Body and Breast Imaging Fellowship
Introduction
These fellowships offer exposure to high-end breast and abdominal imaging via a variety of modalities and disease processes.
In order to allow adequate exposure, starting in the academic year of 2023-2024 we will be separating the breast Imaging fellowship and Abdominal Imaging fellowship to a full year each. Combined fellowship may be offered in special circumstances and based on availability.
Body Imaging
The body imaging fellowship is a 1 year post residency training program which aims to provide comprehensive exposure to a broad range of abdominal and pelvic imaging modalities and procedures. The fellow will develop skills that will enable them to handle complex cases and transition to a consultant role in both academic and community practice settings.
The fellowship program is city wide and the fellows rotate through the following hospital sites-
Saint Joseph's healthcare (SJHC)- An urgent care center with large gastroenterology and genitourinary presence.
London health sciences-
- University Hospital (multiorgan transplant facility and hepatobiliary/pancreas center)
- Victoria hospital (trauma, pediatric and OB center)
All the participating departments perform multimodality clinical abdominal and pelvic imaging examinations in CT, MRI and ultrasound. Research studies using PET MRI are also performed. Rotations through Obstetrical US can be arranged if desired. All studies are interpreted using a city-wide PACS system. Equipment at all sites is state-of-the-art and includes-
- 7 CT units, all with dual energy capability–
3 at VH (2 Canon Genesis and 1 Canon Prime)
2 at UH (2 Canon Prism)
2 at SJHC (Siemens)
- 6 MR units – Siemens
2 at UH – Siemens 1.5T Sola and 3T Vida
2 at VH – Siemens 1.5T Sola and 3T Vida
2 at SJHC-Siemens 1.5 tesla
- One 3 T hybrid PET MRI unit at SJHC primarily used for research imaging.
A significant component of the fellowship will focus on oncology imaging, predominantly CT and MRI. Fellows are exposed to complex cases, including GI and hepatobiliary malignancies (large volume colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, HCC) and gynecological malignancies. There is ample exposure to imaging and staging guidelines currently used by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) with emphasis on synoptic reporting for MRI of rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, HCC and prostate cancer. In general, use of standardized reporting is encouraged.
There is large volume of CT colonography and CT/MR enterography cases, with excellent exposure to inflammatory bowel disorders. SJHC is also one of the only 3 centers in Canada performing MR elastography of the liver for fibrosis estimation.
Fellows are expected to participate fully in a variety of weekly multidisciplinary case conferences, where clinicians from various disciplines discuss complex cases. This is an opportunity for fellows to gain experience presenting cases to an interdisciplinary audience, while simultaneously learning the fine details that clinicians expect from radiology reports.
Fellows are given graded responsibility with respect to MR protocoling, reporting and case discussion. All cases are interpreted under the supervision of fellowship-trained faculty radiologists in the Body Imaging division.
Interventional procedures using ultrasound and CT guidance form another important part of this program. These consist mainly of ultrasound and CT-guided biopsies.
Research Opportunities
There are extensive academic opportunities for Fellows. Involvement in research is an expectation of the Fellowship program, and one day of protected academic time is provided for proven research projects. Several projects are done in collaboration with Lawson and Robarts Research institute in London. Some of the ongoing research projects include:
- Primovist MRI – Educational Endeavour
- A prospective study evaluating diagnostic accuracy, outcome, and economic impact of abbreviated Primovist-enhanced MRI of the liver in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma.
- Radiomics in pancreatic and prostate cancer.
In summary, the program will provide the education and mentoring needed to function as a well-rounded body radiologist at a subspecialist level.
Breast Imaging
St. Joseph’s Health Care London is proud to host a dynamic, interdisciplinary Breast Care Program, bringing together a dedicated team of radiologists, surgeons, advanced practice nurses, and other healthcare professionals. We are committed to delivering innovative care, fostering collaborative teamwork, and advancing education and research in breast health.
Our center is an affiliate of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), including the high-risk program. With a high patient volume and state-of-the-art technology, our fellowship program provides comprehensive training in all areas of breast imaging, including screening, diagnostic imaging, interventional procedures, and opportunities for research and teaching.
State-of-the-Art Equipment and High-Volume Practice
Our imaging equipment includes:
Each year, we perform:
Fellowship Experience
Fellows gain hands-on experience in a wide range of diagnostic and interventional procedures, including:
Fellows will actively participate in Breast Imaging rounds, where current cases are reviewed, and new techniques and advancements in the field are discussed. They will also be involved in weekly Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards, presenting complex oncology cases and gaining valuable experience in delivering radiology reports to an interdisciplinary audience.
Throughout the fellowship, fellows are gradually given increasing responsibility for supervising cases and consulting with colleagues.
Research Opportunities
Our center provides an enriching environment for clinical research, with dedicated research scientists from Robarts and Lawson’s Research Institute. Our team was the first in North America to perform CEM-guided biopsy as part of a worldwide study, and we will participate in the upcoming Contrast Enhanced Mammography Imaging Screening Trial (CMIST). Our center is also involved in the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST), the largest North American prospective screening trial.
Research opportunities are available in collaboration with Lawson and Robarts research institutes, as well as with the Surgical Breast Center and the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP). Fellows will be provided with one day of protected academic time to work on research projects.
Fellows are expected to show sufficient progression in research activity to successfully complete the fellowship program.
Application Process
To apply, please visit our Fellowship Application webpage for the application portal and detailed instructions.
We look forward to welcoming passionate and dedicated fellows who are eager to contribute to the future of breast imaging and patient care.
