Abdominal Imaging

The Department of Radiology of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center offers a 1-year fellowship that provides training in:

• CT
• Ultrasonography
• MR imaging abdominal procedures
• Imaging-guided interventional procedures such as:
  • Biopsies
  • Fluid drainages 
  • Radiofrequency ablations
• Gastrointestinal fluoroscopy
• Genitourinary radiology
• Plain-film radiography of the abdomen

The abdominal imaging fellowship offers 1 year of training to individuals who have successfully completed an accredited radiology residency. There are 4 positions available each year. Normally, the fellowship is for 1 year.  However, for those with a desire to spend additional time on research, a 2-year fellowship is offered.

Program Information

Program Director:	Ronald J. Zagoria, M.D rzagoria@wakehealth.edu
Section Secretary:	Maureen Crumley mcrumley@wakehealth.edu
Address:	Department of Radiology Wake Forest School of Medicine Medical Center Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1088
Telephone:	336-716-2471
Fax:	336-716-0555
ACGME Accreditation:	Yes

Clinical Training Offered

• Computed tomography
• Ultrasonography
• MR imaging
• Fluoroscopy
• Interventional procedures (tumor ablation, fallopian tube recanalization, CT fluoroscopy, etc.)                               

Organization of Fellowship

Excluding plain-film radiography, approximately 36,000 procedures are performed each year. After an initial period of familiarization, the abdominal imaging fellows take increasing responsibility for performance and supervision of these procedures. However, all areas are always staffed by abdominal imaging faculty as well. Teaching is active and constant. 

Interventional procedure training includes biopsies and drainages as performed under CT and sonographic control.  Also, the section performs tumor ablation procedures, recanalization of fallopian tubes, and placement of various catheters and tubes in the gastrointestinal and urinary tract under fluoroscopic control. 

The Abdominal Imaging Section has available 9 fast reconstructing multi-detector computed tomography scanners, 7 state-of-the-art ultrasound units, 5 MR imaging units, 6 remote control radiographic/fluoroscopic rooms, and associated other radiography rooms. 

The Abdominal Imaging Section has numerous ongoing advanced research programs, and participation in these research programs is encouraged. There is a strong tradition of research by fellows in the Abdominal Imaging Section. Financial support is provided for 1 medical education meeting per year. Additionally, fellows receive support for travel to any major meeting at which they present a scientific paper. 

Faculty

The Abdominal Imaging Section includes 10 faculty radiologists with interest in CT scanning, ultrasonography, and MR imaging of the abdomen, gastrointestinal fluoroscopy, genitourinary procedures, and plain-film radiology of the abdomen. Associated interventional procedures are also performed in large numbers. 

Ronald J. Zagoria, MD, Section Head, Fellowship Director
Melanie Caserta, MD
David Childs, MD
Raymond B. Dyer, MD
Johanna R. Jorizzo, MD 
John R. Leyendecker, MD
Michael Oliphant, MD
James J. Perumpillichira, MD
Hisham A. Tchelepi, MD

Application Procedure

We are currently accepting applications for 4 fellowship positions to begin July 1, 2012.  Radiology residents who desire to begin a fellowship immediately following the completion of their residency should apply starting in the fall of their 3rd year of radiology residency. Minimum qualifications for the fellowship include successful completion of a diagnostic radiology residency and ability to obtain a license to practice medicine in North Carolina. A personal interview is required unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

A completed application consists of the following:

• Completed Fellowship Application
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement or letter of interest explaining career choices and goals
• Three letters of recommendation from radiology residency program director and faculty
• Photograph (optional, for identification)

Completed applications, letters of recommendation and supporting documents should be addressed to Dr. Zagoria. Requests for application materials and inquiries concerning interview arrangements, the receipt of materials, and administrative details of the application process should be addressed to Ms. Crumley at mcrumley@wakehealth.edu.