Obstetrical/Fetal Imaging Fellowship

Fellowship Programs: Obstetrical/Fetal Imaging Fellowship

HOW TO APPLY/FAQ APPLICATION

OVERVIEW

This 1 year clinical fellowship aims to provide an opportunity for selected qualified Radiologists to further develop their obstetrical imaging and fetal medicine skills, with emphasis on acquisition and interpretation of high quality prenatal ultrasound studies.

Fellows will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and will be interacting directly with patients, clinicians, and allied health specialists.  Fellows are expected to demonstrate superior skills in the communication of imaging findings and management plans.  The fellow will be expected to be comfortable counseling families, in a comprehensive but understandable fashion, while displaying empathy and a non-judgemental approach.

Elective time is available and encouraged in order to develop a specific area of interest or focus.

In the early phases, the focus will be on acquiring high quality images and ultrasound examinations of the fetus to facilitate diagnosis of fetal anomalies. Once the candidate is able to acquire images, the focus will shift to critiquing the studies acquired by ultrasound technologists. In this latter role, the candidate will need to provide guidance to technologists so they can acquire the proper image sets of complex pregnancies.

Following successful image acquisition and interpretation, the candidate will develop the knowledge and consultative abilities necessary to support maternal and newborn care providers involved in a complicated pregnancy. The fellow will be expected to regularly present complex cases in a multidisciplinary team setting.

In addition to clinical training, the fellow will be given protected academic time to enhance knowledge of fetal medicine, as outlined in the below objectives of training. The fellow is expected to complete a series of web-based lectures, contribute towards the development of imaging protocols, achieve Fetal Medicine Foundation certification of competency and critically appraise scientific evidence applicable to their training. Regular preceptor organized educational activities and lectures will be planned both individually and in conjunction with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine residency program.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES 

The following specific educational objectives are anticipated to be met through direct clinical experience, didactic lectures and teaching sessions, self-study, web lecture/courses and certification and attendance at fetal imaging conferences and rounds. The fellow will meet regularly with the Program Supervisor to review progress toward completion of said objectives.

Upon completion of the obstetrical imaging fellowship, fellows will be able to acquire core competencies in the following areas:

  • Prenatal Screening and Testing
  • Fetal Growth Restriction
  • Macrosomia
  • Preterm Birth
  • Alloimmunization
  • Maternal Medical Complications of Pregnancy:
  • Placental Anomalies
  • Multiple Pregnancy
  • Fetal anomalies

RESEARCH & EDUCATION RESPONSIBILITIES

While research is not a mandatory component of the Fellowship, interested applicants will be encouraged to participate in prospective or retrospective clinical research projects. Candidates who show a great aptitude and desire for independence will have enhanced opportunities to participate in teaching, research or advanced clinical practice, with preparation for a career in an academic environment.

Information and application

For more information or to apply for the Obstetrical/Fetal Imaging Fellowship, e-mail radiology.fellowship@ucalgary.ca with attention to: Dr. Stephanie Cooper, Program Director.

Applications must be submitted through our on-line application form.