UW Radiology

Cardiothoracic Imaging (non-ACGME)

Our Mission

The Cardiothoracic Imaging section provides comprehensive diagnostic imaging of the chest, heart, and great vessels. In addition to standard radiography and CT of the chest, we offer lung cancer screening, high-resolution CT of the lungs, CT of the coronary arteries, and MRI of the heart. We are committed to providing accurate diagnoses, rapid turn-around times, responsive communication, and unwavering compassion. We pride ourselves in offering patient- and family-centered care, prioritizing patient needs above all else.

Faculty

Our section is comprised of world-renowned specialists in the field of cardiothoracic imaging. Detailed information on our dedicated Cardiothoracic Radiologists can be found on our faculty site. Our clinical and teaching faculty include:

  • Dr. Hamid Chalian
  • Dr. Matthew Cham
  • Dr. David Godwin
  • Dr. Gregory Kicska
  • Dr. Jerry O’Regan
  • Dr. Karen Ordovas – Section Chief
  • Dr. Sudhakar Pipavath
  • Dr. Gautham Reddy
  • Dr. Kyle Spearman
  • Dr. Amir Rahsepar
  • Dr. Eric Stern

Cardiothoracic Radiology Fellowship

Our comprehensive Cardiothoracic Radiology Fellowship program was founded in July 2009. This non-ACGME program includes hands-on training in cardiac and thoracic radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance.

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 cardiothoracic radiology. In addition, the cardiothoracic section is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in order to better reflect the population which we serve. Please complete the application form below or contact the Director of the Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Program, Dr. Matthew Cham, at mdcham@uw.edu for more information.

Fellowship Program Goals and Objectives

Our Fellowship Program aims to prepare radiologists for academic and community settings. The goals are to provide advanced training in radiography, CT, and MRI as they apply to cardiac and thoracic/pulmonary imaging. The experiences 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 cardiothoracic 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. The program offers a balanced content of cardiac and pulmonary imaging. In addition to the clinical duties, fellows will have the opportunity to participate in educational and research activities in the cardiothoracic section and department of radiology overall.

Facilities

Training is conducted at the University of Washington Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center. Fellows will encounter a wide variety of pathologies each day by virtue of the diverse populations and communities that are served by our imaging facilities. Our medical centers utilize the latest imaging equipment from multiple vendors including state of the art dual source and 512-slice (256-detector row) CT scanners, as well as 1.5 and 3T MRI scanners. We also have an 3D Laboratory which provides efficient post-processing of cardiovascular CT and MRI. This allows our Fellows to focus on diagnostic interpretation instead of mundane tasks. Furthermore, the UW Medical Center is directly adjacent to the undergraduate departments of biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science, making it highly conducive to research collaboration.

Educational Program

Fellows are responsible for interpretation of CT, MRI, and radiographs performed at UW-Montlake, UW-Northwest, UW neighborhood clinics, Harborview Medical Center, and The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center – Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Fellows work alongside the attending radiologists. Fellows have the opportunity to review the exams and formulate clinical impressions prior to discussion with the attending radiologist or cardiologist. This allows fellows to develop and hone their diagnostic knowledge independently.

During case review, the attending radiologist provides feedback to each fellow and may suggest further resources and reading to advance the fellow’s knowledge. An attending radiologist supervises the fellow’s clinical activities. The faculty provide daily teaching sessions, weekly interesting case conferences, and weekly didactic lectures. There will be ample opportunities for interaction and collaboration with cardiology, pulmonary, oncology, and thoracic surgery faculty. Our multidisciplinary and virtual conferences include:

  • Biweekly bone marrow transplant unit conference

  • Weekly cardiac CT and MRI case conference

  • Weekly cardiothoracic noon conference

  • Weekly congenital heart disease conference

  • Weekly coronary catheterization lab and cardiac surgery conference

  • Weekly echocardiography conference

  • Weekly electrophysiology conference

  • Weekly lung nodule and lung cancer screening board

  • Weekly pulmonary virtual conference

  • Weekly pulmonary tumor board conference

  • Weekly transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) conference

  • Bimonthly chest radiograph case conference

  • Bimonthly pulmonary hypertension conference

  • Bimonthly interstitial lung disease conference

  • Monthly Seattle Area Chest Grand Rounds

  • Monthly UW Cardiology Grand Rounds

  • Monthly UW Radiology Grand Rounds

Evaluation

Faculty members evaluate the fellows on a quarterly 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.

Fellowship application

We are currently accepting applications for 2024 and beyond. Those wishing to apply should send the following documents to Trixie Rombouts, Program Administrator, Cardiothoracic Imaging, at btrxe@uw.edu

1. Application form, Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Application
2. A copy of your curriculum vitae
3. A personal statement 

4. 3 letters of recommendation
5. Official copies of USMLE Steps 1-3 results 

6.  Copy of medical school transcript.
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