UW Radiology

Musculoskeletal Radiology (non-ACGME)

History: Our comprehensive musculoskeletal radiology fellowship program was founded in 1992. Our 12-month non-ACGME musculoskeletal fellowship includes advanced hands-on clinical training in diagnostic radiology and musculoskeletal-related procedures. Since its inception, 55 physicians have completed the 1-year fellowship.  We offer an excellent mix and volume of cases and imaging modality (XR, US, CT, MRI), including sports medicine and tumor cases, exceptional orthopedic trauma experience at Harborview Medical Center, and an active MSK ultrasound service. We also have a well-balanced and active procedure service, performing imaging-guided injections, arthrograms, aspirations, and biopsies. The fellow will have abundant access to web-based educational resources and an extremely large teaching collection.

Prerequisite Training/Selection Criteria: Prerequisite training requirements are completion of an ACGME-accredited radiology residency program in the United States or an RCPSC-accredited program in Canada (or the equivalent radiology residency in another country, along with ECFMG certification).  Preference is given to those candidates who are ABR certified or eligible, and only exceptional FMG candidates are considered. Applicants are chosen on the basis of clinical performance, knowledge of radiology, and professionalism demonstrated during radiology residency, as well as interest in musculoskeletal radiology.

Goals and Objectives for Training: The educational purpose of the program is to train radiologists in the subspecialty of musculoskeletal imaging for practice in academic and community settings. The goals are to provide advanced training in radiography, US, CT, and MRI as they apply to musculoskeletal imaging.  Experiences will include formal teaching in radiography, CT, and MRI, faculty-directed and self-directed study, and participation in multidisciplinary conferences. Fellows will learn to manage a high-volume musculoskeletal imaging practice, including urgent studies, all under faculty supervision. They will be expected to provide imaging consults and to manage contrast reactions under faculty supervision. In addition to their clinical duties, fellows will have the opportunity to participate in educational and research activities in the musculoskeletal section and the Department of Radiology overall.

Resources:

Our program is conducted by world-renowned specialists in the field of musculoskeletal imaging.

Our musculoskeletal radiologists include:

Dr. Felix S. Chew
Dr. Michael L. Richardson
Dr. Majid Chalian
Dr. Peter Thurlow
Dr. Christine M. Rehwald
Dr. Jonathan Medverd
Dr. Kanwardeep Singh
Dr. Rohan Damle 

Dr. Chad Downing

Facilities: Training is conducted at the University of Washington Medical Center Roosevelt Clinic, Harborview Medical Center, and Northwest Hospital. We use state of the art imaging equipment from multiple vendors including the latest generation dual source and 512-slice (256-detector row) CT scanners, as well as 1.5 and 3T MRI scanners. We also have a 3D Laboratory which provides efficient post-processing of complex imaging data. We have a dedicated CT scanner for weight-bearing exams of the foot and ankle. We have a dedicated ultrasound machine in the MSK imaging suite at Roosevelt.

Educational Program – Basic Curriculum

The fellow is responsible for interpretation of US, CT, MRI, and radiographic imaging performed at Harborview, UWMC, SCCA, and Northwest Hospital.  Fellows work alongside the attending radiologists. The fellow has the opportunity to view exams and formulate clinical impressions prior to review with the attending radiologist, allowing fellows to test their knowledge independently.

During case review, the attending radiologist provides feedback to the fellow and may suggest further resources and reading to advance the fellow’s knowledge. An attending radiologist supervises the fellow’s clinical activities. We offer a robust and well-rounded education, including multi-disciplinary conferences with our sarcoma, orthopedics, and rheumatology clinical colleagues. Additionally, fellows run a monthly journal club and are involved in a QI project. Dedicated academic time is given, and the fellows can use this time for independent study, prepare lectures/journal club, participate in research activity, and for initiation and completion of a scholarly project.

Evaluation:

Faculty members evaluate the fellows on a biannual basis using written and verbal feedback. The program director meets with the fellows to give feedback and discuss the evaluation. The fellows provide evaluations of the faculty and program at the end of the year.

Duration: 12 months

ACGME Accreditation: No

Society of Skeletal Radiology Listing: Yes

Clinical Training

  • Radiography
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Arthrography
  • Imaging-Guided Biopsy
  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Other Features

    • Outstanding Orthopedic, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology faculty with strong ties to Radiology
    • Good mix and volume of Sports Medicine, Spine and Tumor MR cases
    • Exceptional orthopedic trauma experience at Harborview Medical Center
    • Active MSK ultrasound service

Application Procedure

We will be accepting applications for 2026-2027 starting August 1, 2024.  Applications will be reviewed on November 1, 2024, with the first day of virtual interviews scheduled for early January 2025.  Interviews will be open through March 31, 2025.

Your electronic application packet should consist of:

1. SSR Common Application SSR MSK Fellowship Common Application Form v3 (do not include your SSN).
2. Your CV.  
3. Personal Statement.
4. Medical School Transcript with USMLE Steps 1-3.
5. One letter from your residency Program Director, or current Director.
6. Two additional letters of recommendation (all 3 letters should come from authorized .edu, .org or .mil accounts).

Please email these items to MSK Fellowship Coordinator Trixie Rombouts at btrxe@uw.edu. 

Minimum Requirements for 2026-2027:

1. Candidate should be in the American Board of Radiology certification process by the time they begin our fellowship program, and have

2. Unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Washington by July 1, 2026.

Fellowship applicants 1) should be in the American Board of Radiology certification process by the time they begin our fellowship program, and (2) able to obtain an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Washington by July 1, 2026.  

For information about housing in the Seattle area: https://hr.uw.edu/housing/affordable-rental-housing/

Fellowship Program Director:
Felix Chew, M.D.