Program Overview

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Nuclear Medicine and Clinical PET/CT Fellowship

The clinical PET/CT fellowship program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is a one-year fellowship program offering specialized training in both clinical and research aspects of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Established in 1999, this Non-Standard fellowship is directly related to the nuclear medicine residency program.

Program Director

The program is directed by Dr. Seyed Ali Mosallaie, M.D.

Clinical Training

Clinical PET/CT imaging fellows receive a breadth of experience in applications of PET/CT imaging, including:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurodegenerative disease evaluation The Johns Hopkins Hospital PET Center includes 2 state-of-the-art PET/CT scanners for clinical use, with the newest scanner installed in April 2014. The patient volume is sufficient for a well-rounded training.

In the division, each patient presenting for a PET/CT study is interviewed by the fellow or resident. A pertinent medical history related to that test should be obtained (from the patient, medical chart, or referring physician) and documented on the requisition form. Patients should be screened for the appropriateness of the test/study, and if needed, the procedure should be modified according to the patient's needs (deciding the best type of study for a particular clinical situation). Fellows are also involved in the quality control process and are responsible for the technical integrity of the study.

When not assigned to the clinical PET/CT service, fellows take an active role presenting imaging findings at several multidisciplinary tumor boards. This important aspect of the training program allows for a greater understanding of the role of PET/CT in patient management.

Education

A formal PET/CT fellowship curriculum will be provided to all incoming fellows. All primary teaching personnel are full-time members of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine faculty with an active interest in teaching at the fellowship level.

PET/CT fellows will have PET/CT lectures, case conferences, and journal clubs. Nuclear medicine educational conferences are held every day at 7:30-9:00 am and 12:00-1:00 pm. The fellow is taught the basic principles upon which the field of nuclear medicine and PET imaging is founded, including:

• Radiation physics
• Radiobiology
• Health physics
• Instrumentation
• Radiopharmacy
• Radioimmunology
• Computer science The program provides an opportunity for both clinical and basic science research, especially for those considering an academic career.

In addition, PET/CT fellows will give a monthly teaching lecture to the residents, faculty, and present a weekly PET/CT case conference attended by nuclear medicine residents, faculty, and researchers.

Academic Opportunities and Research Training

For those considering an academic career, this program provides an opportunity for clinical, basic science, economic, health policy, evidence synthesis research related to PET/CT, and statistical analytical training. Fellows are exposed to research that is being conducted by senior faculty, other trainees, graduate students, and other members of the Johns Hopkins community in various specialties. This includes the opportunity for viewing PET studies performed for the evaluation of research radiotracers and clinical trials.

Fellows are encouraged to pursue any relevant line of research that excites their interest, with the assistance of a faculty mentor. Opportunities for research collaboration both within and outside the department are vast. Fellows are expected to complete research projects in an area of their interest, present their findings in national meetings, and publish in leading nuclear medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, and radiology journals.

At the end of the training program, the fellows should be well-founded in the clinical and research applications of nuclear medicine in general and PET imaging specifically.

How to Apply

For acceptance into the fellowship, candidates should have successfully completed either a radiology or nuclear medicine residency and should express keen interest in nuclear medicine/PET/CT imaging.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• CV
• Personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation, including one from the program director
• Medical school transcript
• USMLE transcript
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)