Exchange Programmes for Breast Imaging Fellowships (USA)

Aim

The need to mobilise resources available for subspecialisation outside Europe and to benefit from worldwide renowned academic institutions led the European School of Radiology (ESOR) and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) to take the initiative in jointly offering a breast imaging fellowship in the USA.

The overall aim of this programme is to promote clinical research and advance clinical care in order to improve breast cancer patient outcomes worldwide.

The exchange programme is organised through ESOR and will expose trainees to all aspects of breast imaging under the supervision of assigned mentors at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, US.

Eligibility

1. This programme applies to board-certified radiologists with three to six years of professional experience in radiology and at least a one-year involvement in breast imaging.
2. In addition clinical and academic interest in breast imaging is required, substantiated by 30% effort in working in breast imaging at the time of application.
3. Competence in producing a radiological report, in summarising the relevant radiologic findings, in communicating with clinicians and patients, as well as the interest to work in a clinical department with multi-disciplinary staff and high-cost equipment are essential. Understanding the immediate therapeutic consequences and the medico-legal implications of uncertainty and errors in the breast area are necessary. In addition, a good clinical background in other disciplines, which has been achieved through clinical experience prior to entering the fellowship is desirable.
4. Applicants must be proficient in English.
5. Active ESR membership is required.

Applicants who were selected for this programme in the past cannot be considered again.

Number of available places

In total, three places are available: A one-year fellowship starting in fall 2023 and two six-month fellowships starting in early 2024.

Duration of fellowship and funding

One fellowship will have a duration of one year while two fellowships will have a duration of six months each. The successful fellows will receive a grant directly paid by the training center. Health insurance will be provided. The training itself is offered for free. The grant for the one-year fellowship corresponds to an annual amount of $55.000 (gross) with the recipient being responsible for tax deduction. The total amount of the grant for each six-month fellowship is $27,500 (gross) with the recipents being responsible for tax deduction as applicable.

Programme structure

The programme offers an intensive, individualised instruction in breast imaging interpretation and clinical research methodology. It includes training in breast imaging for screening, diagnosis and intervention, incorporating daily image interpretation of mammography, ultrasound and MRI studies; biopsy onset action and follow-up; and quality control in a busy, state-of-the-art breast center. During the training period, the radiologist will be assigned a research mentor and a clinical mentor, and will receive intensive one-on-one instruction in the use of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon. In addition, trainees work on a clinical research project. They are additionally helped to prepare an original research manuscript for publication and are mentored in grantsmanship to support continued research upon their return home.

Certification

After completion of the training programme, the resident receives a certificate from ESR/ESOR. In order to receive this, the fellow must present a written report about his/her work and activities during the programme.