durick, MD (Class of 2008):

"I can't imagine a better, more well rounded fellowship. The expertise you gain both diagnostically and procedurally in this fellowship is unmatched...all in a friendly, supportive environment where you are treated equally as staff."

Jon Erhardt, MD (Class of 2008): 

“I absolutely recommend this fellowship without any reservations. The staff is an excellent group of radiologists. More importantly, they are simply a great group of people who made going to work a true pleasure. The facilities and equipment are top notch. The workload is more than manageable and provides ample time for independent research and electives. Looking back, I can confidently say it was a year well spent.”

(I was completely sober when I wrote this)

John Williams, MD (Class of 2007):

"I can honestly say that my abdominal imaging fellowship year at The University of Wisconsin was the best experience I’ve had in my radiology training. The benefits of fellowship training at the UW are undeniable. You will leave the program with greatly enhanced skills as a diagnostician, and superb technical training in a wide range of multimodality image guided procedures. You will also gain expertise in unique skill sets such as ablation and CT colonography under the supervision of people who are at the forefront of these fields. If these were the only features of a fellowship experience at The University of Wisconsin, they would be reason enough to pursue the experience.

The indisputably superb training you receive is greatly enhanced by the faculty and all of the support staff at the UW. The faculty is hard working, accessible, and eager to share knowledge. In addition, they are a complete joy to work with. The abdominal imaging section is a true community, with people who genuinely enjoy each other’s company and care about those around them. The support staff is highly trained, knowledgeable, accommodating, and incredibly pleasant. You would probably have to have a personality disorder to leave your training experience at the UW without making true life long friends.

Madison has a deservedly great reputation as one of the best places to live in America. There is something for everyone in Madison, with a great balance of college town, bucolic beauty, and just enough cosmopolitan flare.

It was an honor working closely with so many wonderful people during my fellowship year at the UW. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing an abdominal imaging fellowship."

Tyler Prout, MD (Class of 2007):

"This is an outstanding well-rounded fellowship for many reasons.  First, The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics as a whole is recognized as one of the most progressive and prominent medical centers in the country.  Having been a resident here before doing my fellowship, I have come to understand how great a place this truly is.   
The renovations in the department of radiology have resulted in a facility that is state-of –the –art. But it is really the people and “culture” of the abdominal/body imaging section that has made this year such an enjoyable and rewarding experience.  The camaraderie among the staff, fellows and residents is excellent.  The staff are not only outstanding radiologists, many of which are leading experts in their particular niche, they are genuinely some of the nicest people that I have ever had the pleasure to work with.  As I transition to my new job, I hope to maintain the relations with these wonderful people.

As fellows we are treated very fairly.  We are considered as equals to staff with regard to number of weekend call duties.  This is nice, allowing time for study, and with family. Each work day is truly a team effort, with everyone helping out to get the work done.  Research is encouraged and we actually get dedicated academic time each and every week.  Plus, there is some elective time to pursue a particular interest in your discipline or brush up on skills you will need when transitioning to your first staff job.

With the coming on-line of some teleradiology outreach sites as well as established moonlighting opportunities, the case mix covers the entire gamut of abdominal imaging.  UW is a leading transplant center so you get considerable experience in this specialized area.  Of particular interest to me, was the opportunity to gain experience with Virtual Colonoscopy.  The VC program at UW is unique, state-of-the-art, and high volume.  You get to learn along side some of the best in this developing field.   Furthermore, the body intervention aspect of the fellowship has a lot to offer.  I particularly enjoyed the very large number of CT and US-guided biopsy procedures, and the RF and cryoablation programs continue to grow.

As the year goes on, you are granted more independence to read cases out on your own, and cover sections on your own.  I found this to be an extremely valuable experience in preparing to transition to my first staff job.  The nice part, was that when an unusual or  complicated case would arise, there was always a staff around to look to for guidance if needed.

I agree whole heartedly with sentiments of many of  the previous years’ fellow.  I found my year to be a wonderful opportunity, one that I will value the rest of my career."

