Abdominal Radiology: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Fellowship
The section of Magnetic Resonance Imaging is based in modern, well-equipped facilities at the University of Michigan Hospitals and an outpatient operation site at East Ann Arbor. Three General Electric Horizon Systems operate at a field strength of 1.5 Tesla and include advanced pulse sequences, echo planar, functional MR, MR/angiography, spectroscopy, parallel imaging and EXCITE technology. Additionally, we have one Philips 1.5 Tesla magnet and two whole body Phillips 3 Tesla magnets, one of which is dedicated for research. In addition, located in a building near the University Hospital, there are additional magnets dedicated to research, including one 2.0 Tesla, 7.0 Tesla, and 9.4 Tesla animal imaging systems.
Clinical MR examinations are performed for all indications in the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, heart, abdomen, pelvis, breasts, and extremities. In particular, abdominal and pelvic MR and MR angiography are the strengths of the program. We perform a large number of vascular, liver, MRCP, GU (renal, MR urography, adrenal, uterine anomalies, prostate, urethra), pancreas, adrenal, MR enterography,and vascular studies. We also have an extensive research program and perform research studies using uniquely developed, innovative pulse sequences for spectroscopy, vascular imaging, body imaging, diffusion/perfusion imaging, and functional MR. There are several full-time basic scientists who specialize in MRI as part of our faculty.
Fellows play a major role in the operation of the Division. There is one clinical body MRI fellowship position each year. The body MR fellow will be trained in abdominal, pelvic, cardiac, vascular and pediatric MRI. There are separate fellowships for MSK and neuroradiology, and training in these subspecialties is not a part of the body MRI fellowship. Clinical body MR fellows spend their time learning the underlying principles and clinical application of MRI necessary to optimally prescribe, perform, and interpret MR images, and participate in research projects. There are weekly teaching conferences for MRI and cross-sectional fellows throughout the year. These conferences cover CT, MRI, and US topics, and are given by the abdominal division faculty. The clinical MRI fellow as well as the cross-sectional fellows while on MR rotation, are required to prepare and participate in the MRI interesting case conference that takes place twice a month. Clinical MRI fellows, in particular the dedicated abdominal MRI fellow, are expected to be able to direct a state-of-the-art MR imaging facility on completion of training, and to participate/complete at least one research project.
Our facility is unique in providing state-of-the-art clinical magnetic resonance imaging in an attractive and state-of-the-art hospital setting, closely coupled with a superb clinical and basic science program dealing with all aspects of magnetic resonance imaging, and data image processing.
In addition to the dedicated 1-year body MRI fellowship, the abdominal division offers 4 fellowships a year in abdominal CT, US, intervention and MRI (3 months) as part of a the cross-sectional imaging fellowship.
