Neuroradiology Fellowship Program

Clinical Fellowship in Neuroradiology

(One year Non- Accredited)

The Neuroradiology Fellowship Program is currently looking for 2024 and 2025 candidates.  

Apply Now

Institutions:

This program is based within the Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. This fellowship is organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Office of Postgraduate Affairs, with funding provided by Medical Imaging Consultants. The clinical aspects of the program will occur primarily at the University of Alberta Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Responsibilities:

  • Neuroradiology fellowship director: Dr. Sandeep Naik, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging.
  • Neuroradiology fellowship research director: Alan Wilman PhD., Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering. 
  • Department of Radiology fellowship director: Dr. Rahim Samji Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic
  • Imaging Department Chair: Derek J. Emery, M.D., FRCPC, Professor, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Clinical:

Diagnostic Neuroradiology is now evolving separately from Interventional Neuroradiology. Most Neuroradiology trainees no longer receive extensive training in catheter angiography. Our one year non accredited fellowship will concentrate on the diagnostic aspects of the field, primarily CT and MRI of the brain, spine, soft tissue neck and noninvasive evaluation of the associated vasculature.

The clinical rotations are primarily in neuro MRI and neuro CT. This includes brain imaging, spine imaging and head and neck imaging. The fellow will be given exposure to catheter angiography and neurointerventional procedures in order that they understand the indications for these procedures and are able to appropriately recommend these procedures when indicated. Options may be available for more extensive training in neuro angiography and stroke intervention depending upon the skills and experience of the fellow.

Our Centre has a large volume of neuro CT and MRI studies. The presence of a neuroradiology fellow is not expected to have an adverse impact on the residents. The fellow schedule can be altered on a weekly basis to ensure that there are no conflicts.

The Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging has close ties with the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The Peter Allen MR Research Centre is located within the University of Alberta Hospital. This centre has 3T and 4.7T MRI scanners dedicated totally to research. There are currently numerous projects relating to imaging of stroke and imaging of multiple sclerosis which a fellow could be involved in. Dr. Emery also has ongoing projects relating to imagining appropriateness and utilization that a fellow could be involved in.

Minimum expectations for research:

  • To complete two projects
  • The fellow is encouraged to introduce ideas for research and audit projects
  • To be actively involved in on-going departmental clinical research and audit
  • To be involved in departmental undergraduate and post-graduate teaching
  • This will result in a minimum of a scientific presentation at a national/international meeting and at least one publication in a peer review journal

Education/Teaching

Didactic Teaching:

  • The teaching of the fellows will be done by all of the clinical neuroradiologists. The fellowship director and the mentor will be responsible for ensuring that teaching covers all aspects of neuroimaging
  • The fellow will be expected to attend and contribute to

Fellow as a teacher

  • The fellow will be expected to provide viewer-side teaching to residents and students rotating through neuroradiology.
  • The fellow will be expected to give a talk at Radiology Grand Rounds during their year of training.
  • The fellow will be expected to be an active participant in journal clubs

Monthly Meeting

  • We will establish a monthly neuroradiology journal club. The fellow will meet monthly with the fellowship director to review progress and discuss topics of interest.

Clinical Meetings:

  • Neuroscience Grand Rounds. Fridays 08:00 - 10:00
  • Head and Neck Tumor Rounds Mondays 16:00 - 17:30
  • Stroke Rounds Wednesdays 07:00 - 08:00
  • Neuroinflammation Rounds - 6 times per year
  •  

Progress and Evaluation:

Quarterly evaluations will take place with the fellowship director. The staff of the division of neuroradiology will closely follow the progress of the individual fellow. The fellow together with the staff of the division will follow the development of the program.

The clinical, educational, and research experience and exposure will be expected to result in the development of the individual in a number of competencies:

Medical Expert:

The fellow will be expected to demonstrate extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology as applied to the nervous system as well as the pathological processes affecting the brain, spine and head and neck. Knowledge of basic neurology, neurosurgery and otolaryngology is expected. Knowledge of MRI physics will be expected. The fellow will be expected to be able to make appropriate decisions regarding patient management to include choice of imaging investigations and appropriate interventions if required. The fellow will be expected to identify the appropriate degree of urgency for these cases.

Communicator:

The fellow will be expected to be able to communicate in an effective and appropriate manner with co-workers, all other health care professionals, patients and families. The evaluation will pertain to both verbal and written interactions. As a radiology trainee, particular emphasis will be placed on the clarity, readability and accuracy of written radiology reports.

Collaborator:

The fellow will be expected to seek advice in an appropriate manner and to take on responsibility at a level commensurate with their abilities. Interactions with other health professionals will also be assessed.

Manager:

The fellow will be expected to master the RIS, PACS and Voice Recognitions systems and to make appropriate use of internet resources. The fellow will be expected to protocol neuroimaging requisitions appropriately and to demonstrate the ability to prioritize studies according to clinical urgency. The fellow will demonstrate the ability to manage an appropriate workload during the working day and to attend work punctually. The fellow will be encouraged to bring new ideas and to try modifications to protocols and routines.

Health Advocate:

The fellow should demonstrate an understanding of how to advocate appropriately on behalf of individuals and patient populations.

Scholar:

The fellow will develop a personal strategy for continuing education. They will contribute to departmental education by contributing to the database of interesting cases. The fellow will be expected to be actively involved in the teaching of medical students, residents and other healthcare professionals. The fellow's progress will be appraised by division members and reviewed quarterly and at the conclusion of their training.

Professional:

The fellow will be expected to conduct themselves in an honest, appropriate and dignified manner. They should request help at an appropriate level commensurate with their experience and ability. They should meet deadlines as agreed upon. They should fulfill their commitments.

Application Prerequisites:

  • Applicants should have successfully completed (or be in progression towards) a recognized Radiology postgraduate qualification (FRCPC, FRCR, etc.).
  • Due to CPSA licensing requirements, all physicians practicing in Alberta need to be able to communicate clearly with their patients in English. Unless exempt, you need to complete an academic version of an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test within 24 months before submitting your CPSA application. 

** CPSA needs to be able to verify the test results. Please visit the CPSA website for more information.

https://cpsa.ca/physicians/registration/english-language-proficiency/

Please contact our department for further information regarding the application process.