Ryan Meiners, MD (Class of 2007):

"The abdominal imaging fellowship provides an enjoyable number of educational opportunities, including cutting-edge work/research in virtual colonoscopy and image-guided ablation procedures, yet also strengthens your core abdominal radiology skills across all modalities. 
The abdominal imaging department includes many warm and caring individuals that make you feel welcome and appreciated during your year in Madison."

Phil Albert, MD (Class of 2004):

"This is a superb fellowship for so many important reasons. The Body Imaging Division really does function as a closely knit team. The work atmosphere is incredibly warm and collegial, and everyone is genuinely treated as a respected and valued member. If the work load piles up in one area, we automatically converge to help get it done. We start our day at 7:30 in CT, where everyone pitches in to read 1 or 2 cases and eliminate the backlog (and also exchange personal news). The faculty is always available, and there is a huge amount of one-on-one teaching. Moreover, they are friends outside of work, and we join in socializing with them.

The range of case material is enormous. Besides the usual mix of inpatient and outpatient studies, we do the imaging for large (indeed world-class) transplant and cancer programs. Our working relationships with these services are excellent. As a result, we get to see an extensive array of pathology, with all the complexities they involve.

The program has important additional highlights. We do a very large number of biopsy procedures using real-time ultrasound. We have an active and growing RF and cryoablation program. We are currently inaugurating what will be a large, state-of-the-art virtual colonoscopy service. We receive scheduled academic time to work on research and other projects. The workload and call schedule are not onerous, and there is time both to read and also to enjoy the many attractions of the Madison area. Also, the program structure is flexible enough that you can get training in any area of your particular interest.

This fellowship has been an unusually rich and enjoyable experience. I appreciate the way I am treated and like coming to work. It has been a marvelous opportunity, one that I will value for the rest of my career."

Prudence Smith, MD (Class of 2001):

"If you want a fellowship that you will actually enjoy, where you get incredible teaching, exposure to the latest and greatest equipment, and are a valued and appreciated member of a team, this is it. You are encouraged and supported in whatever you want to learn. This is the best thing I have ever done for my career."

"This program can add the finishing touches on your training by giving you exposure to cardiac MRI, MR & CT angiography, CT-PET, and other modalities that are in big demand in the marketplace."

"I enjoyed the personable and 'laid back' atmosphere and feel as though I got many fellowships rolled into one, since the attendings training me came from such a diversity of prestigious institutions including Duke, Johns Hopkins, Mallinckrodt, University of Michigan, Medical College of Wisconsin, and the University of Washington."

Elizabeth Sadowski, MD (Class of 2001):

"The fellowship is good because it's general enough that you can keep on top of things in US, CT, and MR, but you have enough time in each modality that you really feel like you learn it better. You also have time to read and to do research, which a lot of fellowships don't have. That's a very nice attribute."

"In the beginning you check all your cases with the staff and once you feel comfortable enough, they begin to allow you the freedom to dictate on your own. It's a really nice transition from being a resident to being fully responsible staff."

"I felt that this program was general enough that I could keep up on all the modalities, and the work load wasn't so overbearing that you couldn't find time to read and brush up on your skills."

Brad Johnson, MD (Class of 2001):

"We're treated very fairly in terms of the call schedule. We're not forced to do extra call. We still have time for studying and research as well as spending time with family."

"Plus, we actually get dedicated academic time during the week, which is very nice, and which most places don't offer."

"We're encouraged to do an independent research project but the staff are always available for help. That was a really good experience."

"The amount of pathology we see here is very intense. Very few normal studies are done. It's very challenging with complicated patients, which makes it a good learning experience."

"Both physicians and ancillary staff are very nice too. It's a very collegial atmosphere."

Jude Longo, MD (Class of 2001):

"The dedicated research time they give you here is excellent. If you have a question about whether you want to do research or not, this program provides you with an opportunity to get involved."

"I think the camaraderie here is excellent between the staff, fellows, and residents. At 7:30 in the morning, everybody comes together to get the films out and at the end of the day staff will come in and share the workload so everyone can get out in a good time frame."

"The patient population includes a lot of transplant patients and with that you get the special pre- and post-operative complications of chronic disease. You don't get that at many hospitals because it's such a specialized area."

 

If you wish to speak with a past fellow, contact Pamela Adams, padams@uwhealth.org (608-263-9028) who can connect you with someone who has completed the fellowship.